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.

The Ateneo de Davao University Arrupe Office of Social Formation launched its annual Christmas Outreach Project Pagbabahagi 2017  last December 3.

Arrupe, in partnership with the SAMAHAN Central Board, the student government of Ateneo, will conduct Pagbabahagi in St. Therese School of Miarayon, Brgy. Miarayon, Malaybalay City, a Jesuit mission area in Bukidnon. Pagbabahagi is a social formation and engagement project which strives to respond to the urgent and varied concerns of community partners.

They will raise funds which will be used to implement projects and activities for the development of the students most especially the Lumad scholars.

During the launching at the St. Therese of School Miarayon Gymnasium, Arrupe Director Lilibeth L. Leh-Arcena presented the Pagbabahagi year-long engagement plan. Workshops on Financial Literacy, Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, Microsoft Office application literacy, and Journalism and Public Speaking will be done. There will also be training on First Aid and Emergency Response, Personality and Anti-Bullying Campaign, and Youth Student Leadership.

The Ateneo de Davao Computer Studies Cluster will also donate personal computers; the Natural and Sciences and Mathematics Cluster will give science laboratory apparatus; the School of Engineering and Architecture will donate school supplies, and School of Nursing will provide first aid kits.

“It was a heartwarming experience for me, knowing that I embodied the vision of the Ateneo for me to become men and women for others and a Sui Generis Leader for Mindanao,” Lyd Ejira Ducusin, SAMAHAN Executive Secretary said.

For only Php 3,000.00, you can fund a scholar in St. Therese School of Miarayon, Bukidnon for an entire school year.

Donate now, or support by buying bracelets made by Lake Sebu Indigenous Weavers Association Inc. (LASIWWAI) members for only Php 50.00 a pair. One bracelet will be for the donor and the other for the scholar. Kindly give your donations directly to the Finance Office through the account: DCB-PAGBABAHAGI 7501-8147. You will be duly issued with official receipts.

By Michael Aaron Gomez

Upon receiving the highest grade in English together with two classmates, a fifteen-year-old Grade 10 student from the Gani L. Abpi Colleges, Inc. in Datu Piang, Maguindanao said that their Madaris Volunteer teacher “gave [them] a piece of paper with a short but inspirational message with matching Mentos candy.” One can only guess what that anonymous message could have been, but here is how the student finishes the story:

“Until now, I’m still keeping that piece of orange paper.”

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Many of the students in the Bangsamoro live in poverty. Worse still, they are also victims of the decades-long armed struggle in Mindanao, a struggle rooted in deep-seated historical injustice (violent robbery of hectares and hectares of ancestral land to satisfy the gruesome appetites of Euro-American imperialism, institutional neglect, and nearly all manner of discrimination). A number of these students have been orphaned by this struggle. Victims of bombs and bullets, weapons that do not distinguish between good and evil, innocent or guilty. Victims whose very birthright seems to be to take up the rifles of their grandfathers and their fathers—warriors embarking on a war eternal.

One way to start breaking this wave of violence is education. To teach the students the value of picking up a book and putting down the gun. To share with them the worth of coloring within the lines so they could learn to color outside them. To open minds to the brightness and multiplicity of the world, to the possibility of a world where Moro and Christian share peaceful lives in one country.

This is where the Madaris Volunteers come in.

The Madaris Volunteer Program (MVP) is an initiative of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) that is implemented by the Ateneo de Davao University in partnership with the Bureau of Madaris Education (BME), National Association for Bangsamoro Education, Inc. (NABEi), and the Regional Government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Every year since its inception in 2015, the program sends able-bodied volunteers to help teach DepEd-mandated subjects at the MVP’s 11 partner madaris. These madaris, located at Cotabato City, Maguindanao, and Lamitan City, are privately run schools that teach the traditional madrasah curriculum (Arabic, the Qur’an, Islamic values), supplemented by secular subjects, such as Math, English, Science.

Realizing that the place to start building peace is the classroom, the MVP has set as its goal the creation of a collaborative space between and among Islamic schools and Catholic schools, where they could share ideas and personnel to improve the quality of education in the Bangsamoro. A teaching program, the MVP deploys its volunteers to the madaris for ten months, or one academic year, ending with the madrasah’s commencement exercises and the program’s culmination activities.

But the mission is not simply teaching work.

