Photo by Gabby Balinas

By Carrine Samantha Yem

The School of Business and Governance (SBG) of Ateneo de Davao University organized a symposium dubbed “Engaging the Leaders of Tomorrow” for the Master in Business Administration (MBA) students last 15 July 2017 at the Finster Auditorium, 7/F Finster Hall.

MAREXA Human Resource and Management Head Nelson P. Casiano and Toffee Ang, owner of The Board Room and Lounge and Stre3ts were the speakers of the forum. They discussed motivations of a millennial in a workplace and  millennial and baby boomer management in the workplace.

Casiano stressed the changes and impact that which millennials hold in the workplace today and the importance of aligning with them.

“Making a millennial engage in happier work is easier than you think, communicate early and often, find ways or even find new ways to collaborate and embrace transparency to engage you millennials, love them or hate them, millennials are here to stay,” Casiano said.

Ang, on the other hand, explained onto the histories and perceptions of these generations and how it has created a gap and to work with them in the working field from better communication and willingness to collaborate with one another as a leader in a work force.

“A leader is someone who establishes a clear vision, and then guides their team towards the vision by empowering them and coaching them to greatness,” Ang said.

Followed after the two discussion was an open forum and to end the program a certificate of thanks was given to the two speakers and a raffle for those who made their participation to the event.

Ateneo de Davao Senior High School Director Rikki Enriquez pose for a photo with SHS learners Vanessa Valmoria, Grade 12- HUMMS (left) and Pia Carmina N. Romo Grade 12- STEM (right). Photos from Rikki Enriquez.

By Danica Malle Peña

Senior High School (SHS) learners from the Ateneo de Davao University bagged gold and silver medals during the 2017 World Championship for Performing Arts (WCOPA) at the Long Beach, California, USA last June 28 to July 9.

Competing against more than a hundred performing artists coming from 69 countries all over the world, SHS learners conquered the stage in their own fields of expertise.

Pia Carmina Romo, a grade 12 learner under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand, bagged a gold medal in classical ballet, a silver medal in ethnic dance and was hailed as the 2017 Champion of the World Division Winner in Ballet.

Vanessa Valmoria,  a Grade 12 learner under the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand, won two silver medals in her vocals under categories in rock and gospel and won the industry award signifying that she was able to pass America’s standards of a marketable performer.

“The 6Cs thrust has become my foundation in achieving success,” stated learner-singer Valmoria. 

Both learners said that Ateneo’s core competencies took part in their success.

“The Ateneo core values helped me a lot and made me reach my full potential spiritually and temporally by taking responsibility for who I am and what I want to become,” said Romo.

Valmora then remarked that her competence and commitment was exemplified during and before the competitions. “Compassion, cultural sensitivity, and conscience helped me in building good relationships with my colleagues,” she added.

Valmora and Romo believed that attaining such awards and representing the country was both an honor and a blessing. According to them, they did not only perform for the Philippines, but also for the greater glory of God. Discipline, commitment, focus, and humility along with the 6Cs became their key elements in achieving victory.

By Carrine Samanthan Yem

The Ignatian Spirituality and Formation Office (ISFO) organized  the first Ignatian Conversation for the school year 2017-2018, with the theme “Tool and Environment: Why are you interesting in Social Media?”

Students, faculty, and staff gathered at the Finster Auditorium last July 19 to listen to the Assistant Director for Formation of the Senior High School Father Jessel Gerard “Jboy” M. Gonzales, SJ, the resource speaker of the event. He shared that it was his first time speaking for an Ignatian Conversation.

Fr. Jboy explained the two perspectives of social media: Social Media is a Tool and Social Media as an Environment.

He quoted a tweet from Fr. Rob Rizzo, SJ, a Jesuit brother who is based in Rome, “the Internet isn’t just a communication ‘tool’ to pick up or put down; it’s an environment, a culture.”

Fr. Jboy discussed that there are different aspects to consider when using the  new medium: content of social media being the platform of creativity and communication for people today; place where people post their content,  and the scalable society, the communities that people become a part of in the social media network. 

“Polymedia is the different social points on social media. A person can have more than one network on social media and they also hold the control of who they have in their circle of friends online,” he said.

He then explained how people are ingrained into social media. There is a “new attainment/capacity.” It affects humanity including memory, attention or even relationships. This paves a way to different discoveries on what social media can achieve.

Fr. Jboy also elaborated the seven types of selfies and how each one presents new ways people continue to express themselves and share their lives. This aspect leads towards to the aspect of social media being an “integral part of everyday life”  and understanding the line between reality and virtual.

He stated that “social media is the medium” and in sharing one his photos he quoted, “what happens online also affects the people offline.”

Finally, he shared the perspective of seeing God even in the virtual world and how in diversity people are able to connect with social media through the lens of Ignatius, “Sacramentality”  and “Creative Tension.”

“If you are interesting, then social media calls you, to be authentically you. Social media will call you as an environment, to dialogue with people. Social media will tell you, show your pictures as witnesses of God, of Jesus. Social media can bring us all together,” he said.

“Who is interesting in Social Media? All of us,” Fr. Jboy ended.

Ateneo de Davao Social Work graduates Batch 2017. Photo by Sheryl R. Lopez.

Ateneo de Davao Social Work 2016 and 2017 graduates scored 100 percent passing rate in the 2017 Social Work Licensure Examination.

Ateneo’s passing performance for first timers is 97.14 percent and its overall passing percentage is 94.4 percent, higher than the national passing percentage of 65.8 percent.

The July 2017 Social Workers Licensure Examinations was administered by the Professional Regulatory Board for Social Workers (PRBSW) on July 27-28 at designated testing centers nationwide.

Ateneo de Davao Social Work graduates Batch 2016. Photo by Sheryl R. Lopez.

