Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance

“𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂: 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.”

Today, the Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance joins the nation in remembering former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., 43 years since his assassination.

Ninoy's decision to return home in 1983, despite the danger he knew awaited him, remains one of the most profound acts of courage in our history — a sacrifice that helped restore Philippine democracy and continues to inspire generations to serve with integrity.

As an institution committed to forming principled leaders, ACLG honors his legacy today and reaffirms our commitment to leadership grounded in courage, conscience, and service to the Filipino people.

May the words of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. inspire us each day to continue to serve the country and live with integrity as we commemorate his death and heroism today.

Today, our campus is united in sorrow and prayer.

The Social Development Unit of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University mourns with our whole community and holds in prayer the families, students, teachers, and staff affected by this painful incident.

We appeal to everyone: protect the dignity and privacy of those involved, most especially minors. Please do not circulate images, videos, screenshots, or unverified accounts. Rely on the university's official communications for what has been verified, and allow the proper authorities to do their work.

Suspend judgment. Let no suspicion fall upon any person, family, faith, or community. Accountability matters, and we will not be silent about it, but a justice built on speculation will protect no one.

Our full statement and prayer follow. 🕯️

Prayer for Healing and Courage

Merciful God,

In this moment of sorrow and fear,
we place into Your loving hands
all those affected by this tragedy.
Welcome into Your eternal embrace those who have died.
Heal the wounded, comfort those who grieve,
and strengthen all who carry the pain of this moment.

Lord Jesus, You are our Light in the darkness.
When fear overwhelms us, give us courage.
When sorrow weighs upon us, give us hope.
When violence wounds us,
make us instruments of Your peace.

Bless our Ateneo community with healing, unity, and compassion.
May we stand together, care for one another, and never allow darkness to overcome the light of Christ within us.

Through Mary, Mother of Sorrows and Mother of Hope, lead us closer to Your peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University is saddened by the incident that happened today on our JHS campus.

As of now, we confirm that there are 2 fatalities. As for other information, we are coordinating with authorities for the full report with full details to be provided as soon as possible.

The safety of our students is our top priority. We have already coordinated with parents and guardians to pick up their children and the university has ensured the safety of those remaining on campus.

We have set up official communication channels and will relay these information to the public as soon as possible. We urge the public to refrain from sharing unverified info, photos, and videos as these will only bring further harm to those involved and may hinder the ongoing investigation of the incident.

In the meantime, we ask everyone to respect the privacy of all affected individuals.

We pray for the quick resolution of the situation and for the safety of all. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Cura Personalis Formation Program for SOM Level I

Yesterday, August 10, the School of Medicine held its very first Cura Personalis Formation Program (CPFP) — Module 1: Introduction to Cura Personalis and Introduction to Bridging Leadership, held at the FEC Building, Room 410.

Fr. Tex Paurom, SJ, led the session on Cura Personalis, the Ignatian value of "care for the whole person" — mind, body, and spirit — reminding students that becoming good doctors also means becoming whole individuals.

This was followed by an introduction to Bridging Leadership with Sir Troy Gian Lim, a leadership approach rooted in empathy, shared responsibility, and working across differences to create meaningful change.

Together, these two frameworks form a powerful foundation for developing the future Ignatian doctor: Cura Personalis shapes the heart of healing, while Bridging Leadership shapes the hands that lead — molding physicians who don't just treat illness, but care for people and communities with compassion, integrity, and purpose.

A meaningful first step in forming well-rounded, mission-driven doctors — grounded in care for self, others, and community.

EDJOP Campus Conversation. Sali ka? 🏃‍♀️

August 27 | AdZU Salvador Campus

*BASAHIN HANGGANG DULO! * 🇵🇭‼️❤️

Matagal naming inisip pano ba namin ipo-promote ang EDJOP?