These volunteers do not simply clock in and out each day at the madaris, go back to their host families, and tune out the thrum of the community around them. They also try to connect with the rest of the community—as fellow citizens of the world who share their frailties, strengths, passions, and anxieties—even though the people they try to bond with may be wary of any non-Moro stepping foot in their historically despoiled and institutionally underserved area.

The Madaris Volunteer Program deployed the first batch of volunteers in 2015. These volunteers came from a diverse set of backgrounds, from as far north as La Union and as far south as Sulu. Seven of them are non-Muslims from La Union, Naga City, Iloilo City, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro City; the remaining four are Muslims from South Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sulu. Notably, most of the volunteers came from reputable universities in the country, such as the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, Xavier University, and Notre Dame University of Cotabato.

Results came quickly for the program: enrollment in the partner madaris increased in its second year. Citing the presence of volunteers from Manila in their madrasah, the principal of Al-Dahirie in Guindulungan, Maguindanao, said, “Nung nalaman ng mga parents na may volunteers kami na galing sa Manila at nalaman nila ang mga ginagawa ng mga volunteers, inenroll nila ang mga anak nila dito.”

Meanwhile, the school administrator of Markaz Al-Huzaim in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, reported that the volunteers helped keep the students interested in school, minimizing dropout cases. He said, “Mula sa 100 to 200 enrollees, may mga 30 na nagdrop, madalas lagpas ng midyear. Kumaunti ang nagdrop. Mas gusto na nila dito kaysa sa public school.”

The MVP has also helped address the shortage of teachers in the Bangsamoro. Through the program’s Capability Enhancement Training, the MVP has helped build the organic madaris teachers’ capacities. The teachers shared their experiences learning and applying classroom management techniques in their respective classes. The teachers’ time with the MVP opened up their perspectives on becoming better educators, pushing them from the traditional paradigm toward the 21^st Century mode.

The challenging aspects of teaching a group of children become apparent in this account of a female teacher at Dar Al-Uloom Wal Hikmah. She says, “Dati kulang ang tingin ko sa sarili ko at sa skills ko. Nagkaroon lang ako ng malaking improvement sa sarili dahil nauunawaan ko na ang iba’t ibang ugali ng mga bata.”

She also recounts an improvement on her communication and interpersonal skills. “Dati, I needed improvement in communication with my co-workers. Ngayon, nakikisali na ako sa pwedeng salihan, especially ‘pag merong katanungan,” she said. “I think I needed more patience to deal with co-workers, especially because I am a new teacher and a Balik Islam. Now, nagkaroon na ng improvement dahil nachallenge ako sa aking sarili.”

Students were also exposed to more learning opportunities, particularly through the novel approaches used by the Madaris Volunteers. Some students reported a renewed appreciation for learning languages such as Filipino or English. Some Grade 6 students also said that their volunteer teacher taught them how to make origami. There was also a student who said that her volunteer teacher opened her mind to the mysteries of the world after being asked to read Shakespeare, and that the teacher also challenged her and her classmates by tasking them to recite poems in front of class.

Students and teachers in the Bangsamoro share a common narrative that the Madaris Volunteers helped them look at Christians and non-Moro people, and allowed them to be more open to working with them. Students recounted how their volunteer teachers treated them like a member of the family, without the baggage of prejudice. The volunteers also told of their understanding of the importance of friendliness with other people and of openness to learn about Islam and Maguindanaoan culture. Faculty members and administrators from the partner madaris reported an appreciation of the female volunteers’ willingness to wear the hijab, as well as the rest of the volunteers’ expression of solidarity with the Muslim community by joining them to fast during Ramadan.

The deployment of Christian volunteers also helped students look beyond stereotypes and then, consequently, break them. Students from the Gani L. Abpi Colleges agreed without reservation that the MVP truly changed the way Moro students looked at Christian teachers, historical objects of their distrust and wariness, whom they could not help but judge.

“I realized that not all Christians from faraway cities like Manila sees us Bangsamoro as the worst and most violent people in the society,” a 17-year-old Grade 10 student says.

Students and pupils from the madaris also saw the first batch of Madaris Volunteers as positive role models, even after a year had passed and the volunteers had all returned home. The pupils remembered how the volunteers treated them more clearly than their actual lessons.

