Read more about the COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES (CCCH)

here

Read more about the “Grounding” peacebuilding in Mindanao by Rufa Cagoco-Guiam

here

Read more on Maintaining Security During the Period of Transitions: The Bangsamoro Good Practices by Datuan M. Magon

here

More on the Titayan Symposium Synthesis (Day1)

here

More on the Titayan Workshop Synthesis (Days 2-3)

here

Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) School of Law’s 19 out of 23 first-time takers (82.61%) passed the 2015 Philippine Bar Exam.

ADDU got a high overall passing rate of 73.30% (33 out of 45), with 14 re-takers, compared to the national passing rate of 25.97% (1,731 out of 6,665).

The AdDU School of Law was awarded the fifth top performing law school in the country by the Legal Education Board last December, with an average passing rate of 53.02 per cent. The result was based on the cumulative Bar Exam results of different law schools from 2012 to 2014 as certified by the Office of the Bar Confidante of the Supreme Court.

The passing grade was set at 75%, unlike for the past two years where the Supreme Court lowered the passing rate to 73%.

The following are the AdDU School of Law graduates who passed the Bar Exam:

Kathy Florence Baldonado
Kris Marian Banzon
Julie Merriam Buca
Krisna Samantha Caballero
Jonah Liz Cadiatan
Ruby Ann Calizo
Althea Mae Casador
Karen Bianca Angeli Cezar
Sonny Paul Cirunay
Emman Rey Dapaing
Ian Julius De Castro
John Frederick Derije
Jeziel Estrella
Jessielle Ann Fabian
Donna Marie Flores
Katrina Kris Gabrielle Givero
Forcrissa Gogo
Auda Bea Kahulugan
Norhussein Lauban
John Paul Macababbad
Stephen don Muñez
Rosalie Nuñeza
Joanne Paguidopon
Kristine Mae Quibod
William Angelo Ruyeras
Ibrahim Silongan Jr.
Norberto Sinsona Jr.
Iris Pauline Taganas
Jennidy Tambor
Suzette Tan
Sittie Fahanie Uy
Jessa Ela Velarde
Jennifer Kristine Yanto

The University President, Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, extended his greetings to the passers and the School of Law.

“[Congratulations] Dean [Manuel] Quibod and Law [School] Faculty on 82.6% passing for first timers and 73.3% overall [passing rate] vs. 25.9% national [passing rate]!” Fr. Tabora posted on his personal Twitter account.

By: Samantha Delfin & Noelle Grace Petel

The Cardoner Volunteers is a year-long volunteer service program offered to graduates and faculty members of the Ateneo de Davao University. As part of the over-all social formation track of the university, the program seeks to strengthen the social spirituality of every Atenean, translated into volunteerism and service for and with the marginalized and vulnerable sectors of society. These volunteers will commit themselves for a year (10 months to be exact) of service and will be integrated to partner communities/institutions which has specific set of needs that can hopefully be addressed by the volunteer and the program as a whole. Moreover, it aims to harness holistic growth of volunteers as they encounter a transformative experience through interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

There are two (2) categories of Cardoner Volunteers; the Graduate and Faculty.

(1) Graduate

A graduate refers to a college graduate of the Ateneo de Davao University. Anyone who is preferably 21 years of age or older shall be accepted. An aspiring volunteer should be self-motivated, mature, healthy and willing to undergo a formative encounter. S/he must show interest to grow in the areas of spirituality, social justice, peace, and inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue.

Since this is purely volunteer work, a volunteer will not be compensated but shall modestly be entitled of the following privileges:

i. Monthly Living Allowance (mobility, communication, personal essentials)
ii. Board and lodging courtesy of a foster family and/or institutional billeting
iii. Medical and Accident Insurance Plan to cover the duration of deployment
iv. Basic deployment kit
v. Opportunities for transformative growth thru formative sessions and experiential learning

(2) Faculty

Faculty Volunteers consists of bona fide faculty members of the Ateneo de Davao University regardless of rank, position and employment status. Any faculty who has the heart to do volunteer work and is eagerly interested to share his/her expertise in their own field is welcomed. There are two (2) sub-categories for the Faculty Cardoner Volunteers, the Auxiliary and Full-time.

