History of the Social Ethics Society

Mindanao, an island of awe-inspiring beauty and colorful history, did not have a philosophical association before the birth of the Social Ethics Society. Philosophy teachers, however, were either affiliated with the Philosophical Association of the Philippines or the Philosophical Association of the Visayas and Mindanao. The society, or SES for short, germinated from the vision of the late Dr. Romulo Bautista, who taught at Ateneo de Davao University, and Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc, who was then fresh from his studies abroad. The latter was chair of the philosophy department at the Ateneo de Davao University when he first encountered the former, whose teachings have been mostly associated with the philosophy of Marx. Dr. Maboloc, on the other hand, admired the political theory of Rawls. His background in applied ethics helped define the nature of Mindanao's first and only philosophical association. Many of the pioneering members of the SES were master’s students of the two professors.

Sometime in January 2010, Dr. Maboloc, Dr. Bautista, Mr. Apolinar Henry Fernandez, and the philosophy faculty of the University of Mindanao at that time brainstormed on forming a philosophical association. The first organizational meeting of the group was held at the University of the Immaculate Conception on October 15, 2012. Those who attended include Mr. Armando Parantar, Mr. Joefer Maninang, Mr. Bernard Escarza, Dr. Raymond Pavo, Ms. Maricar Juaneza, and Mr. Randy Ponteras. Dr. Maboloc was elected interim president while Dr. Bautista then served as Adviser. The name of the society was actually a suggestion of Atty. Jamil Matalam, who thought that any philosophical association should have a global outlook. Soon thereafter, the officers of the organization met and wrote the constitution and by-laws of the society at Lake Agko in Kidapawan City based on a draft prepared by Dr. Maboloc .

At the start, the society had no funds. But the officers have figured out that it must be independent and for this reason, it was not housed under any academic institution. In the year that followed, a mini conference was held at the University of Mindanao. It was considered as the first gathering of the society. The paper presenters included Dr. Raymond Pavo of UP Mindanao, Mr. Randy Ponteras of UM, Dr. Romulo Bautista, and Mr. Armando Parantar of UIC. During this time, the society was not yet registered with any government agency. While its birthing period was difficult, it was the passion of the late Dr. Bautista and Dr. Maboloc, who discussed social and political problems over afternoon coffee, that sustained the organization. 

As it traversed uncharted waters, the SES conducted informal lectures that dealt with pressing issues such as Philippine democracy, the problem of poverty, peace and development in the Bangsamoro, and the advent of social media. The SES has invited to its gatherings speakers such as Comm. Muss Lidasan of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, Prof. Randy Ponteras of the University of Mindanao, and Fr. Ritsche Gamaya of the Archdiocese of Davao. The SES has also been firm in terms of its position on political issues, and has presented position papers on the problem of peace and conflict in Mindanao, affirming its commitment to ethical governance and moral integrity both in the academe and the public life.

The second conference of the SES was held in 2012 at the Queen of Apostles College Seminary in Tagum City. The holding of the conference at QACS was through the effort of Fr. Julius Capongpongan. The paper presenters included Mr. Joefer Maninang of UM, Mr. Redentor dela Rosa of Central Mindanao University, Dr. Sherlito Sable of the University of Southeastern Philippines and Dr. Romulo Bautista. Fr. Emerson delos Reyes, the seminary rector, welcomed the participants. "The Crisis of Contemporary Reason" was the conference theme. Dr. Maboloc delivered the keynote lecture. This event was important as it manifested the will of the SES to make its gathering an annual undertaking. It was during this conference that the idea of having a journal was suggested by Dr. Maboloc.

The society continued to make headways. For the first time, the SES had participants from the Visayas region, although the majority of those who joined come from Mindanao. The third conference of the SES was held in 2013 at the Notre Dame of Marbel University. The theme was "Peace and Human Development". Mindanao had dreamt of lasting peace and so the SES dedicated the event to reflect on this matter. The presenters included Dr. Sherlito Sable of the USEP, Mr. Michael Gatchalian of UM Tagum, Mr. Ruben Balotol of the Visayas State University, Fr. Ed Santoyo of Notre Dame University, Dr. Albert Albina of Negros Oriental State University, and Atty. Jamil Matalam of the Ateneo de Davao University. It was chaired by Dr. Al Quillope.

In the following year, Mr. Marcos Monderin of the University of Southern Mindanao offered to handle the preparations for the next conference. And so, the fourth conference of the SES was held in 2014 at the Grand Ficus Hotel in Kidapawan City with the University of Southern Mindanao as host. Mr. Monderin and Mr. Bonifacio Solsoloy, together with Ms. Maricar Juaneza, worked hard to ensure the success of the event. The presenters were Fr. Dexter Veloso of XACOSE, Mr. Peter Paul Elicor of ADDU, Mr. Alvert Dalona of the Mindanao State University, Mr. Redentor dela Rosa of Central Mindanao University, Dr. Maboloc, and Mr. Joharel Escobia of Urios University. The theme of the conference was "Democracy and Good Governance."