Grade 1 students from Al-Dahirie remembered clearly that the volunteer assigned to them liked to drink coffee, that he went to the mosque to pray every day, and that he had mapiya palangay—good manners. Generally, the pupils mentioned liking their volunteer teachers for their mapiya palangay: they never hit the pupils whenever they made mistakes. The students also learned to be more attentive in class, to throw their garbage properly, and to stop putting their feet up on the stools during class.

The MVP also gave the older students wonderful life experiences they were not likely to forget. These students went on field trips to the cities of Davao and General Santos, and participated in projects initiated by the volunteers. Students from Datu Ibrahim and Markaz Al-Huzaim recalled their field trip to Davao City and Samal Island, seeing the various attractions there, and even unexpectedly seeing a popular young actress from Manila.

Part of this batch of students was a student from Datu Ibrahim, who had the time of his life in their MVP field trip: “Ang hindi ko makakalimutan ay ang pagpunta ko sa Davao at sa Samal Island na lahat kami ay maliligo sa dagat na masayang-masaya dahil magkakasama kami lahat ng classmates ko.”

Sending a group of mostly non-Muslim volunteer teachers into the heart of the historically charged conflict in the Bangsamoro to teach the children universal values of kindness, respect, and love is most assuredly not an easy task. Numerous challenges abound every step of the way and from seemingly every angle—but the Madaris Volunteer Program presses on with the mission, having gradually proven that peacebuilding through education simply works.

The process is not quick: the roots of peace will take a long time to take hold. But eventually, with the help of organizations like the MVP, every peace-loving citizen of Mindanao—every peace-loving Filipino—will come to see a lasting and fruitful peace sprouting from the ground soaked with generations of blood and tears. Because as trite as this may sound, the cliché still holds true: nobody wins in war.

There is only the side that loses more slowly.

These students in the Bangsamoro have all lived through that blistering chaos imprecisely described in popular media, have heard the gunshots popping right outside their houses, have heard the bombs blasting apart markets and people, have heard all the slurs the ignorant have thrown at them because of ahistorical complacency and refusal to understand. They live too far away, after all. They wear different clothes. They speak different languages.

They can also look us dead in the collective Filipino eye and tell us that our complicity in their oppression is undeniable, and that the warped history we have told ourselves over the centuries has ensured it.

But it is organizations like the MVP that do more than their share of breaking the cycle of violence, while spreading empathy and compassion to people who may not know of the Bangsamoro struggle. The MVP too is not just teaching these kids numbers and language, it is also showing them that knowledge is a great tool at defusing misunderstandings and conflict, at starting conversation.

The hope of a conversation between true equals thus becomes closer to reality.

Imagine the student who until now still keeps that piece of orange paper. Maybe he keeps it tucked inside his English textbook. Or maybe he keeps it folded on his table, under the candle or lamp. Maybe he also takes that piece of paper out from time to time, just to look at it. Remind himself of his experience studying under a person who is different from him. He ponders this fact for a minute.

From here, several possibilities open.

But we trust that he eventually settles on this one: he looks at his teacher’s anonymous message one more time, smiles to himself, and then returns the orange paper to its hiding place. Folds it carefully so it doesn’t slip out or fall out. Then he smiles at himself again, nodding with gratitude and self-confidence—his teacher, a stranger, had recognized his efforts.

This piece of orange paper could kickstart the conversation we need.

Or maybe it will be other little meaningful things—but it is the MVP’s promise to keep trying, and to keep teaching. The next batches of Madaris Volunteers should be able to recognize the possibilities hiding within each Bangsamoro student they serve, so that the earlier conversation of guns answering guns could be stopped for good, and we could continue this new conversation of candies and little pieces of orange paper.   

Ateneo de Davao University School of Business and Governance (SBG) is celebrating the SBG Week 2018 through different activities.

See the schedule of activities below.

PAP President Dr. Margaret Helen Udarbe-Alvarez presents the Best Undergraduate Thesis Awards during the 2018 PAPJA Convention at the Mall of Asia on 26 January 2018. Photo by Randolph R. Reserva.

Ateneo de Davao University AB Psychology student Rey Jan Pusta placed second for Best Thesis Award, as adjudged by the Scientific Committee of the 2018 Psychological Association of the Philippines – Junior Affiliates (PAPJA).

The recognition was made during the 26 January 2018 opening session of the annual PAPJA Convention at the Mall of Asia in Manila where close to 8,000 undergraduate psychology majors from over 200 schools all over the Philippines were in attendance.

