The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) welcomed about sixty student delegates and school administrators from schools in both the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China in the morning of Sunday, 21 October 2018, at the Jacinto campus, as part of the China-Philippines Friendship Tour organized by the Chinese and Philippine consulates. On the Mindanao leg of this tour, the consulates chose AdDU as a school tour stop. Among the Chinese schools represented in the tour are Fujian Medical University, the Fujian University of Traditional Medicine, the Fujian University of Technology, and the Shangqiu Normal University.

Welcoming the delegates to the campus was University President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J., who noted the history behind diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, beginning with the history of the Philippines under colonization by the Spanish and the Americans.  ‘Top leaders from the Philippines and China have exchanged visits,” Fr. Tabora said. “There is a host of bilateral agreements that leads to better relationships, cooperation between our countries—these include scientific and technological cooperation, civil aviation and transportation, cooperation on information technology, cooperation against illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, tourism cooperation, and the like.” Following this welcome was Assistant to the President for External Affairs Mr. Romulo Vinci Bueza, who also doubled as that day’s lead tour guide. He gave a short background on Mindanao, dispelling the narrative of danger and unrest, as well as introduced the University and the mission work the Jesuits have engaged and continue to engage in for Mindanao.

The delegates toured the campus, guided by Mr. Bueza and other student tour guides. They visited the Community Center of the First Companions, the new swimming pool, the Martin Hall, the Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel, the Arrupe Hall, the Laudato Si, and the Gazebo. Alongside the tour, the student guides gave the delegates short backgrounds and histories of each stop. After the tour, they went to the Arrupe Hall to partake in a short brunch of native fruits and local delicacies, including durian; mangosteen; and pomelo, as well as palitaw; empanada; and turon. The delegates proceeded to lunch, and to the next part of their tour.

From the Mindanao leg of the Friendship Tour, the student-participants and school administrators will proceed to visit sites in Cebu and Metro Manila, before proceeding to visit sites in China.

The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) congratulates Mr. Erick Jan Sagot, an alumnus of the Accountancy Division of the School of Business and Governance (SBG), for placing 2^nd at the 2018 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examinations (CPALE), garnering a rating of 91.17%. Mr. Sagot joins the other 100 new CPAs from the University, whose results combined for a passing rate of 56.98%, compared to the national passing rate of 25.18%.

At a press conference held with Davao media at the TV Studio at the Institutional Communications and Promotions Office (ICOMMP), at the 3^rd Floor of the Community Center of the First Companions, Jacinto campus, Mr. Sagot credited his study ethic and mental preparation as reasons for his success. “The exam is not all about kung unsa lang ang matun-an,” he said. “The exam is also about mental endurance and being prepared spiritually, emotionally, and physically.” He added, “It is not just a battle of luck and wit, but a battle with yourself during the exam—more than academic preparation, kailangan i-compose ang self and keep yourself sane.”

Joining Mr. Sagot at the press conference was AdDU Executive Vice President Jeremy S. Eliab; SBG Dean Jenner Y. Chan; and Chairperson of the Accountancy Division Leopoldo D. Medina. “Siguro ang pinakadahilan kung bakit we produce excellent graduates, na topnotcher material, is yung training talaga since first year,” Mr. Medina said, when asked what it was about the Accountancy program that has enabled it to produce topnotchers nearly every year. Mr. Medina also mentioned that since 2009, the University has been producing CPA topnotchers. “During the first year, talagang intensive training na talaga,” he added, “in terms of problem solving, reading and understanding the concept…importante din ‘yung person of excellence talaga, ‘yung magis, talagang ‘yun ang na-instill sa mga minds nila.”

“It is our tradition to commit ourselves to deliver excellent instruction particularly here in Davao and Mindanao,” Dr. Chan said, when asked for comment. “With the success of Mr. Sagot, we also share this with Davao and Mindanao.” For his part, Mr. Eliab noted the mission of the University as a Jesuit, Catholic, and Filipino educational institution. “We really maintain our standards,” he said. “We won’t apologize, and we will never apologize for our standards. It’s difficult, but it will really have fruits in the future, especially for future leaders in Mindanao.”

Based on the results of the 2018 CPALE, the University has produced the highest number of passers in Visayas and Mindanao; and among the schools with at least 50 examinees, the University has also attained 9^th place. Additionally, out of the 10 schools who have achieved the highest passing rates, only the Ateneo de Davao University and UST have been represented by 100 passers.