It was during the fourth conference that Fr. Dexter Veloso was elected as the president of the SES. A charismatic priest and natural leader, it can be said that it was during his time that the SES reached new heights. Fr. Veloso was a master's student of Dr. Maboloc. Through the effort of Dr. Maboloc and Mr. Peter Paul Elicor, the association finally secured its registration from the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2015. Fr. Urbano Pardillo Jr., the dean of studies at XACOSE, who was elected as a member of the BOD, contributed in a huge way to the success of the SES. XACOSE would host the conference from 2015 to 2017.

The SES soon approved the now iconic design of its logo, including the symbolisms of its figures and colors. Through the leadership of Fr. Veloso, the SES opened its doors beyond the shores of Mindanao. In 2015, the fifth SES Conference was held at Pearl Farm Resort. The theme was "Ethics of Human Labor". Dr. Jeffry Ocay of Silliman University, Dr. Ryan Urbano, then the chair at the University of San Carlos, and Dr. Ruby Suazo, the president of the PHAVISMINDA, were invited as plenary speakers. Dr. Sherlito Sable of USEP, Mr. Francis Ibanez of the Bohol Island State University, Mr. Jonas Miranda of the Surigao State College of Technology, Mr. Ismael Magadan of USC, Mr. Joharel Escobia of Urios University, Mr. Ruben Balotol of the Visayas State University, and Mr. Gerry Arambala of Tabor Hill College in Cebu, were the paper presenters. Dr. Agus Majid and Mr. Wahyu Irawan, both from the Indonesian Consulate, also presented their papers on international migration. 

The SES released the first issue of the Social Ethics Society Journal of Applied Philosophy in October 2015. The journal is published twice a year, both in print and online. With the help of Dr. Maboloc, the journal has gathered international scholars and experts as part of its advisory board. The list includes Dr. Goran Collste of Linkoping University, Dr. Darryl Macer of the American University of Sovereign Nations, Dr. Wataru Kusaka of Nagoya University, Dr. John Giordano of Assumption University, Dr. Juichiro Tanabe of Kumamoto University, and Dr. Merten Reglitz of the University of Birmingham. Its distinguished local advisory board includes Dr. Zosimo Lee of UP, Dr. Leovino Ma. Garcia of ADMU, and Dr. Paolo Bolanos of UST, among others. Fr. Urbano Pardillo, Jr. holds the position of editor-in-chief while Dr. Maboloc is associate editor. Mr. Elicor is the journal's managing editor.

The sixth conference of the SES was held at Secdea Resort in Samal Island in 2016. The theme was "Technology, Democracy, and Philippine Education." The plenary speakers included Dr. Orlando Ali Mandane of USC, Dr. Maboloc, who discussed artificial intelligence, and Dr. Ferdinand Mangibin of Silliman University. The paper presenters were Dr. Bill Atweh of the Philippine Normal University, Dr. Sherlito Sable of USEP, Mr. Ismael Magadan of USC, Fr. Victor Aurellana of the Rogationist Seminary in Paranaque City, Mr. Arnel Morte of Central Mindanao University, Mr. Will Lorca of Silliman University, Mr. Gerry Arambala of La Salle Ozamis, Mr. Jonas Miranda of the Surigao State College of Technology, Mr. Aldrin Quintero of St. Alexius College, and Dr. Sheldon Agaton of Eastern Visayas State University.

"Terror in the Time of Radical Democracy" was the theme of the seventh SES conference that was held at Pearl Farm Resort in 2017. The keynote speaker was Dr. Zosimo Lee of the University of the Philippines. Dr. Godiva Eviota of Mindanao State University, Dr. Maboloc, and Dr. Emmanuel Fernando of UP gave the plenary lectures. Dr. Lee and Dr. Fernando provided the theoretical framework for the politics of our time using their specific expertise. Dr. Eviota presented her first-hand experience and research following the Marawi crisis. Dr. Maboloc shared the findings of his research on radical democracy, a project that he undertook through a grant awarded by the Ateneo de Davao University. 

