February to March

“Women’s Watch: Theory on the and Practice of Women in Politics” brings together  Former Vice President Leni Robredo, Mindanaoan Mayor Sittie Djalia Hataman, and MP Froilyn Mendoza on 19 March 2024 from 9:30 - 11:00 am at Leong Hall.  This event is sponsored by the Department of Political Science together with the Asia-Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect - Philippine Office (APRtoP-PO), the University Gender and Development Office (UGDO), and the Women and Gender Studies Association of the Philippines (WSAP). This forum brought together women who prominently figure in national and local governance as well as movements in the form of praxis sharing combined with scholarly reflections from women political scientists. 

“I believe that our nation will bloom when we uplift women. We see glimpses of it in our homes and our communities, in different industries, across key sectors, and even among our circle of friends and peers. Filipino women continue to be the heart of our society. If we are to build a nation that is more inclusive and a democracy that can withstand the threats of these times, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they are empowered to own this space too.” Atty Robredo said. 

The Technologies for Anticipatory Action: Innovations for Climate Change and Disaster Resilience Exhibit and Conference is set to unfold from February 29 to March 2, 2024, at the Innovation Wing of the Arete, Ateneo de Manila University. The event is spearheaded by the Coastal Cities at Risk in the Philippines Project (CCARPH) in partnership with the National Resilience Council, the Manila Observatory, the Ateneo Innovation Center, the Arete Sandbox, and Jungle Gym. By spotlighting innovative technologies, local governance protocols, and grassroots initiatives, the event aims to enrich the arsenal of solutions aimed at fortifying climate and disaster resilience across the nation.
The Resilience Toolkit can be found here.  

Some 50 women journalists from all over the country gathered in Mandaue City in Cebu over the weekend to discuss welfare and safety issues in the face of online and physical threats and sexual harassment that make the profession an increasingly dangerous and distressing one for women. The event was the national conference of the Movement for the Welfare and Safety of Women Journalists (We-Move), which is spearheaded by the Asian Center for Journalism (ACFJ) at the Ateneo de Manila University.

We-Move 2024 focused on creating a safe space for women journalists, and helping ensure their physical, psychological and emotional well-being. Dr Czarina Saloma Akpedonu, dean of the Ateneo’s School of Social Sciences, graced the opening of the event which was held at the bai Hotel in Mandaue from March 15-17, 2024.

Psychology professor Dr Mira Ofreneo, head of the Ateneo’s University Gender Hub, led discussions about safe and unsafe spaces in the journalism profession. Dr Karina Fernandez, former director of the Ateneo’s Bulatao Center, guided the women journalists through mindfulness and self-care exercises.

Participants consisted of journalists from print, broadcast and online platforms as well as freelancers, journalist-lawyers, journalist-academics and retired journalists. Alumni of the Ateneo’s MA Journalism and Master in Journalism programs constituted the core of participants.

ACFJ partnered with STET Women of Cebu, the Kordilyera Citizen Media Council, and the Mindanao Institute of Journalism for the We-Move conference, which was funded by the International Media Support. We-Move was born a year ago when 20 senior women journalists met to discuss creating a support system for their colleagues. We-Move 2023 activities were organized with support from the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines.

Ateneo Martial Law Museum and Library Events

These are lesson plans from AMLML’s digital collection that help deepen our understanding of the valuable legacies of EDSA. These teaching materials focus on important takeaways from the peaceful revolution of 1986 such as Human Rights (Karapatan), Society (Lipunan), Expression (Pagpapahayag), and Action (Pagkilos). Click on each photo to access and learn more about them. 

In case you missed it

The SOSS seminar series "Global Mindanao and Maritime Southeast Asia Lecture Series: Philippine Ties with a Cosmopolitan Region" seeks to delve into these embedded connections, examining the rich tapestry that has woven the historical, socio-economic, and cultural links of Mindanao with its maritime neighbors. By exploring the myriad facets of these connections, this series aspires to shed light on our mutual histories, explore contemporary challenges, and envisage a future that appreciates and strengthens these boundless ties.

The initial two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have greatly hindered global progress and tested our grasp of human security. Addressing various insecurities and uncertainties prompted a reevaluation, emphasizing the interplay between protection and empowerment for vulnerable groups affected by the pandemic. While existing human security literature emphasizes state protection, there's a call for fresh perspectives examining empowerment theoretically and practically. 

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development launched a research initiative titled "Human Security and the Practices of Empowerment in East Asia." This project delves into unique empowerment narratives of vulnerable populations in Southeast Asia and Japan. Eight comprehensive case studies yielded valuable insights into operationalizing human security, encompassing diverse situations, actions, and actors (global, national, local, public, private, community, religious, developmental, and political). These studies shed light on the complex human security issues faced by vulnerable groups and communities.

The Fourth Avellana Lecture tackles today’s pressing questions and issues in the creative industries. Digital platforms continue to evolve and provide new possibilities for content creation, audience engagement, and monetization.

Crucially, Artificial Intelligence has become integrated into creative and business processes, generating new situations, problems, and opportunities. Indeed, as changes in the mediascape happen rapidly, the need to understand such transformations becomes timely and significant. What are the implications of AI integration in the creative process? How are media workers and students affected? What ethical considerations emerge in our creative practice?

Drawing from decades of experience, Joseph Dy, VML Manila, Angeli Atienza, Senior AVP, GMA Public Affairs, and Noel Ferrer, Talent Manager and Writer, Philippine Entertainment Portal, talked about creative practice in advertising in a dynamic mediascape and how Philippine television and film continue to evolve and entertain audiences. Media practitioner and entrepreneur Ceej Tantengco was the moderator of the discussions.

Joseph Dy's words encapsulated the experience with a challenge to the audience, "Don't forget to play. As the world gets crazy, be crazy. And If we really wanna get ahead of Al, reinvent yourself in this new era: delight in crazy."