Batch 2016

Passing Rate:  100% (20/20)

Batch 2017

Passing Rate:  100% (13/13)

Performance Rating for First Timers:    97.14% (34/35)

Over all Passing Performance:  94.4% (34/36)

National Passing Performance:   65.88% (3,951/5,997)

Ateneo Migration Center (AMC), Social Science (SS) Cluster and Social Research Training and Development Office (SRTDO) spearheaded an Indigenous Peoples Exhibit and Research Colloquium last August 7.

Renowned professor. Bro. Carlito M. Gaspar, Ph.D. CSsR, Dean of Studies at St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute, presented his paper entitled, “State of the Indigenous People’s Situation Today in Mindanao: Challenges for Civil Society’s Solidarity Work with Lumads”.

Prof.  Hadji A. Balajadia, MS, Faculty of Psychology Department and Convenor of Bantay Bayanihan shared a paper, “The Indigenous People and the Psyche of Government Agencies: Critical Reflections on the Whole-of-Nation Approach”.

While Dr. Rhodora S. Ranalan (Chair of Languages, Literature, and Arts Department), discussed her paper entitled, “The Return of the Narratives of Ethnicity in the Indigenous Novel”.

The event was also graced by a musical presentation of renditions of Gabriel’s’ Oboe and Paraiso by Fr. Charlie Cenzon, Ateneo de Davao flutist, and composer of Jesuit songs.

Students from the Social Science Cluster, Ateneo Lumad Student Organization (ALSO), Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines (JSWAP-ADDU), faculty, and guests from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and Office of Bai Sudagar were among those who took part in the celebration.
The celebration started with an opening of the Indigenous Peoples Exhibit in Arrupe Hall last August 1, 2017.

The celebration started with an opening of the Indigenous Peoples Exhibit in Arrupe Hall last August 1, 2017. Different indigenous peoples group were highlighted in the exhibit namely: Tagabawa, Mansaka, Sama, Kalagan, Bagobo, Mandaya, and Matigsalog.   The exhibit which ran for two weeks was done in partnership with ALSO.

They organized the event pursuant to Republic Act No. 10689, an act declaring August 9 as National Indigenous Peoples Day. The commemoration added significance as the 10th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8371). The vital role of the indigenous peoples, academe, and government agencies is to pursue laws, regulations, and institutional framework that reflect and address the current socio-economic reality of the Indigenous Peoples.

Senior High School students gather at the Martin Hall during the first day of the 6th Ateneo Fiesta. Photo by Ralph Lavapie.

By Mikhaela Doce

The Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School celebrated the 69th Ateneo Fiesta last August 11-13.

The fiesta started with a mass presided by Fr. Jessel Gerard Gonzales, SJ, Assistant Director for Formation at the Martin Hall.

Day 2

The Performing Arts and Sports highlighted the second day of celebration, with art exhibits, cultural and literary presentations, and a volleyball exhibition game as main attractions for Senior High School students.

In the field of arts, the Sabayang Pagbigkas Competition declared Montserrat Cluster the champion, with Rome and Paris as 1st and 2nd runners up respectively. Rome made a comeback as they impressed in the Komikal Skit Competition, leaving Jerusalem and Salamanca as 1st and 2nd runners up.

Rome once again eclipsed over the others in the Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, an essay writing contest on this year’s theme, followed by Paris and Jerusalem as 1st and 2nd runners up.

Also centered on this year’s theme is Perspectives. Located in the Old Bookstore is an art exhibit of all entries of 93 sections of Senior High regarding this Fiesta’s theme. This time, the Jerusalem Cluster outshone the others, keeping Rome and Barcelona as 1st and 2nd runners up.

Ateneo Superstar, a showcase of dancing, singing, and acting talents, aptly capped the performing arts competitions. The ethnic-themed performance of Rome captivated the audience and judges enough to land them the top spot. Salamanca and Montserrat settled for 1st and 2nd runners up.

For sports, the Ateneo Senior High School Volleyball Team fought off the University of the Immaculate Conception Volleyball Team in their home turf at the 7th Floor of Martin Hall. They domineered the Men’s Volleyball in 2 sets, 25-18, and 26-24. They repeated their feat in the Women’s Volleyball with three sets, 25-27, 25-16, and 25-14.

On another note, this year’s Fiesta showed the heart of the students in “Paghahandog,” an event dedicated to help out and serve the families of a chosen community in Davao City. Pulsong Ateneo, with the class presidents, brought games and a joint lunch celebration inside the F711 and F712 rooms of the Finster Building.  Ang Teatro ng Ateneo also entertained with their presentations.

“I felt happy and grateful. It was quite overwhelming but in a good way. To be able to see the smiles on the children’s faces and knowing that smile was because of us made me feel great,” said Hanna Afable, one of the class presidents.

Day 3

Around 4,000 students jumped and swayed to the beat during the Zumba Fest led by the Senior High School Director, Mr. Rikki Enriquez, and the P.E and Health teachers of SHS right after the religious services, rightly beginning the final day of the celebration with a prayerful but festive spirit.

More students crowded the Thibault and Finster hallways as the Cluster Boodle Fight featured unique food accompanied by performances of each cluster. The Salamanca Cluster proved to be the most creative along with Barcelona and Rome as 1st and 2nd runners up.

Tugtog Bughaw, a showdown of bands, concluded the festivities as representatives of the different clusters performed their renditions of songs from the iconic band, Eraserheads. Rome Cluster rose above the rest, while Salamanca and Barcelona remained fixed at 1st and 2nd runners up respectively.

With their clinching of the last gold, Rome garnered this year’s overall champion title. Montserrat, Barcelona, and Salamanca all tied for 1st runner up, while Jerusalem settled for 2nd Runner Up.

The Fiesta celebration ended with a shindig prepared for the students at the 4/F Martin Hall.

For photos during the Ateneo Senior High School Fiesta celebration, visit the Ateneo de Davao University Gallery.

