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Philosophers and Scholars tackle Mindanao in National Conference


Scholars from the Philippines, Japan and Israel will gather this February to discuss Mindanao, considered as the country's last frontier. Prominent historians and social scientists have written about the exclusion of the island, which in the process resulted in the lack of progress for the longest time and a Moro rebellion that costs thousands of lives. It should be noted, however, that Mindanao is the only part of the country that never fell into the hands of its colonial rulers. 

With this as background, philosophers and ethics professors, including development scholars, will be presenting their views and perspectives on the significance of the island in the country's history, culture and social realities. Bro. Noelvic Deloria leads the list of outstanding keynote speakers that include Tel Aviv University professor Daniel Mishori, Peace Studies expert Dr. Juichiro Tanabe of Waseda University, Kyoto University's Dr. Asuna Yoshizawa, and Dr. Mansoor Limba, a well-published author, professor, and scholar in Islamic Studies.

Part of the event is the launch of three books, Ethics in Contemporary Philippine Society Volume 2, The Question of Justice in Contemporary Liberal Theory, and Decolonial Turn in the Philippine South. Dr. Godiva Eviota of MSU Marawi, who published a chapter in the former, will speak as well on the Marawi Siege. Mr. Menelito Mansueto of MSU-IIT will give a short talk on his book. Dr. Rogelio Bayod is the Conference Chair. Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc is the Convenor. 

Fr. Dexter Veloso, president of the Social Ethics Society (SES) , will open the program on February 6 at Mergrande Resort, Davao City. The SES was founded by Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc and Dr. Romulo Bautista in 2010. The organization started from a membership of 15, mostly Ateneo graduate students and philosophy professors at the time, including UP Mindanao's Raymond Pavo, Ateneo's Ambong Fernandez and UM's Randy Ponteras. The SES now has 130 members nationwide. 

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