Siyempre andyan yung mga usual events. Premiere night. Press con. Preview. Lahat 'yan gagawin namin. Pero paano namin ito ilalabas ng mas malawak sa mundo ng pelikula/ entertainment? Although masaya yun, andun yun, pakiramdam namin, kulang kung andun lang kami iikot.

So tiningnan namin ang buhay ni Edjop. He was one of the most impactful youth organizers of the time. Ang simple ng galaw niya. "Dumirecho ka sa kelangan mo makausap at pakinggan." Make your case direct to your audience.

Si Edjop dumirecho--sa estudyante, sa manggagawa, sa naghaharing-uri--kay Marcos Sr. Yun ang playbook. Honest, straight to the point.

Kaya didirecho na rin kami sa inyo, dear Kabataan. Galawang Edjop.

Iikot kami sa iba't ibang schools para makipagkwentuhan sa inyo. Kayo ang number one inspiration ng pelikulang ito. Pupuntahan namin kayo para ikuwento ang buhay ng isang estudyanteng piniling makialam, tumayo at hindi sumuko. Higit sa lahat, hindi nawalan ng pag-asa.

Feeling namin, pag-asa ang isa sa mga pinaka-kailangan natin ngayon. Lalo na ng mga kabataan. So gusto rin namin kayo pakinggan. Safe space 'to. Pramis.

Kaya tara. Kita-kita tayo. This is EDJOP Campus Conversations.

Details below. 👇

*Paalala: Ang ECC ay HINDI Campus FILM SCREENING. SA SINEHAN NIYO KAMI PANOORIN ‘WAG SA LED PROJECTOR! Okay kitakits! ❤️🇵🇭🔥😂

Cura Personalis Formation Program for SOM Level II & III

Last August 3, at the Medical Library, our Level II and Level III School of Medicine students gathered for another session of the Cura Personalis Formation Program — held separately for each level.

Level II focused on Stress Management, providing a meaningful space for reflection, self-awareness, and learning practical ways to navigate the demands of medical training while nurturing personal well-being. As future healthcare professionals, taking care of oneself is just as vital as caring for others. The session was facilitated by Ms. Chaldeanne Wee, University Safeguarding Officer and Director of the Center for Testing, who shared valuable insights on fostering resilience, balance, and holistic well-being.

Level III, meanwhile, explored Finding God in All Things, a reflective session inviting students to recognize God's presence even amid the busyness and challenges of medical training. The session was facilitated by Fr. Tex Paurom, SJ, who guided students through a deeper appreciation of faith woven into everyday experiences.

Happy Birthday to the woman who is truly the heart of leadership and governance! 🎉

Our Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance simply wouldn't run without our amazing Ma'am Ning Gonzales!

To the wonderful woman who leads with wisdom and makes it look easy, thank you for being the driving force of our Center. Wishing you a day as amazing as you are!

On BARMM Governance | Understanding Electoral Systems and the BARMM Parliamentary System

Mr. Troy Gian Lim of the Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance served as a resource speaker during the Civic Education Training of Trainers held on July 28, 2026, organized by UN Women Philippines in partnership with the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance, Inc. (ZABIDA).

During Module 3, Mr. Lim facilitated discussions on the Philippine Electoral System and the Bangsamoro Parliamentary System, helping participants gain an understanding of the mandates and roles of elected officials, the structure and features of the Bangsamoro Parliament, party representation, and the importance of advancing women's meaningful participation and representation in governance.

The training brought together representatives from civil society organizations, local government units, women's organizations, youth groups, and electoral stakeholders from across the provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Through interactive discussions and civic education, the activity sought to strengthen participants' understanding of the parliamentary electoral system and promote informed, inclusive, and democratic participation in the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.

A special gratitude to the organizers for the opportunity to contribute to our shared mission of building an informed and empowered citizenry grounded in faith, justice, and the common good. We are honored to be part of this collective effort to strengthen democratic participation and good governance in the Bangsamoro.

Photo Credits to UN Women Philippines