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The Philosophy of Dabawenyo DCplinado

  Davao City's Dabawenyo DCplinado Program, a legacy project of Mayor Sebastian Duterte, which has been institutionalized by a City Ordinance, is anchored in the Philosophy of Self-Discipline. The concept of the self is studied in relation to social systems and social organizations. The human self is known by way of its interactions with others in society. The self is the product of self-awareness and self-image. The concept of self is the result of the reality of social interaction. Our social experiences enable us to construct an image of ourselves. The individual is not a passive participant in the formation of the self but an active one. Another aspect of Dabawenyo DCplinado, which has been integrated in the Department of Education Curriculum in Davao City, is the idea of the good life. “Life is here,” is the slogan of the City of Davao. But one can also say that “The good life is here.” The good life refers to human well-being or happiness. Let us examine the deeper meaning of...
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The 2025 SES year-end Report

  The Social Ethics Society continued to reach new heights in 2025, which is marked by the rise of dynamic Mindanao and Bohol based scholars. Dr. Godiva Eviota-Rivera leads the pack. She was elected as secretary of the SES in February this year. She was a speaker in the philosophy for women at an event hosted by the Philosophical Association of the Philippines. In September, she presented a paper in the SES-PUP International Ethics Conference at Waseda University in Tokyo. Dr. Rivera truly brings women power into the SES.  The two other up and coming scholars are Menelito Mansueto of MSU-IIT, who released his book on decoloniality early this year. Prof. Mansueto presented a paper in Marburg, Germany based on that book and in the SEP-PUP event in Tokyo. Another emerging researcher, who also hails from Bohol like Mansueto, is Assistant Prof. Francis Jeus Ibanez of the Bohol Island State University, who published his first paper on Paul Ricoeur. Together with Fr. Banny Pardillo, ...
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Ateneo awards AI research grant to philosophy professor

  The University Research Council (URC) of Ateneo de Davao University has awarded Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc a research grant for his study on Artificial Intelligence and the Question of Indigeneity: A Marcusean Analysis of the Impact of Superintelligence on Tradition, Culture and Human Society. The study will investigate the influence and possible impact of AI on indigenous communities using the lens of critical theory and Luciano Floridi's ethics of information. The research team consists of Dr. Rogelio Bayod (North Valley College), Dr. Gleemore Makie (Benguet State University), Mr. James Bentayao (AdDU), and Ms. Eva Marie Maboloc, his research assistant. The researchers will conduct their study in Davao City and in Benguet. The research will also involve expert opinion on AI.
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16th Social Ethics Society Conference [Call for Abstracts]

  CALL FOR ABSTRACTS  Is moral education failing in the Philippines? In 1970, Robert Youngblood said that the Philippines is characterized by 'strong demands' and 'weak institutions'. Recent events suggest that more than 50 years thereafter, the country has failed to improve the lives of Filipinos, especially those in the margins of society. Power has remained in the hands of the ruling class and the economic elite. Despite two peaceful People Power revolutions, the state of Philippine society is far from being just and equal. Where have we failed? One might look into what Clarita Carlos calls democratic deficits - the lack of transparency, poor policy, and the absence of public accountability. Freedom House also notes that the Philippines has a weak political culture. Civil society plays a critical role in promoting democratic values. But while the Church and the Academe, or what John Rawls calls 'background culture', has exerted strong efforts in helping shape...
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16th Annual Social Ethics Society Conference [CALL FOR ABSTRACTS]

  16TH SOCIAL ETHICS SOCIETY CONFERENCE [CALL FOR ABSTRACTS]  RATIONALE  Is moral education failing in the Philippines? In 1970, Robert Youngblood said that the Philippines is characterized by 'strong demands' and 'weak institutions'. Recent events suggest that more than 50 years thereafter, the country has failed to improve the lives of Filipinos, especially those in the margins of society. Power has remained in the hands of the ruling class and the economic elite. Despite two peaceful People Power revolutions, the state of Philippine society is far from being just and equal. Where have we failed? One might look into what Clarita Carlos calls democratic deficits - the lack of transparency, poor policy, and the absence of public accountability. Freedom House also notes that the Philippines has a weak political culture. Civil society plays a critical role in promoting democratic values. But while the Church and the Academe, or what John Rawls calls 'background cultur...
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Mansueto and Balotol, 3 others are in the Top 100 AD World Scientific Index 2026 Rankings

  Menelito Mansueto (#21) of MSU-IIT continues to rise in the AD World Scientific Index 2026 Rankings while Ruben Balotol (#34) of Visayas State University has also improved his ranking. The index measures the citations and scholarly achievements of academics. Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc (#1) of Ateneo remains at the top for the Subfield Philosophy in the Philippines. Dr. Ian Clark Parcon (#42) climbed up in his new position while Dr. Aldrin Quintero (#50) of NDMU enters the rankings for the first time. 1. Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc - #1 2. Menelito Mansueto - #21 3. Ruben Balotol - #34 4. Dr. Ian Clark Parcon - #42 5. Dr. Aldrin Quintero - #50
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Holy Cross of Davao to host 16th SES Conference

  The Holy Cross of Davao College will be the host of the 16th Social Ethics Society Annual Conference in Davao City come February 2026. This was revealed by Dr. Rogelio Bayod, the conference chair and head organizer. The SES will be meeting on October 11, 2025 to decide on the theme of the conference. The prospective keynote speakers include Dr. Wataru Kusaka (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies), Dr. Layne Hartsell (Chulalongkorn University), Dr. Jeffry Ocay (Eastern Visayas State University), Fr. Jose Conrado Estafia (Holy Name University), Dr. Godiva Eviota-Rivera (MSU Marawi), and Dr. Bernardo Caslib Jr. (UP Manila). The Call for Abstracts will be released next month. 
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