The paper presenters during the conference were Mr. Ian Clark Parcon of ADDU, Dr. Ruby Suazo of USC, Mr. Menelito Mansueto of FEU-Diliman, Ms. Gian Carla Agbisit of UST, Mr. Wrendolf Juntilla of NDU, Mr. Joseph Guillermo of Adamson University, Mr. Benjiemen Labastin of La Salle Ozamis, Dr. Rene Tadle of UST, Dr. Anesito Cutillas of Cebu Technological University, Mr. Jeffrey Bartilet of PUP, Mr. Rico Recoleto of St. Michael's College, Mr. Virgilio Rivas of PUP, and Mr. Joefer Maninang of UM. This conference was pivotal insofar as the SES has become national in scope and attendance. The emphasis has gone beyond providing young teachers and scholars in Mindanao a venue for them to disseminate and discuss their researches. It has now metamorphosed into a desire to level up in terms of scholarship and come into dialogue with other philosophy faculty in the country. 

The advances in terms of membership and national exposure should be credited to Mr. Elicor, who is currently doing his doctoral studies at UST, for encouraging scholars from the capital to join the SES. The Commission on Higher Education has also recognized the SES conferences by endorsing the annual event. This has allowed the participation of philosophy teachers and scholars from state colleges and universities. Fr. Veloso's term ended in 2017. In a short meeting after the conference at Pearl Farm, Mr. Aldrin Quintero, now with the Notre Dame of Marbel, was elected as president of the SES. He assumed a three-year term, as provided for by the SES by-laws. Mr. Quintero promised to pursue the same trajectory started by the former SES president.

The eighth SES Conference was held at Punta Resort, Lake Sebu in 2018 with the multi-awarded anthropologist Karl Gaspar as keynote speaker. The theme of the conference, which Bro. Karl's keynote lecture put into context, was "Indigenous Perspectives and Contemporary Issues." Bro. Karl invited the participants to do research on IP wisdom and the various narratives of Mindanao. The theme had an interdisciplinary character. Equally important were the plenary lectures given by Bro. Romulo Abulad, who gave a comparative study on indigenous philosophy and modernity, and Dr. Paolo Bolanos, who discussed the state of critical theory in the Philippines. 

The scenic Lake Sebu was the setting for the gathering. The paper presenters were Ms. Christine Cerezo and Ms. Karen de Castro of UP Baguio, Dr. Guiraldo Fernandez of VSU, Mr. Benjiemen Labastin of LSU, Mr. Dennis Bautista of Leyte Normal University, Mr. Al Villaroya of VSU, Dr. Sheldon Agaton of EVSU, Mr. Jerry Imbong of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Mr. Gerry Arambala of LSU, Mr. Vic Villaganas of USC, Mr. Menelito Mansueto of FEU-Diliman, Mr. Benjesus Enaya of VSU, Mr. Oliver Perater of UM, Dr. Jovito Carino of UST, and Mr. Ruben Balotol of VSU, who delivered important reflections on the above theme. The eighth SES conference was chaired by Mr. Wrendolf Juntilla of NDU.

In a meeting after the conference, the SES Board decided to join the Union of Societies and Associations of Philosophy in the Philippines (USAPP). As an organization, the SES can be considered as young. The challenges, in this respect, are aplenty. Still, the association remains open to every possibility that comes its way. The SES, through the encouragement of its president, decided that being part of USAPP is also a recognition of its efforts to develop philosophical reflection in Mindanao. The association, however, maintains that it desires to keep its identity and independence in the pursuit of its aims and goals. It will collaborate with USAPP in its desire to promote philosophical reflection and the professionalization of the teaching of philosophy in the country, as these are noble causes. As a matter of fact, the SES sent its president to the organizational board meeting of USAPP in Clark Pampanga to express its interest to cooperate with the future endeavors of the USAPP.

Research and publication are the heart and soul of academic work. During the closing program of the eighth SES Conference, Dr. Maboloc challenged the members of the SES to engage in high level research and in the process, publish their intellectual output. Dr. Maboloc himself is well-published, with 45 academic papers, both local and international, to his credit. He has seven Scopus-indexed articles to his credit, including papers published in Techne: Research in Philosophy and Technology, and the Philosophical Quarterly of Israel. Equally inspiring are the recent accomplishments of Dr. Rogelio Bayod (IPs), Mr. Gerry Arambala (Capability Approach), and Mr. Aldrin Quintero (Ethics), whose papers have been recently published in international journals.

The 9th SES Conference was hosted by Cor Jesu College. Led by Dr. Roger Bayod and Dr. Randy Tudy, the conference was held at the Sacred Heart Formation Center in Davao City. Dr. Daniel Mishori, a philosopher and lecturer at the Department of Exact Sciences at Tel Aviv University in Israel, was the keynote speaker. The plenary speakers included Dr. Marlon Lofredo of St. Paul University in Manila, a bioethics expert who was a visiting professor at AUSN in Arizona, USA, Dr. Al Quillope of NDMU, the head of the Peace Institute in the said institution, Dr. Napoleon Mabaquiao Jr. of DLSU, and Fr. Dexter Veloso of XACOSE, who recently wrote and defended his thesis on environmental ethics. 