(2a) Auxiliary

These volunteer faculty members will be organized to act as resource persons and mentors in their own fields of expertise. They are ready to be deployed to assigned areas for several days or assist in the skills enhancement and capacity building of our partner schools/institutions.

An Auxiliary shall modestly be entitled of the following privileges:

i. Honorarium per activity facilitated
ii. Board and lodging in the duration of the service
iii. Transportation
iv. Accident Insurance to cover the entire duration of deployment
v. Corresponding merits to the rank and promotion scheme (Formation, Instruction and Engagement)

(2b) Full Time

These faculty, like the graduate volunteers, shall be deployed for a year of service in any identified areas of deployment. S/he must secure an approval from his/her immediate supervisor to temporarily relinquish his/her current post and be given a consent for a special assignment as a Full-Time Faculty Cardoner Volunteer. The Faculty shall be sent to mission as part of his/her formative program.

A Full-time volunteer shall modestly be entitled of the following privileges:

i. Retention of employment including rank and position upon returning to AdDU after one (1) year of volunteer service.
ii. Monthly cost of living allowance.
iii. Food and Accommodation courtesy of a foster family and/or institutional billeting
iv. Medical and Accident Insurance Plan to cover the duration of deployment
v. Corresponding merits to the rank and promotion scheme (Formation, Instruction and Engagement)

Deployment Areas:

a. Bangsamoro Areas through the Madaris Volunteer Program (see www.teachmadaris.org)
b. Lake Sebu, South Cotabato (Lake Sebu Indigenous Women Weavers Association)
c. Taunggyi, Myanmar (St. Aloysius Gonzaga English Language Institute)

By the Cardoner River, St. Ignatius was moved by a transformative experience where “he sat down for a little while with his face to the river which was running deep. While he was seated there, the eyes of his understanding began to be opened; though he did not see any vision, he understood and knew many things, both spiritual things and matters of faith and learning, and this was with so great an enlightenment that everything seemed new to him. It was as if he were a new man with a new intellect.” It is our hope that those who will join this volunteer program will also encounter this transformative experience, this joy that flows like a raging river, in the active building of friendship and in dialogue through witnessing.

To volunteer or for inquiries kindly contact:

KARL ANTHONY P. EBOL, RSW
Coordinator
Cardoner Volunteers
Arrupe Office of Social Formation
Ateneo de Davao University
E. Jacinto St., Davao City
Tel no. (082) 221-24-11 local 8329-8330
Mobile no. (+63) 917 722 2910 | (+63) 998 580 9800
Email Add kapebol@addu.edu.ph | eboy.karl@gmail.com

Ateneo de Davao University swimming program head Rose Rodriguez is set to train a swim club in Uganda, South Africa.

The swimming coach is off to leave on June 4 and will instruct the swimming team for a year.

A veteran coach at 52, Rodriguez said she was hesitant to accept the job at first, but her passion for coaching and helping others prevailed. 

She stayed at the place for a month, from Feb. 23 to Mar. 23 of this year, to get acquainted with the swimmers and the people.

Rodriguez was a recipient of an international coaching course grant at Leipzig University, Germany, and a scholarship to train with American coaches at Jacksonville, Florida. She was also a member of the national swimming team coaching staff.

By: Jennih Francish L. Serrano

Ateneo de Davao University enters the Top Ten circle again with another topnotcher in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

Maria Lourdes Molina Lopena placed 9th in the March 2016 LET for the Secondary Level after posting an 89.20 percentage mark. She took the exam along with 53,000 graduates of Education last March 2016.

“We are proud of her achievement. She exemplifies the heart of the school for excellence,” University President Fr. Joel E. Tabora said.

Ateneo de Davao also garnered a 96.88 percent passing rate for the LET Secondary Level and 100 percent for the Elementary Level.

By: Samantha Delfin

Community leaders and stakeholders held a ground breaking ceremony for the Tboli Sbú Senior High School (TSSHS) at Barangay Lemdalag, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato last May 16.

Among the notable people present were Rozanno Rufino, DepEd Indigenous People’s Education Director, Crispen Soliven, DepEd South Cotabato Division Schools District Superintendent, Eufemia Faller, Project Manager of Special Projects – IP Education of Ateneo de Davao University, members of the Municipal Tribal Council, and the Barangay and Municipal Local Government Units.

Faller said what made the Nungkul Yóm Gónóen Mdà Tboli Sbú ground breaking ceremony unique was the ritual done along with it.

