North Valley College host the 16th Social Ethics Society Conference

North Valley College Foundation, Inc. Hosts 16th Social Ethics Society Conference, Gathers Leading Scholars from Across the Globe North Valley College Foundation, Inc. (NVCFI) successfully hosted the 16th Social Ethics Society (SES) Conference, drawing distinguished scholars, researchers, and students from across the Philippines and abroad. With more than 100 participants in attendance and 80 paper presenters in concurrent sessions, the conference proved to be one of the most vibrant gatherings in the Society’s history. The event underscored NVCFI’s growing reputation as a hub for rigorous scholarship and meaningful engagement in the field of social ethics. At the helm of the conference was Dr. Rogelio Bayod, Quality Assurance and Research Director of NVCFI and Conference Convenor. Through his leadership, the conference brought together an impressive roster of international and national scholars, reflecting the institution’s expanding academic network. The keynote address was delivered by Wataru Kusaka of University of Tokyo whose lecture offered a compelling analysis of democratic movements, grassroots mobilization, and the evolving moral landscape of contemporary societies. His presence marked a significant milestone for the SES, strengthening academic ties between Philippine institutions and global universities. The plenary sessions featured an esteemed lineup of scholars: Jeffrey Ocay from Eastern Visayas State University Bernardo Caslib Jr. of University of the Philippines Manila Layne Hartsell from Chulalongkorn University Godiva Rivera of Mindanao State University – Main Campus Conrado Estafia from Holy Name University Each plenary speaker contributed critical perspectives on moral education, democratic renewal, interreligious dialogue, political ethics, and the challenges confronting contemporary Philippine society. Their lectures sparked thoughtful discussions that extended well into the open forums, demonstrating the depth of engagement among participants. The concurrent sessions featured 80 research papers from scholars representing universities and colleges nationwide. Topics ranged from political ethics, indigenous knowledge systems, moral education, environmental responsibility, and social justice movements to emerging ethical concerns in digital society. The diversity of papers reflected the interdisciplinary and evolving character of social ethics in the Philippines. Faculty members, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers alike described the conference as intellectually stimulating and professionally enriching. In his message, Dr. Bayod emphasized that hosting the 16th SES Conference is not only an honor but also a responsibility. “Social ethics is not merely an academic discipline,” he noted, “but a living commitment to justice, dialogue, and democratic renewal. As an institution in Mindanao, we are called to cultivate conversations that matter and conversations that shape conscience and community.” The successful hosting of the conference reinforces North Valley College Foundation, Inc.’s commitment to research excellence, ethical formation, and national academic collaboration. It also positions the institution as an emerging center for scholarly dialogue in Mindanao, capable of convening conversations that resonate both locally and globally.