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16th Annual Social Ethics Society Conference [CALL FOR ABSTRACTS]

 

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS 

Is moral education failing in the Philippines? In 1970, Robert Youngblood said that the Philippines is characterized by 'strong demands' and 'weak institutions'. Recent events suggest that more than 50 years thereafter, the country has failed to improve the lives of Filipinos, especially those in the margins of society. Power has remained in the hands of the ruling class and the economic elite. Despite two peaceful People Power revolutions, the state of Philippine society is far from being just and equal.

Where have we failed? One might look into what Clarita Carlos calls democratic deficits - the lack of transparency, poor policy, and the absence of public accountability. Freedom House also notes that the Philippines has a weak political culture. Civil society plays a critical role in promoting democratic values. But while the Church and the Academe, or what John Rawls calls 'background culture', has exerted strong efforts in helping shape a vision of a just and moral society, the man on the streets and families living in slum areas still find themselves struggling and powerless. 

As seekers of the truth, we must re-examine ourselves. Who is truly responsible for the 'suffering other'? What is our collective responsibility? Who must be held accountable for the failure of moral education in Philippine society? What is the due course that civil society must take? What are the solutions to all that ails the Philippine state? What type of moral reform is needed in the basic structure? What is the model of human development that is appropriate as we seek to build an equal, democratic, and just world?

Wataru Kusaka theorizes that the country suffers from a moral divide, the '' 'we' and 'they' distinction. Philippine society and democracy is therefore 'contested', to use Nathan Quimpo's term. Dr. Ian Clark Parcon proposes that the same contestation can be addressed by means of a middle-ground, one that recognizes the 'struggle' or agonism, while remaining open to the strength of every moral argument in the public sphere. 

With the above as background, we are inviting philosophy professors, ethics teachers, scholars, researchers, and students to the 16th Social Ethics Society Conference this coming February 18-20, 2026. The event is hosted and will be held at the Holy Cross of Davao College, Davao City, the Philippines. The conference is co-hosted by North Valley College and Mulat (Philosophy Students Association of HCDC) 

The theme of the conference is: "Is moral education in the Philippines failing? The role of philosophy, moral reflection and responsible citizenship in creating a just, democratic and equal society." The Plenary Speakers are Dr. Wataru Kusaka (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies), Dr. Layne Hartsell (Chulalongkorn University), Dr. Bernardo Caslib Jr. (UP Manila), Dr. Godiva Eviota-Rivera (MSU Marawi), Fr. Conrado Estafia (Holy Name University), and Dr. Jeffry Ocay (Eastern Visayas State University). 

To present a paper, submit an abstract (300 words maximum) on a topic related to Philosophy (General), Ethics, Human Development and Education, Politics and Philippine Democracy, Environmental Ethics, and Poverty Alleviation. All submissions will be vetted by a Scientific Committee. The deadline for the submission of Abstracts is December 15, 2025. Accepted oral presentations will be announced on early January 2026. Submit your abstract to Dr. Roger Bayod at roger.bayod@gmail.com. The conference is fully in-person. 

Registration Fees - 

Regular Presenter (meals, kit & book) - 3,500

Graduate Students

Presenter - 2500 (meals, kit and book)

Participant only - 1,500 (meals, kit and book)

College Students

Presenter - 1,000 (meals and kit) 

Participant - 500 (no meal) A list of hotels will be provided to the participants where they can choose to stay at their own expense. 

The Conference Chair is Dr. Rogelio Bayod. The Overall Chair is Fr. Dexter Veloso, DCD, PhD. For inquiries and submissions, send an email to roger.bayod@gmail.com

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