The Ateneo de Davao University once again congratulates Mr. Erick Jan Sagot for his wondrous achievement, and for upholding the standard of excellence the University instills in its students. Warm congratulations also go to Dr. Chan and Prof. Medina, as well as the rest of their colleagues at the School of Business and Governance, whose collaborative efforts have combined to build a robust program that consistently forms and develops excellent leaders for Mindanao.

Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J., and President Prof. Xu Xipeng of Huaqiao University in Xiamen City, People’s Republic of China, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Agreement (MoA) last 13-14 November 2018 in Jinjiang and Xiamen City, signaling the start of cooperative ties between the two universities. The MoU is aimed toward “cooperation in promoting both academic research and enhancing educational opportunities for students.” The signing of these agreements coincided with the agreement made by Davao City mayor Sara Z. Duterte and the mayor of the Municipal City of Jinjiang Zhang Wen Xian to forge a bond between their cities as sister cities.

The agreement signed by Fr. Tabora and Prof. Xu was titled “Jointly Establishing Confucius Institute Between Huaqiao University, China, Ateneo de Davao University, Philippines.”  The agreement aims to “enhance Sino-Philippine friendship, cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries, meet the needs of the local communities to learn Chinese language and culture in the Philippines and promote Chinese teaching.

Once instituted at the ADDU, the Confucius Institute will be the only such institute south of Luzon.  It will actively promote the learning of Mandarin and Chinese history and culture in Mindanao.  It will promote cultural exchanges and tours between China and the Philippines.

Dean Jenner Chan of the AdDU School of Business and Governance (SBG), and Dr. Maricar Panda, Director of the AdDU Matteo Ricci Institute, joined Fr. Tabora as representatives of the Davao City delegation.

The delegation also made a visit to the Yangzheng Middle School of Jinjiang, which is dubbed the “Number One” middle school for the elite junior and senior high school learners in Fujian Province.

Relatedly, Jinjiang also bears historical significance for it is the home of the ancestors of Dr. Jose Rizal and the home of most of the “taipans” in Philippine business.

The Chinese Consul General in Davao, Hon. Li Lin, actively facilitated the cooperation between the Ateneo de Davao and Huaqiao Universities.

Fr. Tabora expects that the arrival of Mandarin teachers from Huaqiao University may make it possible to offer courses in Mandarin not only in higher education, but also in basic education. Today, in the Ateneo de Davao, some one thousand students in the SBG already study Mandarin on three levels, but improved proficiency requires learning at earlier ages and more exposure to Chinese culture.

The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) hosted a four-day training and workshop for senior high school administrators called Executive Course for Education Leaders (ExCEL) from 21-24 November 2018 at the Finster Hall, Jacinto campus. Conducted by the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), the ExCEL sessions intend to “equip the senior high school administrators with the knowledge and updates in the running of their programs,” which include guides to certain DepEd policies.

Participating senior high school administrators hail from several regions from all over the country, including Region 3, Regions 4A and 4B, Region 6, Region 8, Region 9, Region 11, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The ExCEL course comprised three days of training and workshops in administration, reserving the final day for training on Instructional Leadership, which was meant to “give the [administrators] a view of what the teachers will learn in the In-Set [In-Service Training] during the summer.” These trainings were intended to help the participating private schools to meet and go beyond industry standards. Acting as consultant for the ExCEL courses was Dr. Edison Fermin; while heading the Instructional Leadership training was Dr. Gina L. Montalan, Academic Vice President of the Ateneo de Davao. The ExCEL course hosted by AdDU was the course’s 2^nd run of the year.

The Ateneo de Davao University, as a Jesuit and Filipino school, joins the Society of Jesus in lauding the beginning of the beatification process of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S. J. From now on, he is considered a “Servant of God.”  This cause has been started in the Vicariate of Rome, after thorough prayer and consideration, at the Society’s request to initiate the “ecclesial discernment about the heroic virtues of Fr. Arrupe.”

“The Society of Jesus rejoices over the just-begun process for the beatification of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, the 28th Superior General of the Society of Jesus,” University President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S. J. said of the news. “Fr. Arrupe re-articulated the mission of the Society of Jesus in terms of the Promotion of the Faith that does Justice

For more information, you may download the communication sent by the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Arturo Sosa, S. J., here.