Pusta was the only solo author among the nominations for outstanding theses submitted by contending schools. His winning paper analyzed the impact of environmental education on the attitudes of Junior High School students towards environmental conservation.

Pusta’s thesis was mentored by Dr. Gail T. Ilagan and reviewed by a panel composed of Dr. Gina Lamzon, Mr. Randolph Reserva, and Mr. Teofilo Limikid.

by Michael Gomez

Members of the Ateneo de Davao University community gathered for the Pakighinabi on “Constitutional Change and Federalism”  Wednesday, 24 January  2018 at the Finster Auditorium.

Leading the discussion were Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Assistant Secretary Astravel Pimentel-Naik of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO).

The lead discussants highlighted the current administration’s vigorous campaign to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution and change the current unitary system of government to the federal model, as well as its possible benefits to the Filipino people.

“This is a grand bargain. The radical shift seeks to gradually cease the powers of ‘Imperial Manila’ and ‘end the Muslim insurgency in Mindanao,” Asec. Naik said.

Included in this bargain of federalism under the PDP-Laban working draft are making the anti-political dynasty provision in the present constitution self-executing, and supporting the development of strong and cohesive political parties by penalizing political butterflies.

The discussion also dealt with the potential of federalism to reduce Philippine inequality. Asec. Naik said of this prospect, “Philippine society has two faces—the rich Philippines and the poor Philippines—we want to change that.”

Asec. Malaya also stanched concerns about the potential of charter change to be a vehicle for term extensions for top officials, chiefly the president. “There is no intention of ten years of uninterrupted rule by Pres. Duterte,” he said.

“It [federalism] is not for the benefit of a person, but for the benefit of our generation and of future generations,” Asec. Malaya. He also added, “Only under the Duterte administration can we make the painful changes we require as a nation—we will not be able to do this again.”

Asec. Malaya reassured the people that the PDP-Laban does not believe an entirely new constitution is needed, for only outmoded provisions have to be reviewed and tweaked to fit the possible new charter.

Numerous responses cropped up from the reactors. University President Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, wondered why the 1987 provision affording tax exemptions to non-stock, non-profit educational institutions was removed from the draft. He prefaced his question with a note that it is the government’s task to support education, private or public, because the Philippine educational system is complementary, and it is a common good.

“We have a small group of economists who looked at the economic provisions of the Constitution, and they are proposing a deletion,” Asec. Malaya said.

He added that he would ask his team to “look at it again, from the point of view of educational institutions, and the point of view of the DepEd and CHED.”

The issue of trust in the current members of the House of Representatives was also brought up. “We need to entrust the amendment of the Constitution to people with good hearts…I don’t see the members of Congress as people with good hearts,” Atty. Romeo Cabarde, Jr. of APILA said.

Atty. Cabarde also expressed his disagreement with using the constituent-assembly (Con-Ass) method of revising the Constitution, using as an example the congressmen’s refusal to “legislate against themselves” by eliminating political dynasties.

Echoing this opinion is Ms. Tetchie Aquino of the AdDU History and Political Science Department. “They might win credibility again if they eventually do agree on this [proposed] anti-dynasty provision,” she said.

Asec. Naik acknowledged the controversial actions of the congressmen, particularly the recent pronouncements of the House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, noting that “maybe he is just testing the limits of the 1987 Constitution.”

Mr. Jorjani Sinsuat of the Salaam Movement of AdDU also raised the question of whether the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be passed before federalism.

“We have to give them [the Moros] a constitutionally compliant BBL,” Asec. Malaya said. “Watered-down for now, so that when we go federal we can give them the full Comprehensive BBL.”

The other reactors in the discussion were Mr. John Espino, President of AdDU SAMAHAN; Mr. Ramon Beleno, Chairperson of the AdDU Political Science Department; Ms. Khryzza Pinzon, Chairperson of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP); Atty. Rogelio Largo, President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)—Davao chapter; Atty. Antonio Arellano, former Regional State Prosecutor and member of the GRP Peace Panel; and Atty. Vincent Montejo, of the AdDU College of Law. Assistant to the President for Research and Advocacy Atty. January Faye Bello moderated the discussion.