Photo by Eanna Marie Fernandez

By Aivy Rose N. Villarba

The Ateneo de Davao University organized a Pakighinabi on Intra-religious dialogue with Fr. Felix Körner, SJ, PhD last August 30 at the Finster Auditorium.

Christians, Muslims, and Indigenous peoples listened to the German Jesuit priest as he presented his thesis on How a Faith Tradition Can Rediscover its Unity.

Körner holds a doctorate in Islamic Studies and has spent parts of his life in Muslim majority countries including Syria and Turkey. After his second doctorate in Catholic dogmatics, he was called to the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, an academic institution founded in 1553 by Ignatius of Loyola and now known for its mission to form future leaders of the universal Church from more than 120 countries.

In his opening remarks, University President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ expressed that as Muslims and Christians seek to find their way to closer understanding and respect for each other in the other’s privileged ways of worshipping the one God, both Muslims and Christian are also invited to find deeper insights into various receptions within their particular faith traditions.

“We are invited to notice that before this God of Truth we have no monopoly on truth, and no warrant to monopolize truth, and certainly no need to speak and act as if we were Truth,” he said.

Photo by Eanna Marie Fernandez

How a Faith Tradition Can Rediscover its Unity

“I have spoken out of Christian experience and as a Christian theologian. Grateful for having found many Muslim friends, I might also give some hints at Islam’s own traditions of Muslim–Muslim understanding and unity-in-diversity,” Körner said.

He discussed the Koran’s fundamental intention is to call everyone to conversion to the one and only God. The Koran speaks to free persons, free to take their own life decisions.

Körner said the Koran’s vision of the Muslims is for them to be the “middle community” and thus God’s “witnesses to all human beings” (šuhadāʾ ʿalā n-nās, al-Baqara 2:143).

 Another thesis Körner discussed is that reconciliation requires healing of memory.

“First we are all still carrying wounds in our memories which need healing. Healing of memory means to let our memories find healing,” the lead discussant said.

He added that memory is also the way for the future. Healing of memory means healing by digesting the past. Memory, remembering is important for the process of our healing.

He also shared the method of differentiated consensus between the Protestants and Catholics.

First step is to express a central faith question in wording that is acceptable for both faith traditions. Second, express why they have a different tradition and write down their particular “concerns.” Third is to write again together, declaring that those concerns do not cancel the common formula found at the beginning.

He said a dialogue that follows differentiated consensus will take different rounds until the right expression is found for the common faith formula.

“If we want to reach unity, our greatest faith teachers must come together, too,” Körner said.

Conceptual Clarification of ‘Unity’

In response to Körner’s presentation, Dr. Mansoor Limba, faculty of the Islamic Studies Department and member of the Al Qalam Institute discussed the concept of Islamic unity.

“Unity requires conceptual clarification. Otherwise, we will commit the same fate of the anecdotal four blind men – in the poetry of Hafiz – who claim to know what elephant is, whereas, in reality, each of them only touched an elephant’s body part,” Limba said.

He said Islamic unity may mean any of the three conceptions.

First is homogenization. He said the way to attain the unity of the Muslim ummah (community) is to homogenize all Muslim schools of thought; to unify the Islamic school of thought. The outcome of this approach to unity is takfir or to declare other Muslims as unbelievers (kafir) and, therefore, as apostates (murtaddin) – “whose blood is ought to be shed”.

“Another way to Islamic unity is ‘heterogeneity’ in which people assume that all these Muslim schools of thought are absolutely correct. The outcome of this approach is, in my view, is something that borders on hypocrisy (nifaq),” he said.

Limba shared the third way to achieve unity among the Muslims is the viable and reasonable one. It is proximity or taqrib. Under this conception of unity, there is the attempt at exploring common grounds as guided by mutual recognition and respect among the various Muslim schools of thought.

“Rather than takfir, taqrib is the way to rediscover Muslim unity, and a simple step viable to you and I at this point in time is the endorsement of the Amman Message,” he ended.

Distinguished leaders of Islam in Mindanao, Ulama, Asatidz, Muslim leaders of the civic community, Christian leaders, theologians, academicians, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and students also shared their insights in the latter part of the dialogue.

“Through this dialogue may we in our diversity all come closer to the one God and his peace,” Tabora said.

The Pakighinabi Conversation Series is designed to provide members of the University community a platform to discuss multidisciplinary issues and concerns in an open and friendly manner. It is a project of the Office of the University President.

For more photos from the event, visit the Ateneo de Davao University Gallery.

Neuropsycho Division Chief Julie S. Mama, RP (extreme left) and 1Lt Allan Wadsilang of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion (2nd from right) welcome Fr. Gabriel Jose T. Gonzalez, SJ, Paolo Antonio Jegonia, and Rodge Lelis at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.

By Rogelio P. Lelis, Jr

Troops wounded in the ongoing final assault on the constricted Marawi City stronghold of the Maute Group had been evacuated to the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH) in the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division. The influx of battle casualties on 31 August 2017 prompted the Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services (COPERS) to send a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) mission to CESH.

On 1 September 2017, COPERS gathered a 24-man team of psychologists, counselors, and helping professionals to assist the CESH Nueropsychology Division. The 3-day mission was the seventh and the biggest volunteer contingent COPERS deployed in support of the government troops since the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) issued the 07 June 2017 board resolution appointing COPERS director Dr. Gail Ilagan to head the Task Force for PAP response to the Marawi Crisis. The resolution instructed her to deploy COPERS psychologists and allied helping practitioners to meet the needs not only of the displaced civilians but the soldiers as well. Since June, COPERS has reached over 300 soldiers recuperating in CESH and in the Adventist Medical Center in Iligan City for MHPSS services.

Ilagan, who authored the 2010 book War Wounded to earn her PhD in Clinical Psychology degree, is a firm advocate of the need to provide early trauma-preventive interventions to soldiers who come off intense combat encounters.  Among others, she has worked for the mental health management of the survivors of the 18 October 2011 Albarka encounter as well as with the sniper teams deployed to help quell the Zamboanga siege in 2013.