The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) hosted the 45^th General Assembly of the Bishop-Ulama Conference (BUC) last 27 November 2018 at the Calungsod-San Vitores Jesuit-Lay Collaboration Center, 11^th Floor of the Community Center of the First Companions, Jacinto campus. Also in attendance as a special guest was the Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines, Most Rev. Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, DD. AdDU President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. welcomed the attendees and members of the conference, comprising 24 Catholic bishops, 26 ulama and ustadz (members of the Ulama League of the Philippines [ULP]), and 18 Protestant bishops and pastors (members of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines [NCCP]).

The Assembly began with a briefing on the 44^th General Assembly as well as the theme for the 2018 Mindanao Week of Peace: “Peace Through Dialogue: Our Destiny.” Following this were the individual statements and reflections from the Catholic, Muslim, and Protestant perspectives toward the recently passed Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), collectively dubbed “Bangsamoro Organic Law: Lights and Shadows.” For the Catholic view, former Archbishop of Cotabato Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD delivered his responses to the BOL. Dr. Hamid A. Barra, former dean of the King Faisal Center for Islam, Asian and Arabic Studies (KFCIAS) of the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, issued his responses representing the Islamic viewpoint. Finally, Rev. Johnny Labasan represented the Protestant perspective in his statement on the BOL. 

His Excellency Most Rev. Gabriele Caccia, DD, also delivered a special message to the assembly to help close out the meeting. The event finished with the presentation of three elected co-convenors and 12 members of the BUC board of directors. The members of the BUC then issued a joint statement on the BOL. 

The Bishop-Ulama Conference, according to its homepage, “organized into a SEC-registered association whose mission is to support the on-going peace process in the region through the promotion of mutual knowledge and understanding, acquaintance and friendship as well as reconciliation through repentance and forgiveness as indispensable elements of the culture of justice and peace, of total development and authentic progress.”

This 45^th General Assembly also forms part of the Ateneo de Davao University’s participation in the 21^st Mindanao Week of Peace, along with other activities meant to foster interreligious and intrafaith dialogues to achieve a lasting peace and to promote social justice and the common good for all peoples in Mindanao. 

The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) hosted the two-day “Summit on Catholic Intra-Faith Dialogue in the Context of the Bangsamoro Organic Law” with the Bishops of Mindanao along with other clergy, Catholic school administrators, seminary representatives, and representatives of various Mindanao-based peace centers, last 28-29 November 2018, at the Calungsod-San Vitores Jesuit-Lay Collaboration Center, 11^th Floor of the Community Center of the First Companions, Jacinto campus. This Summit was intended to open a broad but involved conversation among the Catholic leadership in Mindanao and other stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process regarding the recently passed Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) as well as the dual peace process operating in the region: the peace process with the Muslim communities and the peace process with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army.

AdDU President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J., welcomed the other delegates to the summit, which consisted of several Pakighinabi sessions and other group or individual activities and reflection sessions distributed over the two days. Opening the first Pakighinabi was the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, Most Rev. Abp. Antonio Ledesma, S.J., DD. This conversation revolved around the subject “The Church in Mindanao: A Situationer.” 

Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD was the lead discussant of the second Pakighinabi of the first day, in the afternoon, on the subject “Bangsamoro Organic Law: Overcoming Fear, Healing Wounds, Moving Forward.” In the morning of the Summit’s second day, the delegates discussed the second Mindanao peace process, in a Pakighinabi titled “Peace Process with the CPP-NPA-NDF: Prospects and Challenges.” 

After the Pakighinabi sessions came the action planning sessions among the delegates, where they weighed together the possible next courses of action as the next stages of the implementation of the BOL begin to proceed, beginning with the plebiscite in January of 2019. 

Helping close the Summit was the Holy Mass concelebrated by the Bishops of Mindanao at noon of 29 November, at the Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel, Jacinto campus. 

Part of the background for the Summit is the “active presence of Catholic dioceses, universities, and affiliated peace centers throughout Mindanao” that “can play a critical role in influencing the peace process.” This presence in the region entails a need for these Catholic groups to “come together to exchange current information and assessments, and to proactively work to address issues at the local level as well as at the Mindanao-wide and national levels.”

The “Summit on Catholic Intra-Faith Dialogue in the Context of the Bangsamoro Organic Law” was convened to evaluate past activities in the context of the present situation, comprising exchange of information and research, including teaching materials; to examine the present situation through the lenses of “Catholic social principles and the needs of local communities”; and finally, to take concrete steps in further collaboration, eventually forming a communications network among Catholic institutions where they could exchange information and keep themselves abreast of breaking developments.