The Pakighinabi is a conversation series initiated by the Office of the President of the Ateneo de Davao University to provide members of the University community a platform to discuss multidisciplinary issues and concerns in a more informal and conversational manner. Its goal is to create a structure for conversations in the frame of social justice and the common good in the pursuit of forming AdDU sui generis leaders.

By Edward Descalsota and Jason Occidental

Ateneo de Davao University School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) organized its first technopreneurship business pitching competition last 2 February 2018 at the 7/F Finster Hall, Finster Auditorium.

The event served as the culminating activity of the Ateneo de Davao Method of Innovation and Technopreneurship (ADMIT) bootcamp for faculty members. The bootcamp covered four full days of trainings and workshops, along with the pitching competition on the fifth and final day.

The boot camp aims to develop the technopreneurial mindsets of the faculty. Collaboration between various disciplines was also promoted wherein the participants of the bootcamp came from the School of Engineering and Architecture, the School of Business and Governance, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the Grade School Unit.

The thirty-eight faculty members were able to form eight different teams, each having their unique and innovative business idea. Each team was given five minutes to present their pitches and another five minutes for the question and answer.

The judges were composed of Engr. Ma. Theresa Espino of SEA-Industrial Engineering, Engr. John Rey Naranjo of Ingenuity, and Roberto ‘Dr. Bo’ Puentespina, Jr. of Davao Thermo Biotech Corporation.

The Happy Pig Team, which offers to make a bacon-alternative with the use of seaweed, bagged the first place. The team envisions this product as a viable solution not only to heavy meat-based health problems most people encountered nowadays but also to environmental and economic problems as well.  The team is composed of Engr. Maria Leah Flor A. De Castro, Engr. Ryutaro P. Yamamoto, and Engr. Josef Rene L. Villanueva.

 Ranking second was Umbra SMS by Ms. Christine M. Valencia, the lone proponent from Grade School.  Her solution tackles the parents’ involvement as an integral part of the foundation for student success. Umbra SMS provides a platform for teachers to communicate and coordinate with the parents.

Intellibin, a smart garbage bin that aims to promote waste reduction and segregation education, got the third place. The team is composed of Dr. Doris B. Montecastro, Engr. Decien Dee F. De Cagalitan, Engr. Eva Marie C. Mendoza, Engr. Mark Anthony R. Rotor, and Mr. Bernie M. Jereza with Dr. Cleofe A. Arib as their financial consultant.

 A crowd favorite was also selected which was based on the team that received the highest amount of investment, represented by fictitious money.  It was no other than the GreenMarket.ph team who got the People’s Choice Award for having a total of Php 1,460,000.00 of investment from the crowd.  GreenMarket.ph is an e-commerce hub for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines offering natural and organic products.  The team is comprised of Ms. Donna M. Abrina, Mr. Roger James P. Plasabas, and Dr. Jovelyn A. Castro.

 Other presenters which are nip-and-tuck with each other were Genie, SolaRF, Real-Deal Builders, and Ato Ni Bai.

 With the event being a big success, the school plans to conduct more of these bootcamps and pitching competitions for other members of the university community and outside institutions. This is in line with the establishment of Ateneo de Davao University as the Technopreneurship Hub of Southern Mindanao through a grant by the Commission on Higher Education and the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev).

On 1 February 2018, the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division of the Philippine Army in Bgy. Patag, Cagayan de Oro City presented a Plaque of Appreciation to the Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services (COPERS) “in grateful appreciation for the invaluable assistance and support… during the Marawi offensive operations… that significantly enhanced the capability of the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in treating and saving the lives of the Battle Casualties.”
From June to October 2017, COPERS fielded nine deployments of a multidisciplinary Mental Health and Psychosocial Support  (MHPSS) Team to assist Camp Evangelista Station Hospital personnel in delivering psychological first aid, grief counseling, critical incident stress debriefings, and trauma assessment of soldiers medically evacuated from the Marawi theater.

“A total of 63 COPERS Affiliates composed of psychologists, psychometricians, counselors, and psychology alumni took part in the effort to provide support to the security sector,”   Dr. Gail Tan Ilagan reported. Ilagan is the director of COPERS.

The deployments are part of COPERS’ Emergency MHPSS Response to the Marawi crisis.

“A total of 458 soldiers wounded in action were served,” Ilagan added.

COPERS has a long-standing engagement with the military establishment for mental health management of active duty troops. It has helped design the Combat Stress Management System adopted by the Philippine Army last September 2017.