Karl Sandino Lozano, assistant to the Project Manager of Special Projects – IP Education of the Ateneo, further explained in an interview, the Tbolis call the ritual demsu.

He said the ritual began at daybreak because the belief is that when they do something, they have to start before the sun rises.

“They have set up an altar with a tambara on the side. There was also a hen and a rooster. They strike the soil around the altar with the parts of the kawayan which will be used in the construction of the classrooms. So, they had another way of ground breaking,” Lozano narrated.

Lozano said Datu Benito Blonto, former municipal tribal chieftain, led the ritual along with other male elders. During the ceremony there was also a sharing from the different stakeholders.

“Before we become fully whole, we are from somewhere, we are a part of something. Yes, we are from Mindanao, from Region 12, from a municipality, from a province, from a community and from a tribe. One of the important roles of education is to let the people realize they are part of something, to let the Filipinos know they are a part of a nation that values its culture,” Rufino said.

Rufino also emphasized that the TSSHS is one of the essential instruments that shows what its like to be a Filipino, to value cultural preservation.

There were also cultural and dance presentations from the students and a pledge of commitment from the people in the community.

“Part of the ritual is for everyone to share with the cooked chicken…the ritual ended with a breakfast,” Faller said in an interview.

With the help of the donations from stakeholders, the TSSHS will start to operate with makeshift classrooms made out of bamboos and designed like a traditional Tboli Gnó or house. The construction began last May 24 and is expected to be finished before the class starts on June.

Some members of the Ateneo de Davao University will be assisting on the construction of the make shift classrooms under DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela.

TSSHS is the first indigenous and culture-based Senior High School in the Philippines.

By: Aivy Rose N. Villarba
Photos By: Karl Sandino Lozano

Known for its greening initiatives and the Ecoteneo advocacy, the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) is one of the pioneering academic institutions in the Philippines on energy efficiency and renewable energy through the use of solar power technology.

Dr. Randell U. Espina, the Dean of the University’s School of Engineering and Architecture, initiated the project in 2011, given the looming power crisis in Mindanao beginning 2011.

Espina stressed that it started as a research based project and has been pushed through to implementation because of the unwavering support of the University President, Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J.

Moreover, the solar energy generation project aimed at building the AdDU capacity especially the skills to create, develop and understand the solar energy technology.

Solar power technology

The energy generated from the solar panels complement with the base load power supply received from the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC), the city’s power distributor.

The university currently houses 842 solar panels. AdDU sustainably generates power through the 48 panels (285 watts per panel) at Finster Hall, 394 panels (385 watts per panel) at the Community Center and 400 panels (300 watts per panel) at the Martinez Sports Complex, Matina campus.

On average, the solar-PVs can generate 285.37 kW of power or 520.00 MWh of energy per year.

The solar-PVs can be operated also on a standalone state wherein AdDU can optimally harvest electricity for its own use. However, for a standalone mode, building rewiring or an energy management system is needed.

Dr. Espina explained that the solar panels were designed as a grid-tied system, where the energy generated by the solar panels can be directly used by all energy consuming devices including lights, air conditioning units, computers, and other appliances.

Ateneo’s solar power system includes an inverter with an anti-islanding functionality. The term “anti-islanding” refers to a feature of a grid-tie inverter that shuts itself off when a power outage occurs.

The anti-islanding design, according to Espina, also served as inverter’s protection as it prevents electrical overload.

Advocacy, sustainability and self-sufficiency

With the full implementation of the solar energy project, carbon dioxide production was reduced. By reducing dependency on the base load power distributed by DLPC, AdDU can avoid 358.57 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

Solar-PV does not only collect and generate energy, it also saves the environment through the avoidance of the production of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Aside from advocating for a greener society, the project also seeks to achieve energy sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Espina said the Philippines still imports sources of energy, especially coal, and he wishes one day, “we will no longer need to depend source of electricity from other countries.”

Practical investment

Some believe investing in this kind of technology is expensive but Espina said that the benefits of the solar panels outweigh the cost.

“Most people complain about the high cost of living that is why they want their salaries to be raised. But what they do not realize is that 30% to 40% of their income goes to electricity that includes the cost of actual use of electricity at home plus cost of electricity added to acquired goods and services. Unlike in other countries including Japan and the United States wherein only about 3% to 4% of their income goes to electricity due to their buying capacity,” Espina said.