The Graduate School of the Ateneo de Davao University School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) wishes to invite the community to submit research papers and participate in the 3rd Ateneo Graduate Research and Innovation Conference next year at 23 February 2019 at the Finster Auditorium, Jacinto campus.

Deadline for submission of papers is on 10 January 2019.

See the attached poster below for more information.

The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) hosted Dr. J. Prospero de Vera III, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), for the first day’s session of the “Adult Education Training Program: Meeting the Emerging Needs of Adult Learning Professionals” conference last Wednesday, 9 January 2019, at the Calungsod-San Vitores Jesuit-Lay Collaboration Center, 11th Floor of the Community Center of the First Companions, Jacinto campus. The program is slated to run from 9 to 11 January 2019, drawing together participants and heads of adult education programs from universities across the country, and is organized by the CHED in partnership with the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE). Representing the Ateneo de Davao is the Coordinator of the Ateneo de Davao Academy of Lifelong Learning (ADD-ALL), Ms. Ayessa Velasquez, who shared the continuing progress made by the Academy in its close to a year’s operations.

In addressing the school heads gathered in the hall, Dr. de Vera cited the role of continuing adult education in fulfilling one of the university’s vital role in serving the public; for example, teaching “a farmer literacy and numeracy” will help him “earn a living,” but if not, the farmer will fall prey to unscrupulous individuals. He also noted that the general Filipino public may not know much about adult education and its value because their conception of education is confined to the framework of the standard basic to college education. Finally, he also expressed support for any initiative that the participants may decide upon after the three-day program.

Leading the development of adult education in the Philippines, the Ateneo de Davao Academy of Lifelong Learning is the new, affordable, and exciting academy offered by the Ateneo de Davao University for learners aged twenty-five and above. ADD-ALL offers both professional and personal development tracks comprising non-degree short courses for adult learners. These short courses feature fun classes that will help people learn new skills, develop new hobbies, and meet new friends. The program also integrates technopreneurship into selected courses to help learners earn from their passions through creating start-up business models for new ventures. Classes had begun last 9 June 2018.

Interested applicants may reach ADD-ALL through their Facebook (www.facebook.com/lifelonglearningaddu), Twitter (www.twitter.com/addu_all), email (lifelonglearning@addu.edu.ph), or landline at (082) 221 – 2411 local 8296. Applicants may also visit the ADD-ALL office located at the Office of the President, G/F Canisius Hall, Ateneo de Davao University, Jacinto campus.

Participating School Heads of Adult Education Programs pose for a photo with CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III (middle)

The Ateneo de Davao University wishes to invite the community to attend a lecture titled “TRAIN: Taxes & Prices” this Friday, 11 January 2019, 1:30-4:00 PM at the Finster Auditorium, Jacinto campus. The lead discussant is Dr. Alvin P. Ang, Director of the Ateneo de Manila University Center for Economic Research & Development (ACERD).

Registration opens at 1:00 PM.

This lecture is organized by the Ateneo de Davao University Research Council (URC), in partnership with the Department of Economics, and in collaboration with the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council (UCEAC).

We hope to see you there.

In response to the challenge for “Greater Intellectual Engagement for Mission,” the University Research Council (URC) invites everybody to attend the Research Dissemination of AdDU professors this Monday, 21 January 2019, from 3:40 – 5:30 p.m., at the Finster Auditorium

Featured are researches conducted by Prof. J. Harvey Gamas, Doris Montecastro, Ph.D., and other AdDU scholars and researchers.

The Ateneo de Davao University School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) organized a multidisciplinary conversation on religious belief and non-belief titled “Naniniwala Pa Ba Ako?” in the afternoon of this past Monday, 14 January 2019 at the Finster Auditorium, Jacinto campus. This conversation was organized through the Theology and Philosophy Departments of the School of Arts and Sciences.

First-year college students, who are enrolled in Philosophy 1000 and Theology 1000 courses, participated in the conversation, which aimed to address the question and dynamics of faith or a lack thereof in a particular faith-tradition or religion, amidst the challenges and demands of a secular society. 

Sharing their thoughts on the subject was a panel of resource persons from different fields of expertise. Included in this panel were Mr. Edgar Rene Nartatez of the Philosophy Department; Ms. Marlina T. Dayrit of the Theology Department; Dr. Doris Montecastro of the Environmental Science Department; Mr. Dennis Coronel of the Sociology Department; Fr. Ulysses Cabayao, S.J. of the Anthropology Department; and finally, Mr. Amar Baraguir of the Islamic Studies Department.

