Social Ethics Society

  1. Ian Clark Parcon, PhD (Ateneo de Davao University) -  The Democratic Dilemma: Conflict and Consensus in a Shifting Global Order 2.  Bernardo Caslib Jr, PhD (UP Manila) -  Prompting Virtues: Generative AI and the Pursuit of Character Formation 3. Christopher Ryan Maboloc, PhD   (Ateneo de Davao University)  -  History and Indigeneity: A Preliminary Inquiry into Mindanao Philosophy 4. Godiva Eviota Rivera, PhD (MSU Marawi) -  Constructing Peace: The Power of Metaphorical Thinking 5. Fr. Urbano Pardillo Jr (XACOSE) - The  Tranquility of Order: Deconstructing Peace in the Catholic Tradition 6. Menelito Mansueto, MA (MSU-IIT) -  Archipelagic Decentralization and Political Dynasties: Inspirations and Challenges, Political Irony in the Philippines 7. Fr. Dexter Veloso, PhD (Holy Cross of Davao College) -  Christian and Confucian Humanism: A Sensible Ethics for a Peaceful Future 8. LJ Zaphan Lamboloto, PhD (Silliman University) - ...

  Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc, an Associate Professor at Ateneo de Davao University and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Social Ethics Society, attended the Global Summer School on Climate Change and Human Mobility at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, May 4-8, 2026. He is one of the 13 who were chosen out of the more than 800 applicants. The event gathered scholars and activists from the Netherlands, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, to discuss climate change resilience and sustainability, migration and displacement, data driven policy analysis, indigenous peoples and urbanization in relation to the existential threat from changing climate landscapes and patterns across the globe.  The gathering included lectures, workshops, and inputs from experts. The group also did some investigative fieldwork in Ayutthaya as well as a cultural immersion in Thailand's northern region. The event is jointly hosted by Thammasa...

  The Social Ethics Society opposes the proposal to remove Ethics from the college curriculum. Such move is a regressive step that undermines the integral function of higher education and ignores the profound role of ethical discourse in shaping a democratic society. Ethics is not a subject that can be simplified and relegated to secondary education without losing its essence. Senior High School students are generally not yet predisposed to the rigorous demands of ethical theories and their complex applications. ​In college, Ethics serves as a professional course that teaches students moral reasoning. It bridges the gap between academic theory and civic engagement, providing students with the critical thinking skills and abilities necessary for responsible citizenship. ​We challenge the direction of the Commission on Higher Education and EdCom 2 which appears to prioritize economic utility over human dignity. Any proposal to remove Ethics threatens to reduce the education system to...

  Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc, an associate professor at Ateneo de Davao University, has been selected by the Humanitarian Observatory for Policy and Education in Southeast Asia (HOPESEA), School of Public Policy at Chiang Mai University (CMU), Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication, Thammasat University (JCTU) to attend the Global Summer School on Climate Change and Human Mobility at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 4-8, 2026.  Dr. Maboloc is one of the 25 who were chosen for the final screening (panel interview) out of the 800 applicants worldwide. Dr. Maboloc’s research proposal for this undertaking is the study of sustainable practices of indigenous communities. The summer school includes lectures, engagements with international researchers and scholars, and other climate change policy making activities. The participation of the chair of the Social Ethics Society is fully funded by the organizer...

Social Ethics Society Polytechnic University of the Philippines 2nd SES-PUP International Ethics Conference at Waseda University Venue: Center for International Education, Waseda University  September 9-11, 2026, Tokyo, Japan Theme:“A New World Order: Peace, Democracy, Global Security, and a Sustainable Future” RATIONALE            The 2nd SES-PUP International Ethics Conference at Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan is a joint undertaking between the Social Ethics Society (SES) and the Center for Philosophy and the Humanities of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Center for International Education at Waseda University. The event will be held on September 9-11, 2026 at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. The theme for this year’s conference is “A New World Order: Peace, Democracy, Global Security, and a Sustainable Future.” This gathering expects to bring together scholars and researchers from the Philippines and Japan to...

