PolSci Trio Clinches Best Presentation Award at Hiroshima University’s NERPS Conference

By Maan Deuda and Adam Vincent Perez


Fourth-year BA Political Science students Kaila Jade Batuigas, Le’an Carlo Khrystoffer Ege, and Kris Bernard Mutia were awarded as best presenters—the only Philippine delegate to receive such recognition—at Hiroshima University’s Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS) Conference 2025 held at De La Salle University from March 5 to 7.


The trio was among the 187 participants from 65 academic institutions across 31 countries in the conference. Guided by their research adviser, Prof. Primitivo III Ragandang, along with Prof. Hilton Aguja and Asst. Prof. John Gieveson Iglupas from MSU-IIT’s Political Science Department, they presented their paper, “Self-Made Spaces: Youth, Inclusion, and Peace,” which explored how Mindanawan youths create new inclusive spaces while embracing other forms of peace instead of relying solely on traditional structures.


“A significant component of our research is the integration of the ‘Petals of Peace’ framework by Toh Swee-Hin and Virginia Cawagas, which highlights the interconnected dimensions of peace and how these concepts address the complex nature of conflicts through promoting cultural sensitivity, cultivating inclusivity, and strengthening solidarity,” the scholars explained.


Moreover, they revealed incorporating Helen Berents’ concept of Everyday Peacebuilding, which emphasizes small, grassroots actions that build peace outside formal political and institutional settings, underscoring that peace is not just the absence of violence but also the presence of positive relationships, mutual understanding, and the capacity to resolve tensions in daily interactions.


The researchers shared that their study was inspired by youth-led groups working for peace and development. The goal being to amplify their voices as peacebuilding discussions are often dominated by adults.


“We wanted to challenge this narrative and highlight the meaningful contributions of youth-led organizations in fostering peace and social cohesion. Hence, we believe that young people are not just beneficiaries of peace but proactive agents in shaping it,” they added.


For Mutia, the conference was a long-awaited opportunity, as it marked their third attempt to present their research. He shared that presenting alongside professionals felt both overwhelming and fulfilling.


“Presenting our paper at the Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS) Conference 2025 was already an achievement in itself. It gave us the opportunity to be seen, heard, and contribute to important conversations. With 187 participants from across the globe, our main goal was simple: to fully immerse ourselves in the conference, engage with fellow researchers, and build meaningful connections for future collaborations. Winning was the last thing on our minds,” Mutia expressed.


When asked about what they felt after bagging the award, Ege stated, “All I knew was that I’d be coming home to a proud University and a proud family, the very reasons I came to Manila for.”


Batuigas also shared a piece of advice to young scholars gearing up for their thesis, “Stay curious and passionate about your topic. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance, seek diverse perspectives, and accept constructive criticism.”


As part of their award, Batuigas, Ege, and Mutia received free registration for the NERPS 2026 Conference, which will take place from March 4 to 7, 2026, at the United Nations University in Tokyo, Japan.