“Evidence suggests that early MHPSS interventions help prevent the development of adverse and unmanageable sequelae to combat and operational stress reactions, such as dissociative and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. This is why we insist on supporting the military establishment. Also, we would like to avoid soldiers figuring in unnecessary post-combat accidents, such as what apparently caused the unfortunate killing last week of Corporal Rodilo Torres Bartolome in Aurora (in Zamboanga del Sur),” she said.

Soldiers recuperating at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital undergo psychosocial stress debriefing courtesy of a volunteer team sent by the Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services.

Fresh off the Marawi battleground, Bartolome had been looking forward to his homecoming with his loved ones. But the family had changed residence while he was in Marawi. It was just a short time after he had called his wife for directions to their new home when he was fatally gunned down by responding policemen who came to investigate reports from concerned residents about the suspicious behavior of an armed stranger loitering in the vicinity.

“He was apparently disoriented and alone in an unfamiliar place. It might have set off his hypervigilant, battle-ready mode, and that indeed must have looked suspicious to others. It could happen that way. The psychological cost of war can exact its fatal toll on the combatant even after he had already left the battlefield. The combat mode stays with him,” explains Ilagan.

While it is regrettably too late for Bartolome, it is not too late for other soldiers to access MHPSS support. Ilagan observed that the military organization now welcomes psychosocial missions, unlike in the past when stigma surrounded the soldiers’ experience of combat stress. Ilagan is working closely with the Office of the Army Gender and Development (OAGAD) to establish an effective referral mechanism for the MHPSS provision to Marawi troops.

Team Leaders Dr. Joey Jegonia and Rodge Lelis confer with 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division commander BGen. Ronald Villanueva prior to exit from CESH.

This latest COPERS deployment in support of the wounded-in-action (WIA) was able to serve 107 troops for stress debriefing, psychosocial support, risk assessment, and individual counseling on grief, physical disability, and trauma issues. Serving on the team were Dr. Joey Jegonia, Fr. Gabriel Jose T. Gonzalez, Dr. Ruel Billones, Luel May Contreras, Rodge Lelis, Jerson Trocio, Alex Montojo, Monna Sawan, Cheene Manalo, Paolo Suelto, John Raymond dela Pena, spouses Elmer and Christine Menor, Marz Solidum, Samantha Moral, Paolo Jegonia, Ralph Elusfa, Thomas Kellenberger, and six volunteers from the Xavier University Department of Psychology.

First Lieutenant Allan Wadsilang, commander of the 6th Scout Ranger “The Cutting Edge” Company, whose troops were among those served by the team, expressed his gratitude for COPERS’ assistance. He observed that stress debriefing and counseling by civilian experts help his troops recalibrate mindset to focus on their mission with renewed commitment.

“Mas maipalabas namin ang aming saluobin. Nakakagaan. Sobra-sobra ang suporta ng COPERS. Di na kami makakabayad ng utang. Pero gagantihan namin ng ibayong lakas para ipaglaban ang ating bayan (We can disclose more fully. It feels lighter. COPERS’ support has been overwhelming. We can’t pay them back enough, but we will definitely give back with more resolve in fighting for our country),” he said.

Wadsilang is among the young commanders who recognize the importance of mental health support for soldiers.

As part of its emergency response to the Marawi crisis that erupted on 23 May 2017, the Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services (COPERS) mounted the “Hearts for Marawi” fundraiser in July 2017. Donors were given cardboard hearts where they could write their message of support to the beneficiaries among the displaced children who were staying in home-based and non-formal evacuation centers. Spearheaded by AB Psychology senior Rey Jan Pusta, the project was instrumental in putting together over 2,000 school kits that were used by COPERS and its local partners in conducting therapeutic art sessions in Iligan City and affected municipalities in Lanao del Sur.

Spearheaded by AB Psychology senior Rey Jan Pusta, the project was instrumental in putting together over 2,000 school kits that were used by COPERS and its local partners in conducting therapeutic art sessions in Iligan City and affected municipalities in Lanao del Sur.

In August, about 20,000 displaced schoolchildren from Marawi were accepted to attend school in places where they are temporarily staying. The integration has not been easy for many of them. Many public schools in particular already lacked facilities to cater to their homegrown student body, and the additional registrants contributed to heavy workload, crowded conditions, and a general scarcity of educational resources. In some schools, COPERS sensed intercultural tensions simmering below the surface, lending a not-so-welcoming environment for the displaced children.

COPERS engaged schools that accepted the IDPs and redirected its training of local resources to focus psychosocial processing at encouraging harmony in diversity. COPERS generated psychosocial processing resources that are age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and peace-centered.

Among these, COPERS recently released a coloring book developed in collaboration with Maranao youth volunteers and the Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS). The resource was designed to instill the values of multiculturalism, pakikipagkapwa, connectedness, and optimism. It is our hope that every school-aged child displaced from Marawi could be reached for psychosocial processing initiated by his engagement of the coloring book’s storyline.

COPERS is inviting the University community to take part in this endeavor to realize the University’s Mission to engage in vibrant community service by sponsoring the printing of this resource intended to facilitate the healthy adjustment of displaced children in their host schools. Dubbed Peace in Our Hearts, the coloring book costs P100 each. COPERS accepts Hearts for Marawi Part II donations through accomplished Office Budget Transfer Form made out to COPERS DCB. Those who prefer to shell out cash will be issued official receipts at D204/206.

For further details, please call (082) 221-24-11 loc 8273 or 8351.

The Ateneo de Davao University will be conducting a Faculty Inductee Exposure Program (IndEX) on 16-26 October 2017 at Barangay Klubi, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

The faculty inductees will be with the Lake Sebu Indigenous Weaver’s Association Inc. (LASIWWAI),  a non-profit community-based organization composed of 85 weavers. The organization promotes IKAT weaving, not only as a source of livelihood for indigenous women but also as an integral part of their indigenous culture. Its vision is to empower all Tnalak weavers through initiatives in education, peacebuilding, multi-culturalism and poverty reduction.