Particularly for the recently concluded Marawi campaign, COPERS is spearheading the post-Marawi assessment of the 12,000 troops deployed in Marawi.

COPERS is also providing the Philippine Army advice on early interventions to prevent or manage emerging psychiatric and neurological issues of Marawi veterans.

The Ateneo de Davao University thru its Ateneo Migration Center is currently engaged in a research partnership with the Linköping University. The research aims to compare the health labor mobility in three countries: the Philippines, Sweden, and Indonesia by exploring various perspectives and interdisciplinary approach in dealing with the issue of labor mobility in the healthcare sector from the dimensions of applied ethics, development studies, and educational research.

The preliminary activity in the form of a Roundtable Discussion (RTD) was conducted last February 3, 2018, at Pakighinabi Room, 3rd Floor Community Center of the First Companions with the theme: “A Global Crisis in Health: Perspectives from Indonesia, Philippines, and Sweden.”

The recently concluded RTD covered topics on: ”Push and Pull Factors of Migration”, ”Filipino Health Emigrants Challenges and Opportunities”, “Migration and Health”, “Global Nurse Migration”, “Health without Care? Vulnerability, Medical Brain Drain, and Health Worker Responsibilities in Underserved Contexts”, and “Recruitment of Foreign Physicians to Swedish Health Care”. The participants and speakers came from the various sectors/ institutions. The representations are from AdDU Faculty, Health Care Practitioners and Researchers from the Department of Health, UGAT Foundation-AdMU, Davao Medical School Foundation, Brokenshire College of Davao, Southern Philippines Medical Center, City Health Office, Wimler Foundation, Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc, and Scalabrini Research Center.

A similar RTD is envisioned to be conducted in Sweden and Indonesia to thoroughly look into fruitful comparisons in developed and developing countries by evaluating prospects for global resource sharing and health governance.

Mr. Jose Maria Tomacruz (faculty member of the Department of Philosophy currently taking Doctoral Studies at Linköping University) initiated the forging of a partnership between the mentioned University and AdDU. The latter, through  Lourdesita S. Chan, URC Chair, and Prof. Mildred M. Estanda, a faculty of the Economics Department and former  Director of the Ateneo Migration Center (AMC), responded favorably to the invitation. Ms. Sheryl R. Lopez, incumbent Director of AMC eventually supported the implementation of the project currently lodged at the Center.

The 2-day 10th Visayas-Mindanao Psychology Conference opened at the Finster Hall Auditorium at 8:00 am on 23 February 2018. The VISMIN Psychology Conference is a biennial gathering of undergraduate psychology majors from colleges and universities in Mindanao and the Visayas. The first VisMin Conference was initiated by the Ateneo de Davao University and had in the past years been managed by the Samahan ng Mga Mag-aaral ng Sikolohiyang Filipino, the official student organization of the ADDU Department of Psychology.

The conference this year is hosted by the Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services as a fundraiser to sustain its community accompaniment efforts among Marawi IDPs in the border town of Malabang, Lanao del Sur. This year’s theme is Pakikipagpalagayang Loob: Creative Means to Rapport Building.

COPERS Affiliate Dr. Marshaley Baquiano, Co-Chair of the Social Psychology Division of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) and Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines –  Visayas, delivered the keynote address. Silliman University Assistant Professor Michele Joan Valbuena gave the plenary address.  Dr. Valbuena is the Chair of the Sports Psychology Special Interest Group of the PAP.

Conference participants chose to attend two of nine exciting workshops simultaneously scheduled on the afternoon of the 23rd and morning of the 24th. Workshop offerings include

Pag-iisang Pintig: Pagbuo ng Diwa at Loob by Leo Emmauel Castro (Feb 23 1:45pm and Feb 24 8:30 am, F213)

Optimizing Adolescent Potential through Emotion-Freedom Technique by Dr. Gina R. Lamzon (Feb 23 1:45pm, Ricci Hall Conference Rm D)

Plastik-plastikan, Hugutan ng Ka-artisan: Pakikipagpalagayang-loob gamit ang plastic bag art

By Jojet Lamberto Mondares, RP (Feb 23 1:45pm and Feb 24 8:30am, 8/F Training Room, Community Center of the First Companions)

