The research team from the Department of Philosophy of Saint Louis University’s (SLU) School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) participated in the Recoletos Graduate Research Conference (RGRC) 2026, held on 15 to 16 October 2026, at the Quadricentennial Building of the University of San Jose–Recoletos in Cebu City.
Leading the delegation was Department Head Prof. Nikky S. Garo, who served as lead adviser and lead author, together with co-authors, two senior students and New Louisian Philosophical Society (NEOLOUPHIS) officers from the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy program, Mr. Anton Lawrence O. Ponce and Mr. Mark Peter Paul M. Valeros. The team presented research studies that explored pressing questions in education, philosophy, gender, and cultural representation.
The first study, “Factories of Learning: A Tagorean Critique of General Education Reframing in Higher Education,” examined general education in higher education through the philosophical perspective of Rabindranath Tagore. The study offered a critical reflection on educational frameworks and the need to understand education as a holistic process that cultivates intellectual freedom, creativity, human development, and meaningful engagement with society.
The second study, “Queer-Feminist Critique of Gendered Stereotypes in Philippine Folklore and Popular Culture,” explored gendered representations within Philippine folklore and popular culture through queer-feminist perspectives. By critically examining cultural narratives and gender stereotypes, the research contributed to ongoing conversations about inclusivity, representation, and the role of cultural texts in shaping social perceptions and identities.
Both studies emerged from the Quality, Undergraduate, Engaged, Exploratory Research (QUEER) Project of NEOLOUPHIS, an initiative that highlights the collaborative research potential of faculty members and undergraduate students in the BA Philosophy program. Through this initiative, students are encouraged to move beyond conventional classroom learning by engaging in inquiry, developing philosophical arguments, examining contemporary social issues, and presenting their scholarly work in academic settings.
The participation of the SLU delegation in RGRC 2026 represents a significant milestone in the Department of Philosophy’s continuing pursuit of academic excellence, research development, and innovation. It likewise affirmed the value of sustained faculty mentorship and student involvement in research as essential components of a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
This achievement reflects the Department’s and NEOLOUPHIS’s shared commitment to cultivating a research-oriented academic culture within and beyond the university. By providing students with avenues to develop and showcase their talents, the Department continues to affirm that undergraduate research is not merely a preparatory academic exercise but a valuable contribution to knowledge creation and social transformation.
The milestone also underscores SLU’s commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for faculty and students to learn, collaborate, and excel. It contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality. It aligns with SDG Target 4.7, which emphasizes education for sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, and the appreciation of cultural diversity. The initiative also supported SDG Target 5.1, which calls for ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere, through research that critically examines gendered stereotypes and cultural representations. (Article and photos by Department of Philosophy | Photos by NEOLOUPHIS and University of San-Jose Recoletos (USJR) Official Facebook Page.)
