The Philosophical Association of the Visayas and Mindanao (PHAVISMINDA) successfully concluded its three-day 46th International Conference, themed “Aquinas and Foucault: At the Crossroads of Medieval and Contemporary Philosophy,” held at Eastern Visayas University, Ormoc Campus, Function Hall, on September 29, 2024.
The morning session began with a warm welcome to participants and a brief recap of the previous days activities, followed by two plenary speakers. The first speaker was Dr. Orlando Ali M. Mandane Jr. from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City. He presented a thought-provoking lecture titled ‘Problematization and Artificial Intelligence: A Foucauldian Gaze.’
Followed by Dr. Jove Jim S. Aguas, as the second plenary speaker, from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, who goes in-depth on the topic of ‘St. Thomas Aquinas’ Notion of Virtue and Virtue and Ethics.’ Both speakers had an insightful presentations which prompted lively discussions and questions from the participants.
In addition to the academic sessions, a general assembly was presided over by PHAVISMINDA President Rev. Fr. Francis Paul S. Escaño, RCJ. Key agenda items included the announcement of a co-hosted USAP Conference with PHAVISMINDA, tentatively scheduled for June 2025 in Bohol and hosted by Bohol Island State University. The assembly also addressed organizational changes, with BOD Alexis Itao resigning and Justin Andrew Planco appointed to fill the vacancy.
Furthermore, PHAVISMINDA recognized outstanding contributions from both online and onsite participants. Eastern Visayas State University Ormoc Campus was recognized for its hospitality and accommodation as the venue. Over 60 delegates from various countries actively participated in the conference.
Five individuals were recognized for their outstanding presentations: For Best Oral Presenter, Mr. Angelo Lorenzo A. Salvacion (University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna) for his presention on the topic titled ‘A Foucauldian Ethical Project: Musings on the Genuine Care for the Self,’ and Mr. Mar Louie Vincent Reyes (University of San Carlos, Cebu City) for his discussion on ‘The Political Philosophy of Attack on Titan: The Biocracy of the Walls and the Attack on the Spirit of Capitalism.’
Meanwhile, recognized participants for Best Paper were Mr. Florge Paulo A. Sy (Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, U.K.) for his paper ‘The Im/propriety of the Name “God”: On Jean-Lue Nancy’s Reading of St. Thomas Aquinas,’ Marck Zaldy O. Camba from Bicol University, Legazpi City, for his paper titled ‘Cubing the Pandemic Fear: St. Aquinas’ Fortitude amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, and John Paul J. Petrola (University of San Agustin, Iloilo City) for his paper entitled ‘Foucault’s Archaelogy and Genealogy as Potential Research Methods in Conducting Indigenous Peoples (IP) Research and Cultural Studies in the Philippines.’
The vice president of PHAVISMINDA, Prof. Al Franjon Villaroya, delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to balance and the continuous exploration of how their ideas can contribute to contemporary understanding.
As the event officially drew to a close, Rev. Fr. Escaño presided over a Sunday mass service to bless and give thanks to God for the success of the event. In his homily, he emphasized the inclusivity in faith founded in both Aquinas’ and Foucault’s philosophical perspectives in the pursuit of truth.
The conference showcased the diverse perspectives and scholarly contributions of its participants, fostering intellectual engagement and collaboration within the philosophical community. This prestigious event served as a significant boost to the Eastern Visayas State University Ormoc Campus, showcasing its capabilities as a premier academic institution and contributing to its reputation as a hub for intellectual discourse.
: D. Ledesma
: I.R. Pagalan
