The two-day Symposium on Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason), brought together philosophers, theologians, canon lawyers, and religious educators from various institutions and was held in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of Pope Saint John Paul II’s encyclical with the same title.

Fides et Ratio addressed the relationship between faith and reason. The encyclical posits that the two are not only compatible, but essential together. Reason may create a ‘systematic body of knowledge,’ but its completeness is ‘illusory’ as without grounding in spiritual truth, reason can give rise to skepticism and other doctrines which can devalue.

Eight plenary speakers approached the topic from the perspective of philosophy, theology and canon law. Among them were: The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., School of Theology and Religious Studies Area Director for Historical and Systematic Theology Fr. Nicholas E. Lombardo, O.P., Ph.D., who delivered a lecture on “Faith and Reason and the Inspiration of Scripture,” and Professor Emeritus of Charles Sturt University in Australia John F. Weckert, Ph.D., who discussed “Trust and Commitment in Science and Technology.”

From the University of Santo Tomas, speakers included distinguished philosopher Professor Emeritus Alfredo P. Co, Ph.D., who discussed “A Preliminary Reflection on the Place of Fides et Ratio in the Evangelization of the East in the 21st Century;” Assoc. Prof. Pablito A. Baybado, Ph.D., who tackled “From Phenomenon to Foundation: Fides et Ratio’s Prospects for Dialogue and Peace Building;” , who talked on “Critical Theory and Theology of the Signs of the Times: Towards and Emancipated Humanity;” , who expounded on “Fides et Ratio: Friends or Enemies?” Visiting Professor Rev. Fr. Danilo U. Flores, J.U.D., who elaborated on “The Exercise of Postestas Vicaria of the Roman Pontiff: Perfect and Harmonious Interaction of Fides, Ratio, et Ius;” and , who presented “Christianity as the Locus of the Complementarity of Faith and Reason.”

Faith and Reason and the Inspiration of Scripture
A researcher in the emerging field of analytic theology, Fr. Lombardo stated that, in Fides et Ratio, St. Pope John Paul II identified current tasks for theology: it was noted in the encyclical that problems have emerged in recent times, about interpreting scripture and other texts of the Church’s living tradition. The Pope posited that a current solution to these problems will not be found without philosophy’s contribution.

An initial problem, Fr. Lombardo discussed, is that of the relationship between meaning and truth. “The theologian needs to ask: What is the deep and authentic truth which the texts wish to communicate, even within the limits of language?” he quoted from the encyclical.

Fr. Lombardo also presented his hypothesis on how God’s intended meaning related to human authors’ intended meaning in Scripture, and noted that his presentation “offers an account of how God’s voice emerges from the many waters of scripture. Whether or not its proposal succeeds, the principles that St. Pope John Paul II gave us in Fides et Ratio continue to provide the Church a solid foundation for clarifying the meaning, the truth, and the inspiration of Sacred Scripture.”

Trust and Commitment in Science and Technology  
Prof. John F. Weckert, Ph.D., founding editor in chief of the Springer Journal Nano-ethics, focusing on ethics for technologies that converge at the nanoscale, discussed how trust involves goodwill and autonomy, and how technology can affect how we trust people.

“Technology itself isn’t widely trusted; we trust the people – those who develop, maintain, an operate the technology,” said Weckert, using the example of how people trust pilots, engineers, and technicians rather than trust the plane itself.

He also detailed how trust can be enhanced by technology. It aids in communication and collaboration, which builds trust among people. Trust-inhibiting technologies, however, are also prevalent, such as surveillance technologies, sensing and listening devices, ‘big data’ or vast amounts of information collected from individuals’ personal habits that are stored through and in technology and may be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns and trends.

Surveillance, said Weckert, limits the autonomy of the persons being monitored as it limits the development of trust and of virtues like honesty, and even threatens privacy.