Frolics: Hugutan ng Ka-artisan (Rapport building in the Military) by Jonna Mondares, RGC (Feb 23 1:45pm and Feb 24 8:30am, Ricci Hall Conference Room E, Community Center of the First Companions)

The Moro Lens: A Practical Guide for Psychosocial Support Responders in Moro Communities by Mouhammad Camal Sharief (Feb 23 1:45pm and Feb 24 8:30am, Nursing Fundamental Lab)

Art of Magic: An Approach to Rapport Building by Kenneth Ragonton, RPM and Michael Jess Lapid

(Feb 24 8:30am, D401-403)

Inahan sa Sugilanon: An Introduction to Waldorf Kindergarten Storytelling by Juliefer Morano-Cecilio and Malaya Camporedondo-de Guia (Feb 23 1:45pm and Feb 24 8:30am, D202)

“EMO-TION: Emotion in Motion by Regina B. Luminario, RPm (Feb 23 1:45pm and Feb 24 8:30am, Aerobics Room)

Breaking Down Boundaries and Asymmetry:  A Workshop on Creative Ways of Warming Up and Establishing Trust by Dr. Marshaley Baquiano, RP (Feb 24 8:30 am, Miguel Pro Study Center, Community Center of the First Companions)

Inclusive Sports for Individuals and Communities in Crisis by Dr. Michele Joan Valbuena, RP (Feb 24 8:30 am, Sky Lounge)

COPERS is the community engagement arm of the Psychology Department at the Ateneo de Davao University. ADDU psychologists, mental health practitioners, research affiliates, trained volunteers generate empirically-based analysis of community needs, network with duty bearers and service providers, and implement novel psychological applications as appropriate to the unique concerns in the region.

Drawing from its considerable expert base, COPERS sustains in various concerns for psychoeducation, intercultural dialogue, peace psychology, security sector reform, organizational effectiveness, mental health management, crisis intervention, psychosocial support and trauma rehabilitation, and post-disaster recovery planning.

COPERS is led by Gail Tan Ilagan, PhD, CSSoP, RPsy.

Michelle Soledad, who served as the Ateneo de Davao University Electrical Engineering Department Chair, is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Engineering Education at Virginia Tech.  She has been selected to be inducted into the Virginia Tech chapter of the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society.  The Bouchet Society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate.

Soledad currently holds an appointment as Assistant Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department of the Ateneo de Davao University. At Virginia Tech, she has taught in the first year program and worked on projects related to the learning experience in large engineering courses. She is a Fellow of the Global Perspectives Program and the Virginia Tech Academy for Graduate Teaching Assistant Excellence; and a member of the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi. She is also a graduate assistant at the Office of the Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education and is a teaching assistant for the Academic Integrity and Plagiarism course of the Graduate School.

Soledad’s dissertation focuses on understanding the learning experience in large foundational engineering courses by exploring faculty beliefs, aspirations, and needs for facilitating learning and leveraging institutional data to support reflective teaching practices.

Michelle will be recognized at the Virginia Tech Graduate Education Week’s Award Banquet in March.  The  offical induction ceremony into the society will be held at the annual Yale Bouchet Conference on Diversity and Graduate Education at Yale University, April 26-28.  They will join a network of pre-eminent scholars exemplifying academic and personal merit, character, service and advocacy for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the academy.

Yale and Howard universities established the Bouchet Society in 2005 to recognize the life and academic contributions of Edward Bouchet, the first African-American to receive a doctorate from a U.S. university; he earned his degree in physics from Yale in 1876.

The Ateneo de Davao is proud to honor this year’s recipients of the University Awards.

The Drs. Jess and Trining de la Paz Award is conferred on Talikala, Inc., a non-government organization freeing Davao City’s prostituted women and girls from exploitation. Receiving the Archbishop Clovis Thibault Award is the Missionaries of Charity, a congregation of sisters that serves the poor and the sick in the margins of the city. The Fr. Theodore Daigler Award for Mindanao Culture and Arts is given to Ms. Tita Lacambra-Ayala, esteemed poet and visual artist who has helped shape contemporary Davao literature and arts chiefly through the Road Map series. This year’s conferee of the honorary doctorate honoris causa will be announced on a separate date.

These awards and honors will be presented to the awardees during the University’s annual commencement exercises on 7 April 2018. The call for nominations for the 2019 Ateneo de Davao University Awards will be released in June 2018.