The Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), through the Arrupe Office of Social Formation (AOSF) and the Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao (AIM) Office, hosted a curated International Service-Learning Program (IS-LP) from May to July 2024 on “Journey to Discovering the Filipino Self.”
Partnering with the ADDU Anthropology Department, this year’s IS-LP welcomed students from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, specifically members of their Filipino Students Association. The participants had the opportunity to explore the daily lives of Filipinos in an indigenous community in Mindanao, gaining a deeper understanding of intercultural communication, the region’s socio-economic realities, and the richness of Filipino culture.
This two-week formative experience, grounded in educational frameworks such as service-learning, the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP), and the pastoral spiral cycle (see-judge-act), provided participants with an immersive journey into Filipino culture and identity. The integration of anthropological perspectives into the program deepened the community experience, allowing participants to analyze the cultural, social, and historical dimensions of their encounters. This added layer of reflection enabled a more nuanced understanding of the Filipino self.
The service and formation components of the program were conducted both online and in person. Pre-immersion activities included a retreat-style orientation that set the tone for the program and provided a prayerful and reflective environment for participants. They also engaged in anthropological conversations and exchanges with students and scholars, as well as other sessions exploring various topics related to the Ignatian Way of Life and Spirituality, Catholic Social Teaching in the Philippine context, and the history, society, and culture of Mindanao. Sessions on community integration and cultural sensitivity further prepared participants for respectful engagement with the local community.
The immersive experience took place in Sitio Calacapan, Brgy. Mandahican, Municipality of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. It allowed participants to engage with the Umayamnon indigenous community, providing them with valuable perspectives on their aspirations. As the program progressed, mid- and post-reflection sessions encouraged participants to share their experiences while learning about the cultural, historical, and social challenges faced by the local community.
Through this program, participants not only developed a deeper understanding of their Filipino self but also contributed meaningfully to the local community by sharing their personal narratives as Filipino-Canadians and sharing their talents through music.
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