The IndEx is the first of a series of social formation experiences which initiates a journey towards mature social engagement, for greater service to the vulnerable and marginalized. It appropriates two very important components in Social Formation: the formative sessions and the transformative immersion or “encounter” experiences.

This year’s theme echoes the direction in the University Strategic Plan which urges the formation of the Ateneo Sui Generis Leaders to embrace a way of proceeding that seeks to build a community working for social justice and the common good.

The Arrupe Office of Social Formation, under the Ignatian Spirituality and Formation Office, hopes that the IndEX 2017 will nurture the participant’s social consciences, ignite their passion for the vision of the Kingdom of God, and inspire them to become committed collaborators with the Society of Jesus in the promotion of Faith that does Justice.

(1) In compliance with CHED Memorandum Order No. 63, Series of 2017 on the “Policies and Guidelines on Local Off-Campus Activities” and in anticipation of various off-campus student activities, the OSA will be requiring a NOTARIZED General Parents Consent at the start of every semester or summer classes. The same should be submitted upon ID validation.

The usual Parents Consent (Blue Form) will still be required on a per activity basis.

For processing of the Notarized Parents Consent, kindly follow the the instructions indicated in your SIS.

(2) The ID Validation for the second semester is until 11 November 2017, Late validation is considered an offense.

All Students are enjoined to have their IDs validated on time to avoid any inconvenience and possible repercussions.

For the guidance of all concerned.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through its Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (ECPPC), has conferred the Gawad Panglilingkod Award to Dr. Gail Tan-Ilagan, Director of the Ateneo de Davao University Center for Psychological Extension and Research Services (COPERS). The award was presented during the 30th Prison Awareness Sunday last 29 October.

In a letter from ECPPC Chairman Bishop Pedro D. Arigo, D.D., the award was given to Dr. Ilagan for being “one of the few who had responded to the call to build God’s Kingdom in prison.” Dr. Ilagan was recommended by Fr. Dominic R. Librea, DM for the award because of her services to the prisoners through the ministry.

The CBCP gives the award to people and groups that have done exemplary and valuable work in the prison ministry.

MCET participants after the culminating program.

By Michael Aaron Gomez

The Madaris Volunteer Program (MVP) held its third annual Midyear Capability Enhancement Training (MCET) at the Ateneo de Davao University last 24-28 October 2017.

Madaris Volunteers, madrasah administrators, and organic teachers from the MVP’s twelve (12) partner-madaris participated in the training. The MCET—composed of lectures, discussions, and structured learning exercises—is designed to sustain and reflect the MVP’s efforts in enabling its partner-madaris to collaborate fully in the mission of building peace through education.

Two different training programs compose the 2017 MCET: Compassion in the Classroom: A Training Workshop for Madaris Teachers, held at the Multipurpose Room in the Miguel Pro Learning Center; and Building School Communities Together: A Capacity Enhancement Training for School Administrators, held at the Conference Room C-1 in the Ricci Hall.

Madaris administrators have their meeting with ADDU President Fr. Joel Tabora.

At Compassion in the Classroom, Dr. Gina Lamzon of the Ateneo de Davao University School of Arts and Sciences (AdDU-SAS) delivered a lecture intended to help instill the values of dignity and self-worth, as well as to enable the development of positive relationships among the madaris teachers, amid the effects of personal alienation.

Meanwhile, at Building School Communities Together, Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, President of the Ateneo de Davao University, delivered a lecture that used his personal experience—his journey—as an educational leader to help guide the madrasah administrator participants in their own tenures as leaders of their own schools. Ateneo de Davao University Vice President for Finance

Jimmy Delgado also gave out tips on financial management and fundraising to the administrators in his own lecture.

Albert Hadjihil, President of the Hadji Ali Baganian Memorial School, said he learned about finance, how they might be able to acquire funds, like grants that could contribute to the development of their schools especially the madaris.

Madaris teachers discuss with themselves during a structured learning exercise.

“Kapartner po namin yung Madaris Volunteer Program na pinangungunahan ng Ateneo de Davao University, kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga programa nila na kung saan ay hinahanap talaga kung ano yung nakakabuti at yung appropriate na mga training para sa amin para yung aming paaralan ay magkaroon ng tamang track ng edukasyon (We are partnered with the MVP led by the Ateneo de Davao University—we thank them for all their programs that really look for the best and most appropriate training for us, so that our schools could build the right track of education),” he said.

Guiahara Daud, principal of Iqra Academy shared that the workshops are very good activities or learnings for them to apply when they go back to their stations.

“We will apply it to our teachers, then the teachers to their pupils,” she said.

The Madaris Volunteer Program (MVP) is a collaborative initiative of the Ateneo de Davao University with the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) for the promotion of inter- and intra-faith dialogue through immersion. It is implemented in strategic partnership with the National Association of Bangsamoro Education, Inc. (NABEi) and the Regional Government of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).  

Members of the Hangad Music Ministry and Ateneo de Davao University SubDominant7 pose for a photo after the  Maging Daluyan ng Kapayapaan Concert last 18 November 2017 at the Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel, Ateneo de Davao University. Photo by Aivy Rose N. Villarba.

By Michael Aaron Gomez

The Ateneo de Davao University and the Hangad Music Ministry conducted a choral workshop and a benefit concert dubbed as Maging Daluyan ng Kapayapaan last 18 November 2017 at the Finster Auditorium and the Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel, respectively.

Students, parish choir members, and choral enthusiasts from Davao City and those from as far as Cagayan de Oro City attended the choral workshop. Maging Daluyan ng Kapayapaan featured performances from the Hangad Music Ministry and the SubDominant7, official college chapel choir of Ateneo de Davao University, and Mr. Jay Gomez, flutist of the Jesuit Music Ministry.

