Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), through the Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao (AIM) Office and the Arrupe Office of Social Formation (AOSF), attended the 29th Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASEACCU) International Conference from 21-25 August 2023, in Baguio City. The conference was hosted by Saint Louis University together with the ASEACCU Secretariat, the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), Macau, with the theme: “Global Goals in the Care of Our Common Home: A Catholic Response.”
The conference provided a platform for promoting sustainability and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in line with the principles of Laudato Si’ and Ex Corde Ecclesiae. With participation from over 200 educators and students representing nine member countries, ADDU was represented by Ms. Rikka Paula E. Comaingking, AIM Process Coordinator, and Ms. Jhana Lynne B. Ligue, AOSF OIC Coordinator – Volunteers and Leaders Organizing and Formation, along with two students: Ms. Toni Anne Y. Albarico, a 3rd year AB Development Studies for Mindanao student, and Ms. Katherine Nicole D. Consuegra, a 3rd year BS Biology major in Medical Biology student.
The first day and the opening ceremony were highlighted by messages from Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, SLU University President; Rev. Prof. Stephen Morgan, Rector of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macau; Hon. Benjamin Magalong, Mayor of the City of Baguio; Rev. Fr. Roland P. Buyagan, Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Baguio; and J. Prospero E. De Vera III, DPA, Chair of the Philippine Commission on Higher Education. The keynote speech on “IFCU, A Global Tool for the Care of Our Common Home” on the first day was delivered by Prof. François Mabille, emphasizing the shared responsibilities of universities in facing the concerns and challenges in our countries, particularly environmental problems. Further, the first day concluded with the SLU Center for Culture and the Arts (SLU-CCA) performance showcasing Filipino culture.
The second day featured a lecture on Climate Emergency by Mr. Rodne R. Galicha, Executive Director of Living Laudato Si’ Philippines National Convener, Aksyon Klima Pilipinas, followed by a discussion on UN SDGs in the local context of Baguio City by Architect Donna R. Tabangin, an Officer of Baguio City. The afternoon included a site visit to Banangan, Sablan, providing exposure to the Banangan Women’s Association and their promotion of livelihood through diversified ube-based food products.
The subsequent day was filled with lectures by Prof. Montserrat Alom, Director of the International Centre for Research and Decision Support, IFCU; Prof. Stephan Rotlin, SJ, Director of the Macau Ricci Institute; Most Rev. Gerardo Alminaza, Bishop of San Carlos, Diocese of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan, O.S.B., Rector-President of San Beda University; Mr. Quintin Pastrana, President of Wenergy Power Pilipinas; Asst. Prof. Nestor R. Ong, MSIE, PIE, ASEAN Engr., Deputy Director of the Office of QS/THE Rankings at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST); Dr. Stephenie O. Busbus, Chair of the Institutional Reputation and Effectiveness Committee at SLU; Dr. Karen Tagulao, Programme Coordinator for the Bachelor of Environmental Sciences at the USJ Macau; and Mei Mei Lim, Director of Consultancy at Times Higher Education. The lecturers shared sentiments about solving the complex problems and climate crisis since new world problems require new world solutions, thus expecting the Catholic universities to become more aware of the world problems and be more responsible in taking care of the “common home,” which was further emphasized by adopting the UN SDGs. Following the lectures, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony took place, formalizing a Student Exchange Program agreement between ADDU and USJ Macau.
Beyond all the lectures and talks, the fourth day was set for visitation of exposure sites to Mount Costa and Mirador Heritage and Eco-Spirituality Park. TheASEACCU was then concluded with a cultural performance by the SLU-CCA Performing Arts Group, followed by closing remarks from Rev. Fr. Stephen Morgan, the Macau Rector. During his remarks, it was announced that the 30th ASEACCU Conference in 2024 will be hosted by the Australian Catholic University in Sydney, Australia, with the theme: “What makes a Catholic University Catholic?” Additionally, the 31st Assembly will take place at Providence University in Taiwan. Furthermore, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, SLU President, officially handed over the responsibility of hosting the next ASEACCU Conference to the Australian Catholic University.
Some photos are from Saint Louis University.