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“Napakalaki ang nagawa at naiambag ng mg Tomasinong guro sa mga ma-tagumpay na Tomasino. Sigurado ako na kabilang kayo sa inspirasyon ng mga mag-aaral sa kanilang pagsusumikap na makamit at matupad ang kanilang mga pangarap. Hindi lamang iyan maliit na bagay,” Rector Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. said in his message. “Pinapatunayan ito ng napakaraming mahuhusay at kapuri-puring indibidwal na mula sa iba’t-ibang larangan na nagmula sa ating pamantasan,”

According to Fr. Dagohoy, the theme underscores the relationship between dignity and quality. “Ang dignidad ng guro ay nakabase sa kanyang atas, sa kanyang mandato, sa kanyang responsibilidad; samakatuwid, sa kanyang tungkuling ginagampanan: ang paghubog sa mga kamalayan upang masusing timbangin ang katwiran at turuan ang mag-aaral kung papaano umiwas sa panlilinlang, manindigan sa katotohanan, at ipaglaban ang katarungan.”

“Ang saligan ng dignidad ng pagiging guro ay ayon sa antas ng kanyang pagtupad sa atas na iginagawad sa kanya; ito ang nag-aangat sa guro. Ginagawa siyang kakaiba at nagtatangi sa kanya sa ibang mga larangan,” Dagohoy added.

Give Students a Chance

Honorary Speaker Prof. Gerardo Janairo, PhD, De La Salle University Chancellor and a Thomasian from the College of Science, recalled his days in UST as a BS Chemistry student who spent his college days with a bad start. Janairo turned this around, though, credited his Thomasian professors for giving him a lending hand in times of trouble and most especially in retaking the bar exams. “Sila ang mga tao na nagbigay ng inspirasyon sa akin at nagbigay ng pag-asa,” he said.

As a professor, Janairo said he preferred to handle “repeater sections” and underscored his love for both his profession and his students. Being a product of second chances himself, Janairo justified that he will do what he can to bring the best of his students: “Buong tiyaga ko silang tinuturuan, tinutulungan, at binibigyan ng pag-asa. Marami akong mag-aaral na nabigyan ng pagkakataon tulad ng ginawa ng dati kong mga guro sa UST.”

The annual recognition program conferred the following awards: Gawad Benavides (for length of service); Gawad San Alberto Magno (for outstanding research); Gawad Santo Domingo (for outstanding community development program); Gawad San Lorenzo Ruiz (for outstanding achievement, as recognized nationally or internationally); and the Hall of Fame Award (for receiving three awards in the Dangal ng UST, except the Gawad Benavides).

Gawad Benavides

20 years

1. Asst. Prof. Reverendo R. Vargas ()
2. Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina ()
3. Asst. Prof. Danilo C. Guinto ()
4. Asst. Prof. Beverly Sarausad (Faculty of Engineering)
5. Asst. Prof. Naomi Paz S. Nemenzo ()
6. Asst. Prof. Ariel S. Sta. Ana (Conservatory of Music)
7. ()
8. Asst. Prof. Maria Antoinette L. Rosete (College of Commerce and Business Administration)
9. Asst. Prof. James Rabago ()
10. Ms. Maria Teresa Ramos (Junior High School)
11. Asst. Prof. Marie Anne Lourdes N. Guanzon ()
12. Asst. Prof. Jose L. Ngo Jr. (UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy)
13. Asst. Prof. Marcelita Apolonia ()
14. Asst. Prof. Diana Dy (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
15. (College of Education)
16. (College of Education)
17. (College of Education)
18. Mrs. Lucila B. Adriano (Miguel de Benavides Library)
19. Mrs. Arlene Matias (Miguel de Benavides Library)
20. Ms. Michelle San Gabriel (Miguel de Benavides Library)
21. Ms. Arni M. Agustin (College of Science)
22. (College of Science)
23. Prof. Corazon Menguito, PhD (College of Science)
24. Asst. Prof. Ma. Victoria B. Pangilinan (College of Science)
25. (College of Science)
26. Asst. Prof. Jennifer T. Angeles (College of Architecture)
27. Asst. Prof. Armando L. Miranda (College of Architecture)
28. Asst. Prof. Enrique C. Sta. Maria (College of Architecture)
29. Mr. Cesar M. Velasco, Jr. (College of Architecture)
30. Asst. Prof. Jocelyn A. Amongo (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
31. Asst. Prof. Mildred Antonio (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
32. (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
33. Mrs. Aurora Cristina P. Bermudez (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
34. Asst. Prof. Rhodoralynn Lintag (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
35. Asst. Prof. Andres Julio V. Santiago, Jr., PhD (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
36. Asst. Prof. Maximo B. Sauz, Jr. (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
37. Asst. Prof. Noel Martin Bautista, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
38. Asst. Prof Celeste Mae Campomanes, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
39. Asst. Prof Dakila P. De Los Angeles, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
40. Asst. Prof . Lerrie D. Gutierrez, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
41. Prof. Agnes Cecille G. Llamas, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
42. Asst. Prof. Dennis G. Lusaya, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
43. Asst. Prof. Alberto P. Paulino, Jr., MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
44. Asst. Prof. Alberto V. Molano, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
45. Mr. Juan Ramon V. Perez de Tagle, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
46. Asst. Prof Roberto Uy, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)