Even major industries depend on electricity to function and the major cost of goods is also dependent on electricity.

Espina stressed that there is a need to explore other forms of energy, develop a kind of technology to cut the cost and later counter the energy problems.

“In order to be economically stable, we should also ensure the energy and power supply and further bring the energy self-sufficiency and sustainability into the household level,” Espina said.

Renewable energy

The power crisis is still prevalent today that is why alternative or other sources of energy should also be explored.

“We still use non-renewable sources of energy including fossil fuel and coal. These are finite sources and the reserves could diminish in 50 to 100 years. Thus, the price of the electricity would be doubled because of the increased demand and limited supply,” Espina explained.

Espina also stressed that would be better if these so-called ‘dirty technology’ could be totally changed through pushing further research for alternative forms of energy.

“We may explore and generate electricity using solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy (biomass or biogas), and through the human power,” Espina said.

As of present, we should conserve the energy and aim to achieve energy self-sufficiency.

Future plans

The university aims to have more solar power technology projects including the showcasing of the 20 to 25 KW solar tracking system, proposed installation of 180 to 200-kW solar-photovoltaic (PV) at the Finster Hall and proposed development of a solar-PV hybrid technology.

“I have been very interested in energy studies because of my education in the Australian National University. It served as an eye opener for me,” Espina said.

Espina shared, “we can do something about the energy crisis we face today. We could convert research to application.”

Espina also emphasized that there was a risk for the project to fail, but with the full support of Fr. Tabora and as part of the mission of the Ateneo, the use Solar-PV was proven possible as it was already successfully implemented in the university.

Meanwhile, to further boost the environmental awareness of the people of Davao and the neighboring provinces, Ateneo will also hold a two-hour program in one of the radio stations of the Catholic Media Network.

Catch the environmental protection and innovation discussion from 10 am to 12 noon every Monday at DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM starting on June 13.

By: Aivy Rose N. Villarba
Photos By: Alfonso S. Balao

Female athletes from Luzon and Mindanao convened for the 3^rd Ateneo de Davao University Women’s Basketball Invitational slated June 1 to 4, 2016.

Basketball players from the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), Ateneo de Cagayan- Xavier University, Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) and Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) convened at the Martin Hall court for the competition.

DLSU topped the basketball cup after ending the final game with a 23-point lead against AdMU 68-45. HCDC bagged the 3^rd place after beating AdDU 72-56.

Meanwhile, teams from Australia and Dubai have expressed interest in joining next year’s tournament after watching the Facebook live streaming of the championship games, a first in the event’s history.

By: Angel Mae Porras
Photos by: Noe Petel, Dave Daryanani, Coreen Ostan

The Tboli communities, also known as Tagabili, are one of the old indigenous peoples living in South Cotabato. They are usually known for their Tnalak, a piece of cloth made from Abaca fibers, painstakingly dyed and handwoven to reflect an original design – a design which is revealed to the weavers through dreams. That’s why most of the weavers are also known as Dreamweavers. Their Tnalak has already made its name in the global market – thanks to the generosity of some Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and private individuals.

A close encounter with the Tboli communities in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato reveals that more than the novelty of the Tnalak, what makes them special is their great love and pride for their cultural identity. It can be felt in the way they assert and protect their rights through the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) Law and more importantly, it can be seen in their local governance. A spirit of unity, collaboration and openness manifests itself not only during festivities but even in the daily rigors of life.

Perhaps it is this same spirit that inspired the then Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC and Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, President of Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) to agree on a partnership – the establishment of a culturally-sensitive and responsive Senior High School program designed for the Tboli communities in Lake Sebu.

In this partnership, ADDU facilitates the community preparations and all other processes involving the Tboli communities. ADDU also takes the lead in the development of the curriculum and provides technical assistance in the implementation of the program. The Department of Education on the other hand provides all of the program’s administrative, structural, and logistical needs.

Designing a culture-based Senior High School program for the Tboli communities is wrought with passion and sacrifice. It demands a deeper understanding of the Tboli culture, open-mindedness, sensitivity, and a great deal of patience as there is a need to navigate carefully and at some point challenge the paradigm of those in the Department of Education, collaborate with the community and coordinate with the Local Government Unit (LGU).

