SMU Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy

📣 𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙪𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨!

Saint Mary’s University proudly invites you to a Webinar for the Philippine Indigenous Communities (GPIC) Course with the theme: “Voices of Indigenous Cultural Communities: Advancing Rights, Identity, and Self-Determination in the Contemporary Philippines.”

🌏 Gain deeper insights into the struggles, rights, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples as we bring together esteemed speakers who will share their expertise on cultural preservation, governance, and development.

🎤 Featuring:
Atty. Raymond Marvin T. Ceba-Cagulat – Championing IP rights and justice
Dr. Yi-Ching Wu – Advancing indigenous development in Southeast Asia

📅 April 30, 2026
⏰ 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Zoom (Meeting ID and QR code provided)

Let’s engage in meaningful conversations that promote equity, cultural empowerment, and inclusive development.

✨ 𝘽𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩. 𝙇𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣, 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙮. 𝙓𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝘿. 𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙖! 🎉⚖️

The Social Sciences and Philosophy Department extends its warmest congratulations on your success as a BAR 2025 PASSER. This remarkable achievement reflects your steadfast dedication to the Marian mission and your pursuit of excellence in both teaching and professional practice.

As a valued member of the department, you continue to exemplify competence, integrity, and service, bringing honor to the University and inspiration to your students. May you carry these ideals forward as you serve the legal profession and the wider community.

𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙎𝙎𝙋𝘿 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪.

🗞️ 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝙍𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙙

Welcome to The Republic Rewind, a satirical yet insightful series by the SMU Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy.

Every now and then, we’ll hit the rewind button on Philippine politics, unpacking the week’s drama, irony, and policy twists through the lens of social science and philosophy.

Stay tuned as we reflect, critique, and laugh (a little) at the unfolding narrative of our Republic.

𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣, 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩.

As frontliners in politics and society, the SMU Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy presents a short wrap-up of what’s been unfolding in our ever-colorful world of Philippine politics. Because if politics were a teleserye, this season has had drama, suspense, and reruns of familiar storylines.

📊 Corruption: The Longest-Running Series
A recent Pulse Asia survey says 97% of Filipinos believe corruption is widespread and, sadly, many already see it as “normal.” From the flood-control fund scandal (where the funds vanished faster than the floods) to headline after headline on misuse of public money, the script rarely changes. What changes is only the cast.

💬 Disinformation: The Digital Spin-Off
The Reuters Institute found that 67% of Filipinos worry about fake news, and for good reason. Social media has become a battleground where facts and fiction wrestle daily for attention. Memes are now campaign tools; algorithms have replaced conversations.

👑 Political Dynasties: The Family Franchise
In many provinces, the same surnames keep appearing on the ballot. A proof that politics here is not a career but a family business. While others pass down heirlooms, some pass down entire municipalities.

📜 Charter Change: The Reboot No One Asked For
Talks about amending the Constitution have resurfaced yet again. Proponents say it’s for “economic reform,” while skeptics call it déjà vu in HD. The question remains: are we rewriting the rules, or just rephrasing old excuses?

🚨 Governance and Accountability: Still Loading…
Committee hearings come and go, press conferences make headlines, and yet accountability remains missing in action. Somewhere between the speeches and slogans, public service sometimes gets lost in translation.

As social scientists and philosophers, we look beyond the noise. We study why these patterns persist. Politics isn’t just about power; it’s a reflection of culture, behavior, and belief.

So as another season of political spectacle ends, we invite everyone to reflect:

🧠 Are we citizens, or merely spectators?
💭 How much longer will we call corruption “normal”?

Democracy only works when the audience stays awake.
See you next season, hopefully with better plot development. 🎬

🎉 CALLING ALL MARIAN ALUMNI! 🎓
Get ready to step back in time and celebrate the legacy we’ve built together! ✨

Join us for a day of nostalgia, laughter, and reconnection at the Grand Alumni Homecoming 2025!

🕺 Theme: “A Retro Journey Through the Decades: Reminiscing the Past, Celebrating the Present”
👗 Dress Code: Retro
📅 Date: November 15, 2025
🕢 Time: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Venue: Sacred Heart Center, Saint Mary’s University

💫 Relive your best memories, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate the milestones of our programs:
• BA History – 52 years
• BPA – 26 years
• BA Philosophy – 25 years
• BA Political Science – 23 years
• BSEd Social Studies – 20 years

📝 Register here:
🔗 https://forms.gle/uLVdAok4mJ37oWFg8

🔗 https://forms.gle/uLVdAok4mJ37oWFg8

🔗 https://forms.gle/uLVdAok4mJ37oWFg8

📩 For inquiries:
• Zinah Manzano, MAPSS Prime Minister – 09354581174 | [email protected]