Students responded to the presentations of the resource persons with a series of questions and comments, as well as a round of sharing of personal reflections concerning their life as either believers or non-believers.

Following this successful conversation, the School of Arts and Sciences plans to conduct another discussion which will address more specific concerns regarding the issues of belief and non-belief.

Written by Ms. Marlina T. Dayrit, AdDU Theology

The Ateneo de Davao University wishes to invite the university community to come and attend the opening of the art exhibit titled “Ating Katabi: of faces and shared spaces,” an exhibit featuring multimedia artworks by Ateneo de Davao students, presenting “strangers and estranged places in the Ateneo community, traced from small moments of connection.”

The opening will take place on Wednesday, 30 January 2019, 3:40 p.m., at the Calungsod-San Vitores Jesuit-Lay Collaboration Center, 11F Community Center of the First Companions, Jacinto campus.

Please see the attached posters below for more information.

The Ateneo de Davao University Research Council (URC) conducted a Research Dissemination in the afternoon of Monday, 21 January 2019, at the Finster Auditorium, Jacinto campus. Featured in the conference are research projects undertaken by professors, experts, scholars, and researchers working at the Ateneo de Davao, including Prof. J. Harvey Gamas, Dr. Doris Montecastro, Ph.D., among others. The Research Dissemination was held as a response to the challenge for “Greater Intellectual Engagement for Mission” put forward by University President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. at the beginning of the present school year 2018-2019.

Presenting first at the conference was Prof. J. Harvey Gamas, Chairperson of the Ateneo de Davao University International Studies Department, who delivered his paper titled “Beneath Champa: Locating Butuan in the Pre-colonial International System of Southeast Asia.” The paper aimed to study the history of Butuan as an international polity through an International Relations (IR) perspective, asking “How did Butuan figured [sic] its relations and status with contemporaneous polities in an international system?” The information and “archaeological data attest to Butuan’s successful establishment of direct trading relations with China, maintained by both largesse and raiding.”

Next came the paper delivered by Drs. Joval Afalla, Ph.D., of the AdDU Chemistry Department, and Doris Montecastro, Ph.D., Chairperson of the AdDU Environmental Science Department, titled “Baseline Monitoring of Davao Gulf for Future Assessment of Ocean Acidification and Coral Bleaching.” This research aimed to study whether the Davao Gulf has been showing the effects of climate change. Their research team learned of “an average increase of 1.0 to 2.0°C at the coastal sites (Sasa, Talomo, and Davao River [Bucana]),” and that “the pH had an average increase of 0.4 to 0.6 pH units.” One recommendation gleaned from the study was “studying the implication of the monitoring on the biota and ecosystem as well as its economic impact especially on aquaculture industries.”

The research team led by Profs. Jocelyn Joson, Cleofe Arib, DBA, and Criselda Fuentes conducted a study titled “Mapping of Organic Farms in Davao City.” Their study resulted in the creation of a “database of organic farms in Davao City containing…legal form of business of organic farms, level of certification, crops cultivated, production volume, major products, age of the farm, farm size (in terms of hectares), number of employees working in the farm, average age of employees and market outlet,” as well as a database showing their locations around the city. Another result of this study was the revelation of “common problems faced by organic farmers in relation to their organic farming business.”

Following this was the research presented by Profs. Glenn Depra, Mildred Estanda, and Christine Diaz, Ph.D. titled “Geo-Mapping and Land Suitability Assessment for Climate Resilient Mindanao,” which analyzed the threat posed by climate change to investment opportunities in Davao City. Considerable practical effects on the soil and viable crops from climate change and other factors have been documented by the research team, with “current cash crops (durian, mangosteen, and other fruit-bearing trees) are expected to be affected by rainfall patterns; semi-impermeable soil will lead to root rot while drought will lead to wilting.”