The presenters included Mr. Francis Ibańez of BISU, Mr. Gerry Arambala and Mr. Benjie Labastin of LSU, Mr. Joefer Maninang and Mr. Rayven Oroc of UM, Mr. Descartes Roldan of UP Open U, Ms. Consorcia Sotto of Bicol College, Mr. Menelito Mansueto of Letran, Dr. Victor Aguilan and Mr. Jet Magadan of Silliman, Dr. Roger Bayod of CJC, Dr. Moises Torrentira of USEP, Mr. Jose Ma. Tomacuz of LIU, Mr. Kharl Magbago of ASMC, Dr. Rico Tabal of WEMSU, Mr. Lj Lambolodto of Foundation U, Mr. Jan Kahambing of LNU, Mr. Noel Genilla of PSHS Lanao, and Dr. Jeff Bartilet of PUP.

The 10th SES Conference was to be hosted by the Notre Dame of Marbel University in October 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the event was canceled. In lieu of a physical gathering, the 10th edition was re-organized into a series of webinars. The SES invited the philosopher John Weckert, professor emeritus at Charles Sturt University, Dr. Layne Hartsell of Chulalongkorn University, Dr. Juichiro Tanabe of Kumamoto University, and Dr. Mishori of Tel Aviv University, as guest speakers on four separate dates as part of the 10th edition of the SES conference, held as virtual events due to pandemic related restrictions.

The 11th SES Conference was held as a hybrid event in October 2020. It was considered as the first hybrid event for the association. The main speakers were Atty. Jamil Matalam and Dr. Ian Clark Parcon, both from Ateneo de Davao University. The paper presenters were Gerry Arambala (LSU), Joefer Maninang (UM), who spoke online while Vaughnce Plaza and Giovanni Udtohan, both ftom the University of Mindanao, delivered their papers in-person. Fr. Dexter Veloso hosted the event at the San Isidro Parish Hall in Marilog, Davao City.

The 12th Social Ethics Conference was fully online. It was a two-day event. Dr. Darryl Macer of AUSN was the keynote speaker. He talked about bioethics as the love of life. Dr. Julio Teehankee of DLSU talked about Philippine politics and democracy whereas Prof. Anton Rennesland discussed Heidegger and modernity. More than two dozen papers were also delivered online. The event as hosted and streamed live by Cor Jesu College. Dr. Roger Bayod and Dr. Ian Parcon served as hosts.

The 13th SES Conference was held at Ocean View Resort in Samal Island. It was fully an in-person event. The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Goran Collste of Linkoping University in Sweden. The plenary speakers were Dr. Rec Eguia (USEP), Ms. Cathy Mae Toquero (MSU GenSan), and Fr. John Guo Wang (AdDU). Dr. Ian Clark Parcon was conference chair. The event was attended by 70 participants from all over the country. 

The 14th Social Ethics Society Conference was held at Haven's Dew Resort in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. Dr. Juichiro Tanabe was the main speaker in person while Dr. John Weckert, Dr. Daniel Mishori and Dr. Layne Hartsell spoke via Zoom. The plenary speakers who delivered in person included Dr. Ian Clark Parcon, Dr. Lemuel Sayao, Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc and Dr. Anton Heinrich Rennesland of UST. 

Considered as one of the best so far, a total of 32 papers were delivered. Dr. Rogelio Bayod, convenor, revealed that 51 people joined the event, which also included a tour in Kapatagan. Fr. Dexter Veloso received a Plaque of Commendation from the SES Board. He was also elected to his 3rd term as President of the SES. The conference theme was Peace and Conflict Studies, Emerging Technologies and Ecological Sustainability. 

In the end, it can be said that the effort and vision of Dr. Bautista and Dr. Maboloc have come into fruition among young philosophy teachers, researchers, and ethics scholars as they discuss social and political issues in the annual gatherings of the organization. By bringing philosophy and ethical reflection outside or beyond the classroom, the SES has become instrumental in helping promote the good of local academics in their pursuit of putting moral theorizing into action. 

With the future of philosophy in Mindanao and beyond in mind, the SES has become the face of philosophical scholarship in this part of the country. It will be the lasting legacy of two ordinary human beings, while set apart by a generation, were courageous enough to actualize their huge commitment of helping young academics find their own wellspring of meaning in a challenging environment. The SES lives on as the face and voice of Mindanao in the county's philosophical tradition.