• Dr. Kenneth Maslang, Department Head – 09084664123 | [email protected]

🏨 For lodging/accommodation:
• Jade Tebangin, MAPSS Asst. Vice Chairperson on Alumni Relations – 09389158570 | [email protected]

Let’s celebrate our journey and honor the Marian spirit that continues to inspire us! 💙

🎓 First Day of School Challenge: Meet the Minds of SSPD! 🌟
Welcome back, Marians! The Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy is here to guide you through a year of discovery, dialogue, and nation building. 🌍📚

🕵️‍♀️ The SSPD Guessing Game 🕵️‍♂️
In our faculty line-up, can you figure out who’s who?
🔹 The Political Science powerhouse who can turn any current event into a masterclass. 🗳️
🔹 The History hero who can take you from pre-colonial times to present day in one epic lecture. 📜
🔹 The Social Sciences sage who sees the world through culture, community, and change. 🌏
🔹 The Philosophy philosopher who’ll have you questioning everything… and loving it. 💭

💬 Drop your guesses in the comments and tag your classmates to join in!
✨ Let’s make this year a journey of critical thinking, collaboration, and Christ-centered learning.

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫, 𝐑𝐄𝐕. 𝐅𝐑. 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐍𝐎, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐚!

In his talk on Natural Law: Understanding Morality through Universal Principles, Fr. Aquino will take us on a fascinating journey into the heart of morality, where timeless principles meet modern ethical dilemmas 🌿✨

Don’t miss this chance to explore how these age-old ethical frameworks continue to shape our society today and discover the power of morality through universal principles. This is an intellectual adventure you won’t want to miss!

𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭-𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐫. 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐁. 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧, 𝐉.𝐃., Dean of Student Affairs and Services at Saint Mary’s University, as he takes us deep into the world of Utilitarianism.

Get ready to explore how evaluating consequences and making moral choices shapes our ethical decisions in practice.

Don't miss this opportunity to challenge your perspectives and expand your understanding of ethics!

𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐝𝐲𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲! 🚀🌌

Join us for an enriching session at Ethical Odyssey 2.0 as we welcome Mr. Bartman I. Gacrama, MPR, a distinguished faculty member from the University of La Salette, Inc., Santiago City.

In this webinar, Mr. Gacrama will delve into the fascinating world of utilitarianism, exploring how this ethical framework seeks to balance happiness and decision-making.

This session promises to challenge our thinking, spark meaningful discussions, and deepen our understanding of ethical choices in both personal and professional contexts. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your ethical perspectives!

𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 – 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒔 🤔💭🌌

Join us for our second odyssey, where we dive deep into the complexities of ethical theories. Explore the profound concepts of the greatest happiness principle, justice, and moral rights. As we navigate this intellectual terrain together, we’ll challenge perspectives and ignite critical thinking that prompts thoughtful reflection.

With expert speakers guiding us, uncover the depths of Utilitarianism and Natural Law. Prepare to venture into the unexplored – the deeper unknown awaits!

Get ready on our expert speakers and their thought-provoking topics are coming your way! Stay tuned.

Saint Mary's University Spreads Christmas Joy to Belet, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya

Christmas is not just about gifts or celebrations; it’s about touching lives, sharing joy, and spreading love where it’s needed most. On December 21, 2024, the Saint Mary's University community brought this spirit to the children of Belet, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. The event was made possible through the support of the Community Extension and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center (CEIPSC), School of Graduate Studies (SoGS, led by MAT Social Studies students), School of Health and Natural Sciences (SHANS), and School of Teacher Education and Humanities (STEH, led by the Social Sciences and Philosophy Department).

Despite the challenges of busy schedules, the participants were driven by a shared mission to make Christmas special for the children. The journey to Belet was tough, but the local community’s kindness, including providing transportation, showcased the power of generosity.

Upon arrival, the team was warmly welcomed by the children’s smiles and excitement. The local residents offered snacks as a symbol of hospitality, reminding everyone that giving is not about the size of the gesture but the heart behind it.

The day was filled with activities, laughter, and connection, as the children’s enthusiasm lit up the event. This experience was a reminder that Christmas is about more than just receiving—it’s about giving, loving, and making a difference.

Thanks to the generous donations, both in-kind and monetary, and the dedication of faculty, staff and students from Saint Mary's University, the event was a success.

Merry Christmas, everyone!
May the season fill our hearts with warmth, joy, and the desire to spread kindness wherever we go.