Finally, Drs. Doris Montecastro and John Burtkenly Ong, Ph.D. presented their study titled “Increasing Hazard Awareness in New Bataan,” which was spurred by the devastation wrought by Super Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) on the town of New Bataan, Compostela Valley last 4 December 2012, that killed 566 people. The researchers chose one of the resettlement sites built by the National Housing Authority (NHA), which is located at Sitio 5A, Barangay Andap, New Bataan, for the study. Their team “conducted a geohazard assessment of the resettlement…together with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDDRMO) of New Bataan using house-to-house surveys, drone photogrammetry, and field observations,” and charted a “three-dimensional map of the municipality to help raise awareness on disaster preparedness.” Data gathered from the area “indicate that the resettlement site is susceptible to landslides.” Results collected from the study were “used by the MDRRMO as a basis for the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in evaluating the site and for the NHA to decide on re-relocating the residents of Sitio 5A.”

An open forum with the researchers followed the presentations, held at Rooms F710 to F712 in the Finster Hall. 

The Research Dissemination is one of the steps taken by the University community to answer the challenge set by Fr. Tabora in his presidential address to open the General Faculty Convocation at the beginning of school year 2018-2019, where he called on the faculty to “work together towards greater intellectual engagement for mission.” This conference is also a part of a series of activities organized by the Committee on Greater Intellectual Engagement for Mission, chaired by Fr. Ulysses S. Cabayao, S.J., from the AdDU Department of Anthropology.  

Photos by Tanya Clarisse Marie Mirafuentes, University Research Council

The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) hosted the Viewfinder SAMAHAN Student Summit 2019 in the afternoon of Wednesday, 13 February 2019, at the Finster Auditorium, Jacinto campus. This summit is an avenue for students to address their concerns to the University administration. Information submitted to the forum was obtained through a survey conducted among the student body.

SAMAHAN Viewfinder Ambassador JV Velasco gave a report regarding the “Methodology” of the survey, and the answers gotten from the survey question “Reasons Students Chose Ateneo de Davao University.” SAMAHAN Secretary General Mina Limbaga followed with her report on the “Importance of Specific Issues Identified,” as well as her data regarding “Satisfactory ratings of student services and school Facilities.” Lastly, SAMAHAN President Jerry Huerbana reported on the “Importance of Other University Concerns.”

According to the Viewfinder annual report, the subject “Degree or Program Offerings” was the survey question with the most answers, with at least 365 respondents. Following this were the “Reasons Why Students Enrolled in AdDU,” garnering a percentage of 21%; while the subject of “Co-Curricular Activities” came in last, with a percentage of 3% of the student body responding. 

The most number of respondents identified the “Enrolment Process” as their primary issue. Most of the respondents from different clusters found that a solution to the difficulties of the enrolment process needed to be proposed and delivered immediately. Arising from this issue was the complaint that the pre-registration process does not serve the purpose.

Secretary General Limbaga said that “Students find the pre-registration problematic because of multiple concerns regarding the Student Information System (SIS).” On the day of pre-registration, students cannot access their SIS accounts because the system became overloaded with traffic from students who want to choose their own schedules.

“The pre-registration serves as a chance for students to be able to select their own subjects that are available to them, along with their major subjects, so that they can come up with their own schedules.” she said.

The report assembled from the Viewfinder surveys recommended that pre-registration should be introduced three weeks before the enrolment period through proper dissemination of information. Another recommendation was also that enrolment blocks should be lifted per division so that students may be able to enroll in their required subjects per semester. 

Also sparking concerns among the students was the prospective Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFSI). According to the Viewfinder report, most students did not know where the money they pay for their miscellaneous fees is spent, and they also wondered whether the tuition fee increase was reasonable to begin with. 

Chairperson of the AdDU Research Council (URC) Dr. Loudesita Sobrevega-Chan raised issues on procedure that lead to inconsistencies in the final Enrolment survey report, for the report compiling responses to the survey choice “ enrollment process was complicated” for the during second semester was the complete opposite of the gathered idea. She claimed that the students found the enrolment process satisfactory during the second semester. 

“These points added to what the President said that the interpretation was problematic. It says that half of the students are not satisfied, but the interpretation says they are,” she said.  

On Student Services, the students reported a high satisfaction rating for the University LIbrary, while the College Bookstore reported a moderate satisfaction rating.

The University Chapel and the various prayer rooms scored the highest satisfaction rating under the category of University facilities, while the comfort rooms got the lowest satisfaction rating.

The Viewfinder SAMAHAN Student Summit is conducted once a year to gauge the feelings and opinions of AdDU students on the facilities, policies, programs and other components of University operations. It is also the main opportunity for students to air their concerns directly to the University central administration, including the University President, who also make suggestions and propose solutions to the different issues raised. The Ateneo de Davao University is the only university in Davao City to allow its students to engage in direct dialogue with the university administration. 