25 years

1. Assoc. Prof. Ma. Ninia I. Calaca (College of Science)
2. Asst. Prof. Rafael Alfonso (College of Science)
3. (College of Education)
4. Asst. Prof. Myra D. Alvarado (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
5. Asst. Prof. Gilda R. Kamus (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
6. Asst. Prof. Emmanuel D. Batoon (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
7. Asst. Prof. Antonio Chua (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
8. Asst. Prof. Emerito Gonzales (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
9. Asst. Prof. Emmanuel Lopez, PhD (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
10. (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
11. Asst. Prof. Rogelio O. Almira Jr. (Faculty of Engineering)
12. (Faculty of Engineering)
13. Asst. Prof. Joycelyn Poblete (Faculty of Engineering)
14. Asst. Prof. Dolores T. Andres (Conservatory of Music)
15. Ms. Cynthia Justinia P. Yumul (Conservatory of Music)
16. Mr. Proceso Yusi (Conservatory of Music)
17. Mr. Rodolfo Ventura (College of Architecture)
18. Asst. Prof. Avelino D. Micu (College of Architecture)
19. Assoc. Prof. Mary Caroline Castano, PhD (College of Commerce and Business Administration)
20. (Faculty of Pharmacy)
21. Asst.  Prof. Perla P. Cosme ()
22. Mr. Cesar D. Jucutan (Education High School)
23. Prof. Marcelino Banzon (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
24. Prof Mary Jocylyn Bautista (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
25. Asst. Prof. Eduardo Caguioa (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
26. Assoc. Prof. Ruben Cardenas (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
27. Asst. Prof. Ma. Rosario Irene D. Castillo (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
28. Prof. Ditas Christina Decena (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
29. Asst. Prof.Nilo Delos Santos (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
30. Prof. Olivia Go (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
31. Prof. Isias A. Lanzona  (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
32. Prof. Redario C. Laygo (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
33. Asst. Prof. Rosella L. Montano (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
34. Prof. Alejandro V. Pineda Jr. (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
35. Asst. Prof. Estrelita J. Ruiz (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
36. Prof. Anniela Y. Soliven (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
37. (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
38. Assoc. Prof. Edgardo Tan (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
39. Assoc. Prof. Ronald A. Yutangco (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
40. Prof. Mauel B. Zacarias (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)

30 years

1. (College of Science)
2. Asst. Prof. Cecilia M. Villaraza (College of Science)
3. Assoc. Prof. Rebecca Adri (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
4. Assoc. Prof. Ogden Javier (Faculty of Engineering)
5. Assoc. Prof. Raul Ortega (Institute of Religion)
6. Asst. Prof. Maria Vicenta D. Sanchez (College of Architecture)
7. Asst. Prof. Teresita D.L. Altre (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
8. Prof. Ma. Minerva P. Calimag (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
9. Prof. Mary Agnes S. Regal (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
10. Prof. Clara R. Rivera (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
11. Assoc. Prof. Stephen Querico A. Buni (College of Fine Arts and Design)