Social Ethics Society Polytechnic University of the Philippines 2nd SES-PUP International Ethics Conference at Waseda University Venue: Center for International Education, Waseda University  September 9-11, 2026, Tokyo, Japan Theme:“A New World Order: Peace, Democracy, Global Security, and a Sustainable Future” RATIONALE            The 2nd SES-PUP International Ethics Conference at Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan is a joint undertaking between the Social Ethics Society (SES) and the Center for Philosophy and the Humanities of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Center for International Education at Waseda University. The event will be held on September 9-11, 2026 at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. The theme for this year’s conference is “A New World Order: Peace, Democracy, Global Security, and a Sustainable Future.” This gathering expects to bring together scholars and researchers from the Philippines and Japan to...

Social Ethics Society Polytechnic University of the Philippines 2nd SES-PUP International Ethics Conference at Waseda University Venue: Center for International Education, Waseda University  September 9-11, 2026, Tokyo, Japan Theme:“A New World Order: Peace, Democracy, Global Security, and a Sustainable Future” RATIONALE            The 2nd SES-PUP International Ethics Conference at Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan is a joint undertaking between the Social Ethics Society (SES) and the Center for Philosophy and the Humanities of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Center for International Education at Waseda University. The event will be held on September 9-11, 2026 at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. The theme for this year’s conference is “A New World Order: Peace, Democracy, Global Security, and a Sustainable Future.” This gathering expects to bring together scholars and researchers from the Philippines and Japan to...

  The Social Ethics Society has announced the plenary speakers for Day 3 in the SES-PUP International Ethics Conference, to be held at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan on September 9-11, 2026. - Dr. Juichiro Tanabe (Waseda University) Dr. Tanabe is an expert in Peace and Conflict Studies. His research focuses on Post-liberal Peace Building and intercultural dialogue. - Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc (Ateneo de Davao) Dr. Maboloc has published critical and important papers on global justice, bioethics, environmental ethics, and radical democratic theory. - Prof. Agnes Sunga Oblefias  Prof. Agnes is the chair of the Center for Philosophy and the Humanities at Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila. - Dr. Rogelio Bayod (North Valley College) Dr. Bayod is a scholar in development theory. He has published numerous papers on indigenous rights and environmental philosophy.

  The Social Ethics Society has announced the plenary speakers for Day 2 in the SES-PUP International Ethics Conference, to be held at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan on September 9-11, 2026. - Dr. Randy Tudy (USEP) Dr. Randy Tudy is a professor at the University of Southeastern Philippines. He is an expert in development theory, education, and governance. - Dr. Ian Clark Parcon (Ateneo de Davao University) Dr. Parcon teaches feminism, political and social philosophy. He is an expert on Habermas and the theory of deliberative democracy. - Prof. Menelito Mansueto (MSU-IIT) Prof. Mansueto is the author of Decolonial Turn in the Philippine South. He has written papers on radical politics and social media theory. - Dr. LJ Zaphan Lamboloto (Silliman University) Dr. LJ is the chair of the Philosophy Department of Silliman University. His research spans critical theory, cultural studies, and phenomenology.

  The Social Ethics Society has announced the plenary speakers for Day 1 in the SES-PUP International Ethics Conference, to be held at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan on September 9-11, 2026. - Dr. Bernardo Caslib Jr. (UP Manila)  Dr. Caslib is an expert in moral philosophy and has written relevant papers on virtue ethics and the Philosophy of Education. - Fr. Dexter Veloso (Holy Cross of Davao College) Fr. Veloso, a UST alumnus, holds a doctorate from AUSN. His focus is environmental philosophy. He also teaches ethics and metaphysics. - Dr. Godiva Eviota-Rivera (MSU Marawi)  Dr. Rivera is a trailblazer in Peace Education. She is a pillar at the Philosophy Department of MSU. She is doing critical studies on Paul Ricoeur. Fr. Urbano Pardillo Jr. (XACOSE) Fr. Pardillo is the former dean of studies of the St. Francis Xavier College Seminary. His recent studies deal with the ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

  The Social Ethics Society (SES) has announced the keynote speakers in the 2nd SES-PUP International Ethics Conference, to be held at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan on September 9-11, 2026. The following international scholars will deliver lectures in the event that is co-organized by the SES and the Center for Philosophy and the Humanities of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines: 1. Dr. Ayman Yousef (Arab American University) 2. Dr. Maji Rhee (Waseda University) 3. Dr. Yuji Uesuge (Waseda University) 4. Dr. Emanuel de Guzman (PUP) The theme of the conference is "A New World Order: Peace, Democracy, Global Security, and a Sustainable Future." Dr. Juichiro Tanabe of Waseda University is conference chair. The Call for Papers will be released next week.