Written by Maiko Angelo Guino-o, AB Comms IV

Photo credit: Atenews

The Ateneo de Davao University celebrated the SAFIRE: “Faith Festival” and the launching of the Year of the Youth last 15 February 2019, Friday, at the AdDU Matina campus. This university-wide activity convened student representatives from across all units. These representatives comprised Grade 6 pupils representing the Grade School; Grade 10 students representing the Junior High School; Grade 11 students for the Senior High School; as well as student leaders from the SAMAHAN Central Board, Ateneo Religious Organizations (ARO), and from the Arrupe Office of Social Formation (AOSF), standing for the college unit. The participants were divided into houses named after saints associated with the youth, such as St. John Berchamns, St. Stanislaus Kostka, St. Pedro Calungsod, as well as with the saint who helped restore the Society of Jesus after its suppression, St. Joseph Pignatelli.

The Faith Festival opened with a procession of candles and enthronement of the Cross. During the opening liturgy, Fr. Ulysses S. Cabayao, S.J. reminded the participants of the beautiful image of Filipino youth in mission. He emphasized and reiterated the motto of the Year of the Youth—that each and everyone whose hearts are called to be forever young, are “beloved,” “gifted,” and “empowered.” This identity, he said, calls for the expression of faith that is full of dynamism, power, and energy. He added that to internalize this is to exhibit the very reason why the youth in mission are loved, gifted, and empowered by God.

Mr. Lunar Tan Fayloga, Chair of the AdDU Theology Department, invited participants in his closing message to look at and contemplate the image of the cross and recognize a God who journeys and suffers with the people. Alluding to Pope Francis, Mr. Fayloga emphasized that “being in mission” is a call to listen much as it is a call to action. He closed with the same prayer recited by His Holiness during the World Youth Day celebrations in Panama: “Lord, teach us to stand, at the foot of the cross, at the foot of every cross. Open our eyes and hearts this night, and rescue us from paralysis and uncertainty, from fear and desperation.”

Concluding the SAFIRE Faith Festival was a performance of Praise and Worship songs by a band of young musicians, joined by the Ateneo de Davao student community who sang and danced and prayed along the music. The Festival was a celebration of faith, led by the youth of both the present and future.

As an event “of” and “for” the youth, the SAFIRE Faith Festival comprised engaging activities that made participants—even the organizers—unleash their inner youthfulness. The participants from each student group moved from one station to another, where each station offered unique experiences that appealed not only to the students’ intellect but to their emotion and soul. Among the experiences were a pilgrim walk, songs and dance, sharing and moments of reflection and prayer. Also evident in the stations were the creative and concerted efforts of administrators, teachers, formators, and Non-Teaching Personnel (NTP) from participating units who mounted the event. Each station contained a diverse array of special features, such as the Gratitude Wall of the Senior High School; the Music and Poetry station of the Junior High School; Dances and Rituals from the Grade School; the Care for Creation station of the Ecoteneo; and the Plenary of prayer liturgies, praise and worship, as well as opening and closing messages from the College Unit.

As part of the yearlong celebration of the 70th anniversary of Ateneo de Davao, dubbed “SAFIRE” or “Seventy Years Afire,” the Faith Festival had a threefold objective dedicated to the Ateneo youth. First was providing pupils and students with opportunities to express their gratitude and faith commitments in various ways. The second was making Ateneans recognize and celebrate their youth through their gifts and talents. Finally, the third Festival objective was making these young Ateneans engage in reflection and introspection concerning the communal experience as part of the Jesuit tradition and mission.

Written by Mr. Niel John G. Capidos, AdDU Theology

The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) opened an interactive art exhibition titled “Gama, Dula, Tingog,” in the afternoon of Wednesday, 27 February 2019, at the Rodriguez Hall of the Community Center of the First Companions, Jacinto campus. The exhibition featured a selection of art pieces by Mr. Norman “Noy” F. Narciso, a faculty member  of the AdDU Languages, Literature, and Art Department.  These art pieces comprised a collection of musical instruments created by Mr. Narciso out of found objects, or objet trouve, which are resourced from industrial, commercial, and domestic spaces, and then subjected to assemblage and craft.

A short program launched the exhibition, wherein the artist demonstrated to the assembled crowd the way to play the showcased instruments.

