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Mindanao Philosophy: A Region of Thought and Transformation

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, specializing in Heidegger and Phenomenology. 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. 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. Contemporary Figures Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc (Ateneo de Davao) specializes in social justice, structural inequality, and radical politics. Explores poverty in Muslim Mindanao through the theoretical framework of Thomas Pogge. Dr. Renante Pilapil (Ateneo de Davao) is noted for his expertise in the Politics of Recognition and human rights. He...
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Three students declared champion in Ateneo Ethics Quiz Bowl

  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.
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16th SES Conference successfully held

  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...
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16th SES Conference (Day 3)

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Closing Remarks, 16th SES Conference

According to Sartre, 'everything has been figured out,except how to live'. As academics, we actually have two lives, in the same way that Julian Marias describes the biological and existential aspects of life. Teachers enter the classroom with their course outline, deliver impassioned lectures, compute the grades, etc. This is how we conduct our day to day activities. But we also have another life. You also go home and watch your children grow every single day. You see and feel how your pains, sweat, and joys have built the family you value and love. That is how you truly live. I am pleased to hear bright young minds speak during the conference. This can only mean that philosophy has a great future ahead. I have come to the realization that you can actually do two things in this world - it is either you divide people or dismantle the walls that separate them from each other. We may have different methods, tools, and perspectives but we are in search of the same truth. We may ha...
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