After about two (2) years of constant dialogue with all the stakeholders, the Tboli Sbù Senior High School (TSSHS) was finally launched on May 19, 2015. It was set to have an advance implementation so as to pilot test the Grade 11 curriculum designed for the Tboli students. The name Tboli Sbù was asserted by the community elders in order to give emphasis to their identity as Tbolis of Lake Sebu since there are also Tboli communities in the municipality of T’boli.

The TSSHS offers the course Sustainable Community Resource Management (SCRM) under the Technical-Vocational Track. It has two (2) specializations: SCRM – Livelihood Management & SCRM – Eco-Tourism. In the Livelihood Management program, students are taught the skills of Tnalak weaving, Loom Weaving & Embroidery, Brasscasting, Woodcarving and Sustainable Crop Production with entrepreneurial and management skills. In the Eco-Tourism program, students are taught environmental conservation vis-a-vis sustainable tourism management and practices. These programs were conceptualized based on the community’s resources, cultural heritage and aspirations. Aside from all these technical skills, the TSSHS also commits to inculcate the six (6) core values identified by the community elders as follows: reverence for the Holy, pride for the culture, respect for the Elders, love for peace, hospitality and passion for learning.

Currently, the TSSHS is now pilot-testing the Grade 12 curriculum where students are already into either of the two specializations. Community Indigenous Knowledge, Systems & Practices (IKSP) Holders, the culture-bearers of the community, are tapped to engage with and hand-down these cultural skills to the young Tboli students.

Central to the whole process of developing this culture-based program is the engagement of the culture-bearers (IKSP Holders) in the community. Although it is a work in progress and is far from perfect, but it is built on their cooperation, collaboration and participation as they find this program the only effective way of maintaining their cultural identity and exercising their self- determination.

The Tboli Sbù Senior High School is not about the Department of Education, nor is it about Ateneo de Davao University, but it is about the Tboli communities of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, asserting their cultural identity and standing up for the whole world to see that they, like their Tnalak, are a people with very strong conviction and aspirations to bring their beautiful culture to the whole country and the world.

By:
Ms. Eufemia Aguelo-Faller
Tboli Sbu SHS Coordinator

Ateneo de Davao School of Business and Governance (SBG) will hold the 4th National Business and Management Conference (NBMC) on July 22 to 23 at the Ateneo de Davao University.

With the theme, “Tackling local, national, and regional challenges through responsible management and sustainable business practices,” students, researchers and professors of Business & Management are enjoined to attend the conference to have a personal experience on sharing of ideas  with other participants on the best business practices. 

The event is organized together with De La Salle University (DLSU) and University of San Carlos (USC) and in collaboration with  the Philippine Academy of Management (PAoM).

The first three legs of the conference were hosted by the University of San Carlos in Cebu City (2013), De La Salle University in Manila (2014) and St. Louis University in Baguio City (2015), respectively.  

For more details and inquiries, interested parties may contact the Ateneo de Davao Center for Business Research & Extension at +63 82 221 2411 local 8355.

The first Filipino-produced film to be shown in the Vatican, Ignacio de Loyola will have its Philippine premiere on July 27.

“The film highlights the dramatic life of a soldier-saint’s conversion from a life of vice and violence, continuing through his near-fatal injury at the Battle of Pamplona, his attempts to turn his life towards the light, his intense struggle with guilt and depression, his trial before the Inquisition, and his ultimate vindication,” said the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Ignacio de Loyola was produced by Jesuit Communications, the media arm of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It was shot primarily in Navarra and the Basque Country in Northern Spain last year.

Special effects and post-production were done in the Philippines. Renowned Filipino composer Ryan Cayabyab created the musical score, which were interpreted by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ateneo Chamber Singers.

In celebration of the Feast of St. Ignatius on July 31, the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) has scheduled block screenings for its students and alumni on July 27 and 28  at the SM City Cinemas in Ecoland, Davao City.

AdDU President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, “requests everyone in the community to join myself, the Jesuit Community, and one another in watching Ignacio de Loyola, produced masterfully by our very own Jesuit Communications (JesCom).”

“Bring your family and friends to be inspired by Ignatius’ enduring saga of courage, hope, and faith,” added Fr. Tabora.

St. Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society of Jesus, a male religious congregation of the Catholic Church. Jesuits, as society members are called, are engaged in evangelization and apostolic ministry in 112 nations on six continents. They work in education, intellectual research, and cultural pursuits. Besides giving retreats and ministering in hospitals and parishes, Jesuits also promote social justice and ecumenical dialogue.

The Philippines is home to 9 Jesuit schools, including Ateneo and Xavier Schools and universities.

Researchers share their work with the University community during the second day of Anthropology Research Presentation. Photos by Ago Tomas.

To provide an opportunity to share the fruits of their work with the University community, the Department of Anthropology and the Ateneo Institute of Anthropology (AIA) conducted a series of research paper presentations at the 7th Floor Finster Hall Boardroom last July 19 and 20.

The two-day affair gave the two bodies an opportunity to share a selection of their combined work with the University community, and more importantly, to benefit from the critical appreciation of academic colleagues and students from other disciplines in the University.

The series of presentations marked the commemoration of Anthropology Month, an annual event which the two bodies wish to institutionalize within the University.

The department has focused on training the next generation of Filipino anthropologists, and the Institute has developed and pursued its research focus on land and resource issues, and the combined efforts of these two bodies provide a synergy that encourages graduate students to engage in ethnographic projects alongside their mentors. They also enabled the faculty to enrich their instructional tasks with the realities of fieldwork.

As a result, the Institute and the Department have completed 9 research projects, within a span of only four years.

Most of these studies have clear implications for policy-making, and have been presented and discussed in various fora— from large-scale conferences to small community meetings.

The paper presentations were organized in terms of themes.  The first day focused on two papers on land and resource tenure and management, the central research agendum of the Institute.  The papers were results of the “Land Access Study on Indigenous Peoples Using Ethnographic Methods“ done in Malita, Davao Occidental, and Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.

The researches were done to provide policy inputs in the further development of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-led community development programs particularly in IP communities.

For the second day, another two papers were presented on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Processes, a theme that grows out of the two bodies of engagement with resource issues, and yet goes beyond it, to embrace other aspects of Philippine culture.

The first paper “Revisiting the Tboli Sbu of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines:  Towards the Development of a Culture-Based Pedagogy and Curriculum for the Tboli Sbù Senior High School“ was a preliminary research done to support the ongoing partnership work on IP education in the area.

The second paper focused on Gender, Land Rights and Participatory Decision-Making, with a case study of the Dulangan Manobo and the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) in the renewal of an Industrial Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) in Sultan Kudarat.

Participants to the two-day presentation included graduate students from Anthropology and Theology (under the Saint Alphonsus Theological and Missiological Institute or SATMI ), friends from civil society, and faculty from the other departments.

The presentations hopefully enriched the University community’s appreciation of, and engagement with emergent and increasingly urgent conversations on peace and social justice, the environment, indigenous peoples’ rights, the concept of federalism, and indeed, the question of what it means to be a Filipino of the 21st century.

The Department of Anthropology and the AIA were both established in 2012, thanks to the vision and support of Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J.

From Left to Right: DENR Secretary Gina Lopez, President Rodrigo Duterte and AdDU President Joel Tabora, SJ., stands before the 4,000 students and members of several civil society groups during the Kasaulogan sa Kinaiyahan, one of the activities of the Oya Mindanaw held at the Martin Hall. Photo by Javin Rubillar.

Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), co-organized together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), hosted the first Mindanao environmental summit dubbed as Oya Mindanaw! State of Mindanao Environment Day last August 4.

Series of environmental protection and conservation activities were done during the gathering. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced Kasaulogan sa Kinaiyahan, an event held at the University’s Martin Hall.

The 1st President from Mindanao island said before the 4,000 students and members from the several civil society groups in attendance, “Let us take care of our nation, we only have one.”

“An island as fragile as Mindanao there will never be a tomorrow for our children,” Duterte said.

Duterte has been a known supporter of the mining ban in Davao, to protect the city from its harmful effects to the environment. He even lauded the members of the city council for coming up with a resolution that effectively legislated the ban.

Moreover, DENR Secretary Regina “Gina” Lopez also engaged into dialogue with the different stakeholders and Indigenous communities in Mindanao during the summit.

During the dialogue, Lopez emphasized the importance of social justice in the region.

“My commitment for Mindanao is social justice. The definition of social justice is that the resources of Mindanao must necessarily be enjoyed by the people of Mindanao,” Lopez said.

