On 10–11 August 2026, the Department of Philosophy of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) at Saint Louis University (SLU), represented by its department head, Prof. Nikky S. Garo, participated in Phase 1 of the workshop, “Ethics, Society, and Education: Empowering Early Career Philosophers in the Philippines,” hosted by De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila.
The project was spearheaded by Prof. Hazel Biana, PhD, and Prof. Jeremiah Joven B. Joaquin, PhD, of DLSU, with Prof. Sara Uckelman, PhD, of Durham University serving as a co-proponent. It was supported by the British Academy’s International Writing Workshops 2025 Programme, funded through the UK Government’s International Science Partnerships Fund, and implemented by the Social Development Research Center in collaboration with Durham University.
The two-day international writing workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of early-career philosophers to develop, publish, and disseminate research on ethical inquiry and its applications to Philippine education and society. Beyond skill-building, the workshop fostered scholarly collaboration and reinforced the enduring significance of philosophy and the humanities in shaping education, enriching public discourse, informing policy, and contributing to nation-building.
Equally important, the workshop illuminated the pivotal role of young Filipino philosophers in rearticulating and transforming philosophical ideas to address urgent social, cultural, and educational challenges. By actively engaging with contemporary issues and extending philosophical discourse beyond the traditional confines of the classroom, the workshop affirmed that philosophy remains a vital discipline in shaping public life and critical thought. This reaffirmation situates philosophy not merely as an academic pursuit but as a transformative practice that bridges theory and lived realities, ensuring its continued significance in both local and international contexts.
SLU continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing the research culture of its academic community by providing robust support systems for its employees. Through institutional initiatives, the university amplifies the capacity of its faculty and staff by offering avenues for research development, including financial assistance, training opportunities, and collaborative platforms. These efforts not only enhance the research skills of the Louisian community but also ensure that employees are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the production of knowledge and the promotion of inclusive education. By investing in its people, SLU affirms its role as a catalyst for intellectual growth and innovation, strengthening the university’s mission to integrate competence, compassion, and Christian spirit in academic practice.
This activity resonates strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). By cultivating research skills, fostering collaboration among local and international scholars, and promoting inclusive and critical approaches to education, the workshop exemplifies how philosophy and the humanities can contribute to sustainable educational development and global cooperation. (Article by NEOLOUPHIS | Photos by Brandon Cadingpal | Other photos are from the De La Salle University official Facebook page)
