Mindanao-based philosophy teachers held a forum to discuss the proposal to remove Ethics in the General Education curriculum. Four young college teachers expressed their views in separate presentations during the Ethics Forum hosted by the Social Ethics Society, held in Eden, Davao City on July 5, 2025. The presentors were Zandee Jaquias (USTP), Ardione Fuentes (Ateneo de Davao University), Adelbert Escollada (MSU - Gensan) and James Pabonita (Opol Community College).
The speakers discussed the practical, legal, strategic, economic, and moral aspect of the issue pertaining to the move of Edcom 2. The academicians who attended are united in their position to protest against this injustice that undermines the education of our youth. Mr. Niel Capidos, a graduate student at the Catholic University of Louvain, expressed that the proposal is not just a curricular matter but is something that impacts the employment of thousands of teachers, a sentiment that was also shared by other participants.
Teachers from different schools in Mindanao shared their views and initiatives to address the issue. Dr. Rec Eguia (former Dean, USEP-CDM) explained the true value of Ethics in governance and development theory. Prof. Maricar Kaka Juaneza (USM), Prof. Rayven Oroc (UM), Prof. Jholy Nobabos (HCDC), Prof. Rey Atacador (UM), and Mr. Joseph Cabajes (DCHS) gave useful insights on the issue and how teachers can meaningfully react to this act of Edcom 2.
Position papers in every institution, if and whenever warranted, are expected as part of the collective effort to respond to the issue. The presentors have also written a unified position that tackles the relevant legal basis, employment, and other policy implications, among other crucial factors. The article is hoped to shed light on the matter as well as guide policy makers. The group will also lobby for the retention of Ethics in the GE Curriculum. The effort includes raising awareness on the practical importance of Ethics.
Several teachers expressed hope that Edcom 2 will reconsider its proposal after many philosophical associations in the country publicized their respective position papers. The SES was one of the earliest to publish the same. Dr. Eguia vigorously showed the relevance of Ethics in decision making and policy formulation. He argued that there's a moral gap in the power dynamics of human society. Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc of Ateneo de Davao University organized the event with the support of Fr. John Guo Wang and Fr. Dexter Veloso.