Dr. Ryan C. Urbano was a distinguished academic and philosopher primarily associated with the University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu City, Philippines, and Cebu Technological University (CTU). He was widely recognized for his work in ethics, interfaith dialogue, and environmental philosophy.   ​Academic Background ​Ph.D. in Philosophy: University of San Carlos, Cebu City (2010).   ​M.A. in Philosophy: University of San Carlos (1998).   ​Master’s in Applied Ethics: A joint degree from Linköping University (Sweden) and Utrecht University (Netherlands), completed in 2008.   Key Professional Roles ​While he was a prominent alumnus and former faculty member of the University of San Carlos, he also held high-level leadership positions elsewhere: ​University Director for Research and Development: He served in this capacity at Cebu Technological University (CTU), overseeing research ethics and scientific publications.   ​Associate Professor: He ...

Dr. Bernardo N. Caslib Jr. is a prominent academic and philosopher based at the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM). Within the university, he is a faculty member under the Department of Social Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is widely recognized by students and peers alike for his expertise in ethics and his ability to make complex philosophical concepts accessible. Academic Profile & Specialization Dr. Caslib holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and serves as an Associate Professor. His scholarly work is deeply rooted in the intersection of philosophy and modern societal issues. His primary areas of focus include: Applied Ethics & Bioethics: Given UP Manila’s status as the country’s health sciences center, his work often bridges moral philosophy with healthcare and professional ethics. Philosophy of Education: He is a vocal advocate for the role of moral education in higher education, arguing that it is essential for developing a "moral citizenry...

Dr. Jeffry V. Ocay is a prominent Filipino philosopher, academic, and professor based in the Philippines. He holds the rank of University Professor (the highest academic rank in Philippine state universities and colleges) at the Graduate School of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) in Tacloban City, Leyte, where he teaches philosophy and related fields. He previously had affiliations with Silliman University in Dumaguete. Academic Background and Specialization Dr. Ocay earned his PhD in Philosophy from Macquarie University in Australia. His expertise lies in Continental Philosophy, with a strong emphasis on: Academic Background and Specialization Dr. Ocay earned his PhD in Philosophy from Macquarie University in Australia. His expertise lies in Continental Philosophy, with a strong emphasis on: Critical Theory (particularly the Frankfurt School tradition) Social and Political Philosophy The works of Herbert Marcuse (on technology, domination, the "Great Refusal," and ema...

Rev. Fr. Jose Conrado Auza Estafia is a Filipino Roman Catholic priest, philosopher, and academic. He is particularly known for his scholarly work on the philosophy of Edith Stein (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross). ​Currently, he is associated with the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Tagilaran City, Bohol, and serves as a significant figure in the philosophical community in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. ​Academic Profile ​Education: He holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila. He also possesses a Licentiate in Philosophy (PhL) and a Master of Arts (MA) from the University of Vienna. ​Specialization: His primary area of expertise is Phenomenology, with a specific focus on Edith Stein's inquiry into the "meaning of being" and the dialogue between faith and reason. ​Key Contributions & Works ​Fr. Estafia is a prolific writer for academic journals, particularly the Boletin Eclesiastico de Filipinas and Philippiniana Sac...

Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc is a Davao-based Filipino political philosopher and associate professor at Ateneo de Davao University. As of 2026, he is recognized as the top-ranked philosophy researcher in the Philippines according to metrics from ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and the AD Scientific Index.  Academic and Professional Background Current Roles: Associate Professor at Ateneo de Davao University and Visiting Professor at Silliman University. Education: He earned his PhD in Philosophy (maxima cum laude) from the University of San Carlos. He also holds dual Master's degrees in Applied Ethics from Linköping University (Sweden) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. He obtained an MA in Philosophy from Ateneo de Manila University. He graduated AB Philosophy (cum laude) at Ateneo de Davao University. Specializations: His expertise spans political theory, applied ethics, radical democracy, and environmental pragmatism.  Key Contributions and Works Dr. Mabol...

  Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc is the country's top ranked Philosophy researcher according to the Alper-Doger World Scientific Index latest data. He is Top 1 three years in a row (2023-25) on H-index scores. The ranking is based on Google Scholar and other global research database platforms such as ResearchGate and Academia. Maboloc has scored high in terms of citations and readership (215,000+ reads).  Maboloc, a fellow of ASAP - Yale Global Justice Program (2024), is an Associate Professor at Ateneo de Davao University and a Visiting Professor at Silliman University. He has published more than 100 papers (e.g. articles, book chapters, etc.) He is the author of Radical Democracy in the Time of Duterte and two other books, The Question of Justice in Contemporary Liberal Theory and The Politics of Peace & the Mindanao Problem.

As of 2026, the following three researchers are considered the top-tier in the Philippines based on different metrics (ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and AD Scientific Index): 1. Most Productive & Most Cited: Christopher Ryan Maboloc Based on data from ResearchGate and the AD Scientific Index 2026, Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc (Ateneo de Davao University) is arguably the most active and widely read philosophy researcher in the country today. Focus: Ethics, Political Philosophy, and Social Justice. Impact: He has a massive body of work (over 100 publications) and high "reads" on global research platforms. He is known for applying radical democracy and the works of Chantal Mouffe to the Philippine context. Current Status: He was recently recognized as a top scientist in the Philippines by the AD Scientific Index 2026 for his contributions to Philosophy and the Humanities. 2. Leader in Analytic Philosophy: Jeremiah Joven Joaquin If you look at the Analytic tradition (logic, e...

Pioneers and Historical Influences Fr. Michael Moga, SJ (Ateneo de Zamboanga University) is instrumental in establishing philosophy programs in the three Ateneo schools in Mindanao. Fr. Moga specializes in Heidegger and Phenomenology. He trained the pioneering faculty members of the philosophy departments of the above universities. Dr. Rolando Gripaldo (De La Salle University- Manila) was a key figure in Filipino Philosophy with a circumstantialist approach, whose foundational philosophical work and writings includes his time in Mindanao. His two-volume book on Filipino philosophy is standard reading on the subject. Dr. Romulo Bautista (Ateneo de Davao University) introduced "Bayanicrasya" (heroism and democracy theory). Educated in Madrid, he trained a generation of scholars. He co-founded the Social Ethics Society with Christopher RyanMaboloc. He mentored  many teachers in different philosophy departments in Mindanao. Contemporary Figures Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc (Atene...

  The team of Kizeah Marie Duque, Kiesha Mae Odtojan, and Jian Paculaba was declared as Champion in the inaugural Philosophers' Rally Ethics Quiz Bowl at Ateneo de Davao University, held at the CCFC Building last March 14, 2026. They were given moral cases to analyze and debate with against an opposing team. The event was organized by the Philosophy Department led by Dr. Vida Valverde, department chair. Ms. Rhina Literatos and Karl Exala were event in-charge.  Dr. Renante Pilapil, dean of the Graduate School, earlier gave a lecture on Axel Honneth. Prof. Rex Rola and Prof. Bogs Nartatez served as judges. The students are under the Ethics class of Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc.

  The Social Ethics Society, in cooperation with Holy Cross College of Davao and North Valley College, has successfully held its 16th annual conference, February 18-20, 2026. Dr. Wataru Kusaka gave the keynote address. A total of 90 academics, scholars, researchers, and students attended the event. Seventy (70) papers were delivered on the theme "Is moral education a failure?". Dr. Rogelio Bayod of North Valley College chaired the conference while Fr. Dexter Veloso acted as overall Chair. MULAT (HCDC Philosophy majors), led by Noel Andrada, served as the steering committee. Fr. Urbano Pardillo, in his welcome remarks, challenged the participants to deepen their commitment to education by helping create holistic human beings. The plenary speakers include Dr. Jeffry Ocay (EVSU), Dr. Bernard Caslib Jr (UP Manila), Fr. Jose Conrado Estafia (HNU), Dr. Godiva Eviota-Rivera (MSU Main), and Dr. Layne Hartsell (Chulalongkorn). In his closing remarks, Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc empha...