Social Ethics Society

The University of Southern Mindanao has successfully hosted the 4th Social Ethics Society Conference held last October 27-28, 2014 at Grand Ficus Hotel, Kidapawan City. Participants from different colleges and universities in Mindanao discussed issues pertaining to social media, politics, public ethics, and environmental pragmatism. The theme of the conference was "Philosophy and Democratic Governance." The speakers during the conference included Fr. Dexter Veloso (ADDU), Redentor dela Rosa (CMU), Peter Elicor (ADDU), Dr. Sherlito Sable (USEP), Franz Nolasco (ADDU), Alvert Dalona (USEP), Christopher Ryan Maboloc (ADDU), and Joharel Escobia (Urios).

Fr. Dexter Veloso has been elected as President of the Social Ethics Society last October 28, 2014, the second day of the 4th Social Ethics Society Conference. Christopher Ryan Maboloc, outgoing president, expressed elation in finding an able leader and successor in Fr. Veloso who will serve beginning October 2014 until October 2017. For his part, Fr. Veloso promised to sustain the efforts of the SES in advancing philosophical and intelligent discussions on important issues. He also pointed out initial plans for the conference next year. The SES intends to strengthen its ranks and continue to be the bastion of deepened reflections in the area of social and political ethics, peace and development, technology and social media. The SES is the first and only association of philosophy teachers and graduate students in Southern Mindanao. It was founded in 2010 by Dr. Romulo Bautista and Christopher Ryan Maboloc. As of 2014, it has 50 registered members from various colleges and un

As philosophy teachers, scholars and students, we have to remain steadfast yet humble in the bold vision that we must have a critical stake in the future design of Philippine society. This is the task that we have embraced as members of the Social Ethics Society since its founding in 2010. During discussions on our constitution-and-by-laws, we have openly taken the position  that philosophical reflection should result to a conscientious understanding of the moral dimension of politics and governance. In the past three years, the SES has tackled issues concerning democracy and the rule of law, human development and the problem of peace, social justice and the politics of exclusion. Many of our members have argued that moral leadership should bridge rather than disturb the connection between civil society and the government. The late Dr. Romulo Bautista has inspired many young scholars in you to pursue that synergistic attitude and that unfailing faith in democracy. As we enter this

          The 4 th Social Ethics Society Conference will be hosted by the University of Southern Mindanao through the able leadership of Mr. Marcos Monderin. It will be held this coming October 27-28, 2014 at Elai Resort, Kidapawan City. This year’s theme is “Philosophy and Democratic Governance.” Abstracts of Papers for presentation on the said conference from philosophy teachers, researchers and scholars may now be submitted. Abstracts must not be more than 100 words. Full Papers must be between 2,500 to 3,500 words. Please submit your papers to peterelicor@gmail.com or to ryanmaboloc75@yahoo.com.

The Social Ethics Society discussed "Morality and Social Media" last March 15, 2014, at the Japanese Tunnel Restaurant, Davao City. Fr. Ritsche Gamaya, DCD, the director for Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media led the discussion. Fr. Gamaya is also the editor in chief and manager of the Davao Catholic Herald. Part of the trajectory of the discussion was the "influence of online social media to the youth, the potential harm or benefit of online social media to the moral fabric of society, the politics of the internet, and other issues of philosophical relevance" in the formation of the youth.