The Philippines island of Mindanao will soon launch a major island-wide undertaking that shall focus on ensuring integration of Mindanao’s economy and environment to achieve sustainable development. Jesuit research institute Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC) is a partner agency and one of only two non-governmental groups working with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on this flagship programme.
Abaca, coffee and rubber are three very different crops that can make a difference to the indigenous communities in Mindanao – both economically and socially.
In October, 30 youth from Upper Pulangi, Bukidnon in northern Mindanao spent 10 days learning about these crops, how to produce them and how to do so with a sense of environmental stewardship. Jesuit research institute Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC) conducted the training, in partnership with the Malaybalay City Agriculture Office and the Fibre Industry Development Authority.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III has conferred the rank and title of National Scientist on Fr Bienvenido Nebres SJ, for his outstanding contributions to science and mathematics education and social reform. The title of national scientist is considered the highest honour given to a scientist in the country.
President Aquino paid tribute to Fr Nebres, who was president of Ateneo de Manila University from April 1993 to May 2011, in a ceremony in Malacañang, citing his achievements as “educator, mathematician, mentor and administrator.”
Fr Pedro Walpole SJ and Fr James Reuter SJ provide the narration for a mini-documentary that provides a quick 14-minute tour of the universe. They describe in simple terms how the Big Bang really occurred and the discovery of neutrinos, galactic super-clusters, cosmic voids, and dark galaxies. Dramatic Hubble space photos are also featured.
The new President of President of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Fr Roberto “Bobby” Yap SJ began his term with a strong message regarding man’s need to reconcile with recreation.
In his Inaugural Address on August 15, Fr Bobby declared that “care for the environment is certainly one of the most crucial and most challenging” frontiers a university can strive to reach, and announced two environmental stewardship projects he will focus on – making the campus green and adapting to climate change.
A forum entitled Theological Views on Religions and Cultures by jointly held by Ateneo de Manila University’s Loyola School of Theology and Heythrop College’s Centre for Christianity and Interreligious Dialogue in Manila from July 21 to 23, 2011. Br. Bernard Falzon mssp provides an account of the three-day event.
Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) has approved the establishment of the ADDU Al Qalam Institute: An Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue.
The Society of Jesus often aptly celebrates Ignatius Loyola’s feast day with Eucharist, dinners or cultural shows.
Braving the rain and Manila’s congested streets, more than 11,000 young Filipinos assembled at Ateneo de Manila University for the World Youth Day (WYD) Manila to Madrid Overnight Vigil on August 20 and 21, 2011. Most of them came from Catholic schools, parishes and organisations, and for many, this was their first WYD event.
Fr Roland Doriol SJ spent 15 years in Cebu, Philippines as a Chaplain in a maritime school and at the port, ministering to seafarers and their families. He sent us this report after three weeks in Algeria in May, during which he met Filipino migrant workers at their work sites and in their camps.