Daluyan was organized to help raise funds to support the activities of the Madaris Volunteer Program (MVP), a ten-month service program where volunteers would are exposed to a cultural immersion as teachers in Bangsamoro areas.

The Hangad Music Ministry performed worship songs Panunumpa and Paghahandog composed by Fr. Jessel Gerard “JBoy” Gonzales, S.J., as well as Awit ng Paghahangad composed by Fr. Charlie Cenzon, S.J.

Testimonials from the Madaris Volunteers were shown during the concert. They described their observations and experiences of Bangsamoro areas, particularly the school environment.

Former Madaris Volunteer and current MVP coordinator, Johdem Torayno shared he chose to stay in the program because of the compassion that he felt for the Bangsamoro people.

“I decided to stay to extend my help to the other communities,” he said.

Current Madaris Volunteer Regin Ruis Oliveros described it is a good experience to help the schools in the Bangsamoro.

“Bilang isang tao na galing Luzon, [may] lack of knowledge kung ano yung nangyayari sa Mindanao (As a person from Luzon, I am not really aware what is really happening in Mindanao),” Oliveros said.

He added it is through his volunteer experience that he saw and experienced what the people in the community are truly going through.

Harris Tanjili, MVP Coordinator, also explained the program serves as a connection between Muslims and Christians not only in education but in other aspects of life.

Salaam Movement Program Manager Althea Esmael said, “MVP is a program of compassion, where our volunteers and the members of the Bangsamoro communities witness how people can reconcile their differences and develop tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of cultural and religious diversity.” (Read her full speech here.)

The Hangad Music Ministry was formed in 1991 by a group of young professionals and students who shared a common desire (or “hangad”) to “know God; and helping others know God, through song.” They have recorded seven albums and produced four music videos with the help of the Jesuit Communications Foundation, as well as other performances around the Philippines and in the United States.

The Madaris Volunteer Program (MVP) is a collaborative initiative of the Ateneo de Davao University with the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) for the promotion of inter- and intra-faith dialogue through immersion. It is implemented in strategic partnership with the National Association of Bangsamoro Education, Inc. (NABEi) and the Regional Government of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

By Romulo Vinci R. Bueza

In 2016, the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus formally adopted its new roadmap committing itself to a “more strategic, creative, collaborative, dialogical, and effective apostolic work for peace in Mindanao, and for its sustainable and inclusive development and, specifically, for communities in the peripheries or margins in Mindanao.” The Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), as a Jesuit University already working with and in the peripheries of Southern Mindanao, welcomed this new direction of the Province as an acknowledgment of its own works in Mindanao and the confirmation of its own institutional Vision and Mission (VM) on the Province level.

The Ateneo de Davao University’s VM is strongly anchored on the university’s Mindanawon identity. It is first missioned to develop “communities of peace” especially as these may develop from “the promotion of faith that does justice,” “cultural sensitivity and transformation,” “inter-religious dialogue, especially with the Muslim and Lumad communities of Mindanao.” Second, as a response to Mindanao’s relatively severe poverty, ADDU is missioned to promote “the creation of wealth and its equitable distribution” especially in among the most vulnerable communities in Mindanao. Third, ADDU is missioned to engage “vigorously in environmental protection, the preservation of biodiversity, and the promotion of renewable energy” taking into consideration the vast natural wealth and wonders of Mindanao and Sulu. Finally, ADDU appropriates “the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola” and so “excels in the formation of leaders for the Philippine Church and society, especially for Mindanao”. This means that the areas on which the Philippine Jesuits are now directing their energies and resources are the habitual areas of concern of the ADDU from its own communally discerned self-understanding and mission.

Since the promulgation of the Roadmap in 2016, the ADDU has implemented and initiated several programs in support of the roadmap’s areas of engagement. Some of these are: the Madaris Volunteer Program, the Tboli Sbù Senior High School, the Salaām Youth Movement, the Mindanao Peace Games, the Bitiala sa Maguindanao, and works in Islamic Microfinance.

Students from the partner schools of the Madaris Volunteer Program huddle during one of their sessions in the Compassionate Leadership Training conducted 17-21 September 2017 at Eden Nature Park and Resort.

Madaris Volunteer Program

The Madaris Volunteer Program (MVP) is a collaborative initiative of the Ateneo de Davao University with the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) for the promotion of inter- and intra-faith dialogue through immersion. It is implemented in strategic partnership with the National Association of Bangsamoro Education Inc. (NABEi) and the Regional Government of ARMM.

Currently, the program has 12 partner madaris (Islamic schools, pl. of madrasa) in Cotabato City, Lamitan City, and Maguindanao province catering to students from underprivileged communities. Madaris are schools that teach Arabic Language, Qur’an, and Islamic Values. The program specifically partners with private “Pilot Madaris” which are privately-run schools that teach both traditional Madaris curriculum and Department of Education (DepEd) curriculum. Its motto, “Peacebuilding Through Education,” resonates with the Philippine Province’s commitment to channel effective apostolic work for sustainable and inclusive peace in Mindanao specifically in the Bangsamoro.

As a volunteer service program, it is dedicated to an active “apostolate of presence”. Madaris Volunteers act as teachers in selected pilot madaris in the Bangsamoro. They teach DepEd-mandated subjects and share their personal experience of Muslim homes and communities in the Philippines to promote and increase insight into, understanding of, and solidarity with Filipino Muslim individuals, families and communities.

Since its inauguration in 2015, there have been 29 Madaris Volunteers from various universities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It is also interesting to note that Madaris Volunteers come from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds which greatly enriches the intercultural and interreligious dialogue with their host families and communities. Currently, there are ten deployed Madaris Volunteers in Talayan, Datu Paglas, Guindulungan, Sultan Kudarat, Datu Piang, Lamitan City, and Cotabato City.

