The University of Santo Tomas (UST) once again served as the epicenter of theological discourse and social justice advocacy with the successful conduct of “Saliksikan 2: Mabathalang Pag-aaral 2,” and the Fr. Pedro V. Salgado, O.P. Lecture on February 28, 2025 at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC).
The event brought together esteemed scholars, religious educators, and students to reflect on the role of faith-based institutions in advocating for human rights in the Philippines. Organized by the Institute of Religion (IR), Religious Educators Association of the Philippines (REAP), the Center for Theology, Religious Studies and Ethics (CTRSE), and the Simbahayan Community Development Office (Simbahayan), the conference honored the legacy of Fr. Pedro V. Salgado, O.P., a staunch advocate for social justice.
Participants delved into thought-provoking lectures by distinguished theologians. Rev. Fr. Delfo C. Canceran, O.P., Ph.D., S.Th.D., from UST and De La Salle University, delivered the first lecture, examining the insights of Fr. Salgado and its impact on the Church’s social justice advocacy. Rev. Fr. Virgilio A. Ojoy, O.P., S.Th.D., Ph.D., from UST’s Ecclesiastical Faculties, led the second lecture, emphasizing Fr. Salgado’s contributions to fostering social justice consciousness among Filipinos. Both lectures were followed by their own open forums, where participants engaged in discussion on faith-driven responses to social issues and exploration on the intersection of theology and activism, respectively.
The afternoon session showcased two research panels featuring groundbreaking research on human rights, social ethics, and faith-based governance. Scholars presented compelling studies, including: “Integral Human Development and the Preferential Option for the Poor: Upholding the Rights of the Marginalized in the Humanization of Social Structures,” by Assoc. Prof. Allan A. Basas, S.Th.D. of the UST Institute of Religion; “The Spirituality of Pedro Salgado, OP: Reflections and Reflexivity of SIMBAHAYAN’s Human Rights Engagement,” by Asst. Prof. Froilan A. Alipao, M.C.D. of the UST Simbahayan; “Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, and Ethical Governance: Insights from Vatican Guidelines and Antiqua et Nova and their Relevance to the Philippines,” by Mr. Ivan Efreaim A. Gozum, M.A. of UST IR; “Fr. Pedro Salgado, OP’s Advocacy for the Poor: A Look at his Comments on the CBCP’s 1979 Exhortation Against Violence,” by Prof. Joel C. Sagut, Ph.D. of the UST CTRSE; “Araling Kapantasan sa Disiplina ng Teolohiya: Paniping Pagsusuri kay Karl M. Gaspar bilang Kasong Pag-aaral,” by Mr. Mark Joseph P. Santos, M.A. of De La Salle University; and “Dr. Joaquin Gonzales and the 1882 Cholera Epidemic in the Philippines,” by REAP President Prof. Arvin D. Eballo, Ph.D.
These presentations were followed by engaging open forums, providing opportunities for academic exchange and interdisciplinary insights.
The conference concluded with a closing ceremony, reinforcing the commitment of UST and its partners to bridging theological principles and human rights advocacy. Through this gathering, Thomasian scholars and faith leaders reaffirmed their dedication to integrating Catholic social teachings with contemporary social challenges.
With the success of Saliksikan 2, the dialogue on faith-based responses to human rights concerns continues, inspiring future research and action for the common good.
