Social Ethics Society

Philosophy in Mindanao is least concerned with carving out a distinctly Filipino identity for philosophy. Such a preoccupation belongs, perhaps, to those who feel that their intellectual traditions remain unrecognized within the broader corpus of knowledge that thinkers before us have cultivated in their enduring search for truth. Mindanao’s philosophical tradition, by contrast, is grounded in lived experience. It draws from the histories and struggles of the Lumad, the aspirations and continuing struggles of the Bangsamoro, and the concrete realities confronting communities across the region.  Its central concern is not to define what makes philosophy Filipino, but to ask what philosophy can contribute to human flourishing in a particular social and historical context. For contemporary academics and scholars in Mindanao, philosophy becomes meaningful when it engages real problems, gives voice to those at the margins, challenges structures that perpetuate injustice, and contributes...

  The future of philosophy in Mindanao lies in its capacity to engage local realities while participating in broader intellectual conversations. Mindanao philosophers must continue developing a philosophy rooted in the region’s diverse cultures, histories, indigenous traditions, and experiences of conflict and peace. Universities can strengthen this tradition through research, publications, conferences, and collaboration among scholars.  Philosophy should also address contemporary concerns such as poverty, environmental destruction, technology, democracy, and social justice. Most importantly, the next generation of philosophers must cultivate critical and creative thinking among students and communities. In this way, Mindanao can continue being a significant anchor of philosophical thought in the Philippines.   The way forward is to follow the path of Fr. Mike Moga, Bro. Karl Gaspar, and Dr. Romulo Bautista, all of whom have engaged with enduring questions and produc...

  The Social Ethics Society and North Valley College successfully held the Mindanao Conference on Public Health last August 3, 2026 at North Valley College, Kidapawan City. Dr. Nima Rezaei of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences gave the Keynote Lecture. He emphasized the important role of scientific researchers in finding treatment to diseases and in achieving human well-being.  Plenary talks were given by Dr. Ian Jay Garampiel of the College of Medicine of the University of Southern Mindanao,  Dr. Rogelio Bayod of North Valley College, and Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc of Ateneo de Davao University. Several papers were presented during the roundtable talks and discussions. Dr. Nima Rezaei also gave a lecture on Immunodeficiencies to the medical sciences students of North Valley College. Faculty and students from USM joined the event. A Memorandum of Understanding was undertaken by the Social Ethics Society and the Universal Science Education Research Network. Dr. Ch...

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Social Ethics Society (SES) and the Universal Science Education Research Network (USERN). Dr. Christopher Ryan Maboloc(SES) and Dr. Nima Rezaei (USERN) signed the agreement during the Mindanao Conference on Public Health at North Valley College on August 3, 2026. Dr. Rogelio Bayod and Dr. Jarel Dave Alpanta witnessed the signing in a ceremony hosted by North Valley College. The Universal Science Education Research Network is an international organization of scientists, academics, and researchers from various scientific fields. The SES is the first professional organization of philosophy teachers and scholars in Mindanao. The MOU will pave the way for future collaborations and opportunities especially for SES members to join USERN-led activities and initiatives, thus expanding the reach of Mindanao-based researchers.