In line with its mission to assist in improving the quality of education in the Bangsamoro, the Madaris Volunteer Program also spearheads capability enhancement training for its partner madaris. The program facilitates training, seminars, and workshops necessitated by the current collective and individual needs of partner madaris. These capability enhancement trainings aim to empower partner madaris in their capability to facilitate learning, to design strategies for their schools, and to administer their learning institutions. They are facilitated in partnership with various offices and organizations of the Ateneo de Davao University as well as other CEAP-member schools.

On January 12 to 17, 2017, a third-party consultant evaluated seven selected partner schools of the Madaris Volunteer Program (MVP). Results of the assessment showed that the Madaris Volunteer Program was able to achieve its objectives according to its motto of “Peacebuilding through Education” and was able to create new channels for inter-religious dialogue between Bangsamoro and Catholic schools. Specifically, themes identified were that the MVP enhanced the reputation of partner madaris resulting in increased enrollees, upgraded the skills of administrators and faculty members, changed perspectives on Moro and non-Moro relations, and enabled fresh positive experiences for the pupils.

The first graduates of the Tboli Sbù Senior High School (TSSHS) pose for a photo during their graduation last 5 April 2017 at Barangay Lamdalag, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Thirty-six (36) Tboli students graduated from the school’s special senior high school program for Sustainable Community Resource Development. TSSHS is a collaborative initiative of Ateneo de Davao University and the Department of Education. Photo by Eanna Fernandez.

Tboli Sbù Senior High School

In 2013, then Secretary Br. Armin Luistro of the DepEd visited Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, to inaugurate the kindergarten school of the Lake Sebu Indigenous Women Weaver’s Association Inc. in Barangay Klubi. During that same visit, perhaps inspired by the overwhelming possibilities waiting to be realized in Lake Sebu, he asked Fr. Joel Tabora, president of the Ateneo de Davao University, to help in the development of a culturally appropriate and sensitive curriculum for Senior High School in Lake Sebu. It was envisioned to not just be a regular Senior High School, but a school co-owned by the community and animated by the culture, ideals, and values of the Tboli people.

In this public-private partnership for education, the Ateneo de Davao University facilitated the community preparations and all other processes involving the Tboli communities. It has also taken the lead in the development of the curriculum and provided technical assistance in the implementation of the program. The Department of Education, on the other hand, provided all of the program’s administrative, structural, and logistical needs. After about two years of constant dialogue with all the stakeholders, the Tboli Sbù Senior High School (TSSHS) was finally launched on May 19, 2015. 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, Brass casting, 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.

The Tboli Sbù Senior High School (TSSHS) celebrated its first graduation ceremony on 5 April 2017 at its campus at barangay Lamdalag, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. A total of thirty-six (36) Tboli students graduated from the school’s special senior high school program for Sustainable Community Resource Development. The graduates were also given National Certificates by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) during their graduation.

Salaām Youth Movement

The Salaam Youth Movement is a Mindanao-wide movement for peace, advanced under the auspices of the Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia (an institute of the ADDU). It aims to promote unity in diversity in the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive peace in Mindanao. On the one hand, the movement aims to help young Muslims come to such a deep understanding of their Islamic faith that they are challenged to live radically in Philippine society. (“Radically,” meaning deeply rooted in finding and doing the will of Allah.) On the other hand, it also reaffirms the mutual understanding, respect and in-depth acknowledgment of people from other faith traditions, which constitutes an important dimension of a culture of peace.

The Salaam Youth Movement is, in a sense, a kind of religious militancy but instead of extreme violence, the goal is toward “radical peace,” a jihad for God’s peace. The young peacebuilders of the movement aim to build upon the notion of “just peace” to develop a comprehensive approach to addressing the multiple forms of violence in Mindanao, seeking not only to counter the influence of violent religious extremists but ultimately to win the internal argument within each religious tradition.

Several leadership youth camps, dialogues, and fora have been conducted in different cities and provinces in Mindanao since the launching of the movement on 28 November 2016.  One of these major fora was conducted on 27 February 2017 in Xavier University where issues on countering violent extremism were discussed and a stronger commitment to peace and youth participation were expressed by the student participants. A 2-day Salaam Youth Camp, gathering a thousand students and out-of-school youth from the different universities, colleges, madaris, and high schools of Mindanao, is currently in the pipeline.

Bitiala sa Maguindanao

The Bitiala sa Maguindanao is a series of informal roundtable discussions conducted in the communities of Mindanao on pressing issues concerning the Islamic faith and the Muslim communities of the province. “Bitiala” is a Maguindanaon word which means “a conversation wherein several parties are sitting down, talking and listening to one another in order to find a common ground and to engage into something for the common good of the community.”

The series aims to provide space and forum to initiate conversations among Maguindanaon traditional leaders and young Moro intellectuals where they can openly share their perspectives and insights on how to engage in the Bangsamoro peace process and to enhance the culture of dialogue and cultural discourse in this part of Mindanao.

Since its first run in November 2015, it has gathered Muslim leaders and intellectuals to discuss pressing issues in the ummah (community).  The first ever bitiala was participated in by traditional leaders and NGOs/CSOs from Maguindanao to discuss the idea of defining/redefining the Bangsamoro identity. The lead discussant for the first bitiala was Prof. Alih Ayoub of the Ulama Council of the Philippines.  Early this year, the bitiala was graced by no less than Mufti Abu Hurairah Udasan to lead the discussion. Mufti Udasan is the Grand Mufti of the Bangsamoro (MILF areas). He discussed the “essence of Islam in peacebuilding”. Other topics discussed included: Reflections on the September 2, 2016 Davao City Bombing; The Amman Message on Intrafaith Dialogue; The Role of the Muslim Youth; and Reflections on the Marawi Siege.

