USC Department of Philosophy - Sophia Organization

It’s time to come home! This year, the USC Department of Philosophy marks a spectacular milestone—our 70th Anniversary—and it simply wouldn’t be a celebration without the minds and hearts that shaped our history.
Join us as we reconnect, reminisce, and raise a glass to seven decades of critical thinking and lifelong friendships.

📅 When: July 4, 2026
⛪ 4:00 PM: Holy Mass
🍷 To follow: Socials & Dinner
📍 Where: SAFAD Lobby

Registration P1,500.

📝 How to Register:
Metrobank Acct no. 7337733011668
Acct name: Mary Troie Felipe
Gotyme acct 019793725160
Acct name: Mary Troie Felipe

📢 ANNOUNCEMENT | Pre-Order Deadline Extended!

Great news, Philosophers!

The pre-order deadline for the SOPHIA Platinum Anniversary Jacket has been extended to May 31, 2026! More time for you to own a piece of history, 70 years of philosophy, stitched with purpose.

Don’t miss this chance, order yours now before it’s truly too late!

Price: ₱1,300.00

Pre-Order Form:
https://forms.gle/9VRBGPWskSXvSUJU7
https://forms.gle/9VRBGPWskSXvSUJU7
https://forms.gle/9VRBGPWskSXvSUJU7

We welcome Dr. Ranie B. Villaver as the incoming Chairperson of the Department of Philosophy, effective August 1, 2026.

Let us extend to our incoming administrator our usual support, cooperation, and commitment as we continue working together toward the goals and aspirations of the Department.

⏳ 10 DAYS LEFT!

Your chance to own a piece of history is almost over!

The SOPHIA Platinum Anniversary Jacket — worn with pride, stitched with purpose. 70 years of philosophy, and this is your mark.

Pre-order deadline: May 28, 2026

Only ₱1,300.00

Ready for pick-up at the USC SAFAD Lobby — July 4, 2026

𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙮. 𝙊𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚!

Access Pre-Order Forms Here:

https://forms.gle/9VRBGPWskSXvSUJU7

https://forms.gle/9VRBGPWskSXvSUJU7

https://forms.gle/9VRBGPWskSXvSUJU7

Congratulations to Maria Majorie Purino, PhD, for presenting her paper, “The Ethics of Humanistic Buddhism,” at the inaugural Conference for Humanistic Buddhist Thought and Practice at Trinity College, University of Toronto, with the theme “Navigating Conflict: Humanistic Buddhism and Comparative Theology in a Divided World.”

Best wishes to Dr. Purino for continued success in her academic and professional endeavors!

On the afternoon of May 9, 2026, in Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple, Barangay Guadalupe, a talk was held that revolved around the theme: “Think Before You Share: Fighting Fake News in Our Community.”

During the session, the speaker emphasized the importance of knowing where we get our news from (a legitimate news page in facebook for example, versus an illegitimate one), and who we get our news from (for example, when you want to know more about whether it'll rain tomorrow or not, you go to the nearest meteorologist, and not the mayor, since they excel in different fields).

The speaker emphasized just how fast (mis)information spreads in Facebook and other social media platforms, and ends the talk by urging the audience to be wary of fake news, and to be aware of who or where we get our daily source of news from.

On April 25, 2026, the USC Department of Philosophy, in partnership with the Buddha’s Light International Association conducted a community-based activity at the Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple

The session, led by Dr. Alicia Villar, explored business plan and project identification. Participants were guided on the l fundamentals of business planning and identifying viable project ideas.

Proposed initiatives were grouped into two categories: food-based and non-food. For the food category, participants explored healthy chorizo production, while the non-food category focused on briquette-making.

The discussion aimed to encourage participants to explore practical, sustainable, and community-oriented ventures.

IN PHOTOS | On April 25, 2026, the USC Department of Philosophy held Day 2 of its workshop under the theme “Philosophy for/with Children,” featuring guest speaker Dr. Marella Ada M. Bolaños.

The session focused on engaging participants in meaningful dialogue through interactive activities, including reading children’s stories and group exercises. These were followed by reflective discussions, where participants explored key questions together. Dr. Ruby Suazo concluded the workshop by sharing insights and delivering the closing remarks.

Overall, the event fostered a collaborative environment that encouraged critical thinking and nurtured a vibrant community of inquiry.

IN PHOTOS | On April 24, 2026, the USC Department of Philosophy held Day 1 of the workshop featuring guest speaker Dr. Marella Ada M. Bolaños, under the theme “Philosophy for/with Children”. The workshop aimed to simulate productive dialogue and broaden understanding around community of inquiry and critical thinking for young children.

The first day of the workshop entailed participants engaging in meaningful dialogue, participating in whiteboard activities afterwards. This was followed by several questions being discussed accordingly, cultivating a safe space to nurture critical thinking in the process.

In honor of the 70th Platinum Anniversary of the USC Department of Philosophy, this embroidered jacket was made for every philosopher who walked those halls and carried the questions with them long after they left.

Φ Platinum Anniversary Jackets at PHP 1,300.00

Our anniversary jackets are available within the community. We will be accepting orders until May 28, 2026 to ensure your jacket is ready and waiting for you at the USC SAFAD Lobby on July 4, 2026.

𝘿𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙗 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙎𝙊𝙋𝙃𝙄𝘼 𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙝—𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙬!

Access Pre-Order Forms Here:

https://forms.gle/9VRBGPWskSXvSUJU7

https://forms.gle/9VRBGPWskSXvSUJU7

https://forms.gle/9VRBGPWskSXvSUJU7