35 years

1. Ms. Marivic G. Usita (Miguel de Benavides Library)
2. (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
3. Asst. Prof. Pilar I. Romero (College of Education)
4. Assoc. Prof. Angelo A. Morsquillo (Faculty of Engineering)
5. Prof. Edna C. Quinto (Faulty of Engineering)
6. Assoc. Prof. Emmanuel G. Fiedecan (Institute of Religion)
7. Prof. Maribel Nonato (College of Science)
8.  Assoc. Prof. Felix Michael C. Silbor (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
9. Asst. Prof. Ramon Javier (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
10. Asst. Prof. Ma. Cristina C. Doria (Faculty of Pharmacy)

40 years

1. (College of Science)
2. Prof. Lucila O. Bance (College of Science)
3. Asst. Prof. Angelina A. Silverio (College of Science)
4. Prof. Alfredo P. Co (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
5. Prof. Evelyn R. Laurito (Faculty of Engineering)
6. Prof. Aristea V. Bayquen (Faculty of Pharmacy)
7. Assoc. Prof. Enrique D. Barcelo (Conservatory of Music)
8. Prof. Julie Ann A. Hallazgo (Conservatory of Music)
9. Asst. Prof. Edna B. Sanchez (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics)
10. Assoc. Prof. Digna S. Sese (Institute of Religion)

Gawad San Alberto Magno

1. (College of Science)
2. Prof. Raymond Rosales, MD (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)
3. (College of Science)
4. (College of Science)
5. Chuckberry Pascual, PhD (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
6. Prof. Alfredo P. Co, PhD (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
7. (Faculty of Arts and Letters)

Gawad Santo Domingo

1. People Empowerment for Arthritis and Lupus (PEARL) (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery)

Gawad San Lorenzo Ruiz

1. (Faculty of Arts and Letters)
2. (College of Science)
3. (College of Science)
4. UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Life Support Training Center

Gawad Hall of Fame

1. (College of Science)

The post UST honors faculty members at 18th Dangal ng UST Awards appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

Appointed to the Technical Panels and Technical Committees are:

TECHNICAL PANELS

According to the CSO 8, s 2017, Technical Panel chairpersons and members “provide technical expertise to CHEd in conceptualizing and developing plans, policies, standards, guidelines, rules, and regulations concerning the operation of higher education programs; in evaluating compliance of HEIs with minimum standards for the various higher education programs; in formulating guidelines and criteria for identification of Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development; in developing assessment instruments in undertaking monitoring and evaluation tasks; in guiding CHEd Regional Quality Assessment Teams; in the implementation of developmental programs and projects; and in representing the CHEd in meetings / workshops / conferences / consultations / hearings.”

TECHNICAL COMMITTEES

Technical Committee chairpersons and members serve in the Working Committees and assist the Technical Panels in undertaking the tasks and activities of the panels.

The order, signed by CHEd Chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan, PhD, makes effective the one-year appointment, from January 1 – December 31, 2017.

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Leading the paper presenters was Fr. Jesus M. Miranda, Jr., O.P., PhD, Regent of the and Editor of the Philippiniana Sacra. Fr. Miranda presented the paper “Living the Dominican Charism in Education in the Philippines: A Grounded Theory Approach.” He likewise presented the paper “Constructivism in the Nontraditional System of Education.”Representing the faculty members of the Department of Philosophy were Jecko Bello, who talked on “Paul Ricoeur’s Paradigm of Translation: The Role of Philosophy and Education in the Secular Society,” and , who talked about “Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) Involvement and Its Relation to the Spiritual Growth of a Selected Group of Filipino Urban Youth.”

Philosophy alumni likewise presented in the conference:

• Ranier Carlo V. Abengaña – The Commodification of Education: Adorno’s Theorie der Halbbilding and the Dialectic of Freedom and Unfreedom
• Kelly Agra – The world as “Is” and the world as “Ought”: Cogitating Contemporary Knowledge through Alain Badlou
• Guillermo R. Dionisio – Liberal Education and Learning Forgiveness in Secular Society
• Czara Loraine Dy – Understanding Mary Wollstonecraft and Paulo Freire’s Critique of Oppressive Education through the Implications of TOFI in the Philippines
• Tracy Ann Llanera – Redemption in a Secular Age

The post Co, Fr. Miranda, Philosophy faculty and alumni present in ACU appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.