Atty. Maria Rosalie Richa A.Taguian (SHFC Legal and VisMin Group Vice President ), Ma. Ana Oliveros (SHFC President ), Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J. (Ateneo de Davao University President ), Datu Mussolini S. Lidasan (Al Qalam Institute Executive Director), and participants pose for a photo during the Memorandum of Understanding signing between Ateneo de Davao University and Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) last 20 February 2017. The Ateneo de Davao University and the Social Housing Finance Corporation have formalized its partnership to respond to the need for innovative and affordable housing solutions for the less fortunate Muslim communities. Photo by Aivy Rose Villarba.

Initiatives in Islamic Finance

The Al Qalam Institute of ADDU is also engaged in research and implementation of various Islamic financing models to help partner communities create Sharia-based business models and mechanisms for socio-cultural development. These initiatives include: research and development of Islamic business financing; creation of Sharia-based Islamic Finance with partner communities; creation of a Sharia-board in communities; and halal business promotion with the Department of Trade and Industry. It has also completed an action-research on creating workable social enterprises that focuses on peace-building in Mindanao and incorporating Sharia principles on financial transactions.

One of the initiatives of the Al Qalam Institute on Islamic Finance is a partnership with the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) in developing a culturally-sensitive housing finance plan for Filipino Muslims in Zamboanga City. The recipients of the housing project are victims of the 2013 Zamboanga siege. Al Qalam Institute conducted the social preparation for the communities and prepared the Sharia-compliant engineering and design of the houses. Since Sharia-compliance does not only involve the Islamic architecture of the houses, Al Qalam Institute also designed a riba-free (or interest-free) financing plan that will fund the housing projects. As a symbol for the turnover of the Shariah-compliant financing plan, Php 10M worth of checks were awarded to homeowners last February 17, 2016, at Pampang, Zamboanga City.

Mindanao Peace Games

One of the exciting suggestions that became part of the Jesuit Roadmap was the idea of using sports in Mindanao to promote peace. It was an idea as old as the Olympics: the idea that warring nations could cease their hostilities to allow peoples of diverse origins to come together in sports competition. The Mindanao Peace Games (MPG) was created to promote inter-university, inter-religious, inter-cultural, and inter-personal contact through sports — a sports organization in Mindanao that would promote personal interaction and friendships for life, encouraging dialogue towards a shared common good in Mindanao.

The first MPG was launched at Xavier University with 400 delegates from 13 teams in High School and College. It was participated in by Ateneo de Davao University (Davao), Fr. Saturnino Urios University (Butuan), Mindanao State University (Marawi), Holy Trinity College (General Santos), Holy Cross of Davao College (Davao), Ateneo de Zamboanga University (Zamboanga), Xavier University (Cagayan de Oro), La Salle University (Ozamis), St. Joseph Institute of Technology (Butuan), St. Theresa College (Tandag), St. Vincent College (Dipolog), Assumption College of Davao, and Philippine Women’s College (Davao). In its second year, two new schools joined – the Muslim school of Datu Ibrahim Paglas Memorial College (Datu Paglas, Maguindanao), and the Sebucal Integrated School (a Lumadschool in Oroquieta).

The 3rd Peace Games was conducted in Davao City from 24 to 28 October 2017 gathering close to 600 athletes and coaches from the 14 member schools of the MPG.

A Social Project in Southern Mindanao

The Ateneo de Davao University seeks to be a true social project – a university working “to insert itself into a society, not just to train professionals, but in order to become a cultural force advocating and promoting truth, virtue, development, and peace in that society” (Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, 2010 Jesuit Higher Education Summit). It is with that idea in mind that it pursues these programs and initiatives ultimately toward a Mindanao blessed by durable peace.  With God’s grace, it is ADDU’s hope that its contributions to the Roadmap may help to transition from yesterday’s injustice, war, and poverty to tomorrow’s justice, peace, and prosperity – not only in Mindanao and Sulu but in the entire Philippines.

By Michael Gomez

Ateneo de Davao University anticipates this year’s Christmas Day celebration by honoring the Catholic tradition of celebrating the Simbang Gabi. It will start tomorrow, 16 December 2017, 4:30 am at the Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel. This nine-day series of dawn masses will continue until 24 December. The University will also celebrate its Christmas Eve Mass on 24 December, 8:00 p.m. at the same venue.

The masses will also be live-streamed at the Ateneo de Davao University Official Page.

Students, faculty members, and staff are invited join the celebration. Join the University Community also as we hope and pray for a renewal of our faith and for a renewal of our zeal to serve fully our brothers and sisters in Mindanao.

Ateneo de Davao University, through the Center for Politics and International Affairs (CPIA) Director Neil Ryan Pancho, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sun Yat-sen University (Kaohsiung, Taiwan), through Dr. Hung-Jeng Tsai, Director of Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS). The MOU covers joint projects and activities between universities and centers.

Ateneo de Davao University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Sun Yat-Sen University (NSYSU) at the International Hall of the Ambassador Hotel Kaohsiung in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan last 3 December 2017.

Ateneo de Davao University Center for Politics and International Affairs (CPIA) Director Neil Ryan Pancho, represented the University at the signing. Dr. Hung-Jeng Tsai represented the NSYSU Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS).

The MOU marked the beginning of the mutual relationship between the CPIA and the CSEAS. The two organizations and their respective universities agreed to develop academic and educational cooperation and promote mutual understanding.

The MOU also set the agreement to conduct collaborative activities in academic areas of mutual interest on the basis of equality, reciprocity, professionalism, and integrity. This is done through research exchange, student exchange, collaborative research projects and publication, lectures, symposia, conferences and research presentations, publications and academic materials exchange.

CSEAS aims to advance the academic cooperation among Southeast Asian universities, the National Sun Yat-Sen University, and other Taiwanese academic institutions. It also intends to develop projects based on Southern Taiwan-Southeast Asian “understanding and cooperation,” eco-friendly industrial development, and Taiwanese-Southeast Asian exchange of talent and technology.

The Center for Southeast Asian Studies was established in view of the Taiwanese government’s 2016 New Southbound Policy and is also supported by the city government of Kaohsiung.