Miriam College – Department of International Studies,Quezon City, PhilippinesThe Miriam College Department of International Studies in partnership with the UP Institute of Human Rights and the Ateneo Center for Human Rights, launched a national symposium entitled “Peace, Human Rights and Development in a State of Lawlessness: An Interchange among Scholars and Advocates”. The event gathered members of the academe and civil society organizations (CSOs) from across Luzon, Visasyas, and Mindanao.The welcome remarks was delivered by no less than Dr. Maria Lourdes Quisumbing-Baybay the Miriam College (MC) Vice-President for Academic Affairs.The  line-up of riveting speakers, among them, the Opening Keynote by Atty. Jose Manuel ‘Chel’ Diokno, Founding Dean of the College of Law De La Salle University, discussants Dr. Sylvia ‘Guy’ Estrada-Claudio of the UP Department of Women and Development Studies, Hon. Loretta Ann ‘Etta’ Rosales former Chair of the Commission on Human Rights, Ms. Victoria ‘Mags’ Maglana human rights advocate and columnist, Mr. Isagani Serrano of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, Dr. Lisandro ‘Leloy’ Claudio of the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Development Studies, Dr. Socorro Reyes of the Center for Legislative Development, Dr. Clarita Carlos of the UP Department of Political Science, Ms. Carmen ‘Memen’ Lauzon-Gatmaytan of the Nonviolent Peaceforce, as well discussants coming from the Miriam College Department of International Studies namely, Assoc. Prof. Aurora ‘Oyie’ De Dios, Asst. Prof. Luz Martinez, Asst. Prof. Pacita ‘Bing’ Fortin, and Senior Lecturer Lito Arlegue. The Closing Keynote was delivered by no less than MC Amazing Alumni Former Sec. Teresita ‘Ging’ Quintos-Deles now with the International Center for Innovation, Transformation and Excellence in Governance (INCITEGov).The 100 + participants of the event was also a good mix of scholars and advocates from educational institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs). The live streaming got over a 1000 Views.