The DENR Secretary already suspended mining companies that do not comply with environmental safety standards, in consonance with AdDU’s own advocacy on defending the integrity of creation and protecting our common home.

In one of his columns, AdDU President Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ., said, “as a Jesuit university we are to serve the faith, promote justice…and preserve and protect the environment.”

AdDU also participated in the strategic planning workshop regarding the plans of the DENR for members and representatives of different civil society groups at the Davao Convention Center.

With a president from Davao City, AdDU plays a more vital role in promoting social justice through consensus building and being one of the venues for critical collaboration with the Philippine’s new administration. (ARV)

Watch the Pakighinabi with DENR Secretary Gina Lopez during Oya Mindanaw here.

For more photos during Oya Mindanaw visit the Ateneo de Davao University Gallery here.

Light a candle. Students of the Ateneo de Davao University offer their prayers, as part of the Community Prayer Vigil last September 5, in memory of those who died in the blast at the Roxas Night Market. Photo by Igy Castrillo.

“We, the Salam: Ateneo Muslim Society, the Al Qalam Institute, and the Muslim community of the Ateneo de Davao University condemn the heinous attack at the Roxas Night Market last September 2, 2016, Friday, here in Davao City.

It was a sad and horrifying night for the Davaoeños and for the Philippines.

Fourteen (14) lives lost and more than 60 people injured.

On Saturday morning of September 3, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared a “state of lawless violence” in the Philippines following the deadly explosion in Davao City. The Filipino people, especially the Davaoeños are in a state of fear and grief.

This is the reason why we do and advocate dialogue among and between people of different faiths, ideologies, and cultural traditions. We strongly condemn this bombing attack because violence has no place in this world. Innocent people are victimized in this reign of terror and the future of our generation and generations yet to come are at stake. We, Muslims are tired of hearing terrorist attacks being carried out by inherently violent and ignorant people who hijack our religion.

The Abu Sayyaf Group who claim to be Muslims are not Muslims. What they do is not, in any way, according to Islam. This is not Jihad Fyi Sabilillah. Muslims too are killed by these same radicalized terrorists who show a clear manifestation of ignorance in Islamic teachings. Terrorism and Extremism has no religion.

Allah (SWT) forbids the killing of innocent people. According to the Qur’an, one of the greatest sins is to kill a human being who has committed no fault:

“…If someone kills another person, unless it is in retaliation for someone else or for causing corruption in the earth, it is as if he had murdered all mankind.” —(Surat al-Ma’ida: 32)

Will it take yet another news of a horrifying terrorist attack – supposedly carried out in the name of religion – to remind the world of the violence in our midst?

In this context, we find it impossible to practice tolerance in such forms of violence. We will not tolerate violence in the name of Islam!

We need now to unite ourselves, regardless of our differences, in condemning this act of violence. We join together to eliminate the evil plots of people behind these terroristic acts and the narco-pandemic in the country.

We will fix this country together with our President, to stand by him and to collaborate with him.

Let not this heartbreaking event make us helpless and overpowered.

We are stronger than this singular act of violence against humanity.”

The United Board Fellows Program prepares talented mid-career faculty and administrators for future leadership in their home institutions in Asia.  Candidates are nominated by the top administration of their institutions, based on their accomplishments in leadership, academics and teaching, and potential to assume senior positions.

Each year,  around 20 Fellows are selected from across Asia.  The Program aims to provide an enriching experience in exploring the dynamics of higher education leadership and management.  Fellows will participate in a one-year fellowship which will include a three-week intensive summer institute in the U.S.A., a two- to four-month placement at an Asian higher education institution, and a one-week leadership seminar in Asia.

The United Board – CHED Faculty Scholarship Program gives junior faculty support to pursue post-graduate degree study at the master’s or doctorate levels in any academic fields. The degree program must be taught in English, at a United Board approved institution within Asia. This advanced study will enhance the academic quality of individual scholars and strengthen the academic programs in which they teach.

The United Board and CHED will co-fund the scholarships, to make these advanced degree programs affordable for universities wishing to upgrade their teaching faculty.  Additional support from the sending institutions are welcome and encouraged.

For more information, contact the Academic Vice President (AVP) Office at (082) 2212411 local 8372 to 8383.