Three of the core faculty members of the Philosophy Program of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) of BISU were the featured Plenary Speakers at the recently concluded Philosophical Symposium at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary (IHMS) of the Diocese of Tagbilaran on January 31, 2025.

Assistant Professor Francis Jeus Ibañez and Instructors Mr. Michael Orimaco and Mr. Elmer Saligumba charged the assembly with anticipation, attention, and intellectual interaction as they shared their papers on “Paul Ricoeur’s Quest for Philosophical Meaning,” “Hans Jonas’ Ethics of Responsibility and the Filipino Moral Values,” and “Morality: Inherent of Being a Filipino,” respectively. Other featured participants were Dr. Bernabe M. Mijares Jr, the Dean of CAS of BISU who gave a synthesis through appropriated philosophical insights, and Mr. Mark Steven Pandan, another CAS faculty member of BISU, a paper reactor.  

The Philosophical Symposium was IHMS’ celebration of the World Philosophy Day generally aimed at sustaining the pursuit of truth and critical thinking, especially for practitioners and students of Philosophy. The attendees included students and instructors/professors of IHMS, Bohol Island State University, Holy Name University, and University of Bohol. 

Ibañez, Orimaco, and Saligumba are also instructors of IHMS for major courses in Philosophy effected through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between IHMS and BISU.