Mr. Narciso showcases creativity and an inventive spirit in his collection of reimagined indigenous and contemporary instruments made out of mundane materials like bottles, coil springs, trinkets, and a variety of metals and wood. The exhibition is designed to be interactive—audiences are invited to touch and explore the instruments, discovering through this tactile process how to tease out sounds and, eventually, music from them. In the words of the curator, Abraham A. Garcia, Jr., also a member of the AdDU Languages, Literature, and Art Department, the exhibit inspires “a performative action [that] comes to the fore as the viewer is absorbed further when sound is generated. The whole experience is immersive as others generate spontaneous bars of notes, which may be dissonant at first. It can even be infectious as everyone tries to play together in harmony.”

The exhibit remains open to the public until 25 March 2019, at the same venue, Ateneo de Davao University, Jacinto campus.

Written by Jennae Jereza, Office of the President

The Ateneo de Davao University School of Engineering and Architecture (AdDU – SEA) held Robolympics 2019, from 28 February to 1 March 2019, at the 4F Martin Hall, Jacinto campus. In partnership with the Computer Science cluster, the SEA invited a number of Senior High School and College students from a selection of schools in Davao City to participate.

Formally opening the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony was Dr. Randell Espina, Dean of the School of Engineering and Architecture. Also present at the event were the Chairperson of the Information Technology (IT) Department, Mr. Stony Freires, and Dr. Ryan Jeung. Mr. Freires demonstrated the functions and abilities of a drone; while Dr. Jeung demonstrated the reactions and movement capabilities of his humanoid robot.

Some of the participating schools for the two-day affair were the AdDU Senior High School, the Brainworks School, Inc., and the AMA Computer College.

Comprising the Robolympics were the Lego Mindstorms and the Arduino Categories, which consisted, respectively, of the Obstacle Avoidance Course, the Line-Following Challenge, Robowars, and the Obstacle Course Loop. The AdDU collegiate robotics team bagged First Runner-up after their battle with the team from the Brainworks School, Inc., at the Robowars championship round.

The annual Robolympics is intended for students who wish to showcase their budding expertise in robotics through participation in team events that put their robots through simulation activities and obstacle courses.

Written by Beatrice Doctor, BS Business Management I

The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) hosted the Aguipo Awards Night, which marked the culmination of the 11^th Aguipo 2019, last 24 February 2019 at the Finster Auditorium. This event formed part of the academic requirement of the 3^rd year IMC classes of Ms. Donna Vida Abrina, which was also supported by the Marketing Department of the AdDU School of Business and Governance (SBG). Business students and professors from 13 colleges and universities in Davao City participated in the event. These participating schools are: the Davao Central College (DCC), Holy Cross of Calinan (HCCC), Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), St. John Paul II College of Davao (SJPIICD), MATS College of Technology (MATS), Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MCM), Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (MKD), Philippine Women’s College of Davao (PWC), Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC), San Pedro College (SPC), University of Mindanao (UM), University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), and University of Southern Mindanao – Kabacan, Cotabato (USM).

Bagging the overall championship was the Philippine Women’s College, which also won First Place in the Poster-making and Radio Broadcast competitions. The MCM team grabbed First Place in the Essay Writing and Video competitions; while the team from UM won the New Product Development Competition, and the team from SJPIICD reigned over the Dance Competition. Representing the University of Mindanao, Ms. Marilou Tulang was named the Most Outstanding Student 2019, while a teacher from HCDC, Prof. Junmar Pag-ong was named the Most Outstanding Educator. All the winners received cash prizes, gift certificates, and freebies from the major sponsors of Aguipo 2019.

The Marketing Department of AdDU – SBG wishes to thank the continued support of University President Rev. Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ; Dr. Jenner Y. Chan, SBG Dean; and finally, the help of the judges, namely, Dr. Danilo Te, Dr. Rodilina Marte, Prof. Anthony Aguelo, Prof. Karlo Dalangin, CPA, Prof. Rogelio P. Ewican, Jr., Prof. Raisa Rosalind Ko, Prof. Leopoldo Medina, CPA, Prof. Patricia Marie Villano, Ms. Jojie Alcantara, Mr. Aaron Cusi, Mr. Edmond Mayormita, Ms. Jean Palacio, Ms. Joyce Palacio, Mr. EJ Sumatra, Mr. Gene Tesoro, and Mr. Benralph Yu. Many thanks also go to the major and minor sponsors of the event.

Written by Dr. Rodilina Baltazar-Marte, Chair, Marketing Department, AdDU – SBG