Local Knowledge Systems Take Center Stage at UP-CIFAL Philippines Migration Symposium

Manila, 8 September 2024—The Summer Academy on Migration and Local Knowledge Systems, organized by the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo – Scalabrinians, Denis Hurley Peace Institute, Technische Hochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt, and Benguet State University, culminated in a thought-provoking symposium titled “Leaving No One Behind: Fortifying Local Knowledge Systems in Philippine Migration Governance.” This event took place on 5 September 2024 and aimed to explore the crucial role of local knowledge systems in fostering effective migration governance and sustainable development in the Philippines.

The symposium featured esteemed speakers who provided invaluable insights into the current state of migration governance and the importance of integrating local knowledge systems.

Sr. Elizabeth Pedernal, Delegate Superior-Asia Delegation, delivered the welcoming remarks, emphasizing the event’s importance in advocating for holistic and inclusive migration policies.

Panel discussions included topics on sustainable development goals, the transformation and prospects of Philippine migration governance, the rights and welfare of overseas Filipinos, and gender-responsive migration governance, featuring experts like Atty. Sarah Lou Arriola, USec. Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Ms. Irynn Abano, and Prof. Aurora Javate-de Dios.

International perspectives were shared by Prof. Uzoma Okoye and Prof. Janestic Twikirize, highlighting the global dimensions of migration challenges and experiences.

As part of the Summer Academy series, a roundtable discussion and workshop titled “Highlighting Local Knowledge Systems in Philippine Migration Governance” was also conducted on 8 September 2024. This roundtable discussion aimed to amplify the discourse on the significance of local knowledge systems in promoting inclusive migration governance and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Participants, including students from the Denis Hurley Peace Institute and Technische Hochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt, shared their immersion experiences and identified actionable initiatives to enhance local knowledge in migration policy.

The event concluded with a synthesis by Prof. Okoye and Prof. Twikirize, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing migration governance through local knowledge systems.

The symposium brought together diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, and advocates, to foster dialogue and collaboration in addressing migration issues. The insights gained will contribute to ongoing efforts to create evidence-based, inclusive, and people-centered migration policies.

For more information on the symposium and to access the symposium recap, please visit https://youtu.be/TQsGY66xnns.