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Featuring insightful talks and reflections on the importance of philosophy in society, the Junior Philosophers’ Guild (JPG) convened in celebration of World Philosophy Day on Sunday, November 16 at the MSU-IIT Gymnasium.
Assoc. Prof. Ferdinand Garingo, Department of Philosophy and Humanities (DPH) Chairperson, opened the program urging attendees to sharpen their philosophical tools to build a better world, closing with a rallying call: “May the force of philosophy be with us all.”
Following the introductions of the participating houses by JPG’s Mayor, Hannah Valerie Acama and co-adviser Stephen Gabriel Zamora, Batch 2023 alumna and guest speaker Michae Ella Digo delivered the celebration’s keynote message, sharing a candid account of her journey in Philosophy.
Digo recounted her early years in the program, admitting she could not clearly remember why she chose to pursue philosophy in the first place. Despite graduating Summa Cum Laude, she confessed that she did not feel the pride and happiness that might be expected from gaining the achievement.
She explored other fields, including law and environmental science, and at times wondered whether staying in philosophy would have been easier, describing herself as feeling like “a fish out of the water.”
Her fascination with heavy topics such as death initially propelled her deeper into discipline, but she later realized that reading alone “wasn’t enough,” and she struggled with not knowing how to translate her philosophical studies into real-world action.
Digo shared that it was only after entering the workforce, particularly during her time at LGU Iligan, that her view of philosophy began to evolve. She admitted there were moments when she “kept her mouth shut even if she was right.”
Philosophy, she emphasized, goes beyond formulas for solutions; it is a discipline that embraces the wonder of asking simple questions and the pursuit of truth through conversation and decision-making.
Digo urged the audience not to detach from reality or merely criticize but to fully engage in learning and dialogue. She highlighted the societal role each person has, encouraging participation by reading, listening, and debating ideas with peers and even teachers.
Closing with a call to compassionate action, she reminded the JPG members that “ideas can in fact change the world, but as mere thoughts, they are not enough.”
She urged the cultivation of intellectual humility, kindness, and empathy, saying, “We cannot solve things by imposing our own ideas. Solve it with kindness, with the ability to see things in their perspective.”
Digo’s final words offered reassurance and encouragement to embrace growth: “It’s okay to outgrow dreams. You’re not failing, you are evolving.”
The event left attendees inspired to view philosophy as both a personal and societal tool, a living practice that fuels curiosity, empathy, and meaningful change.
Written by Raneshka Gudes
Proofread by Fame Orong
Assoc. Prof. Ferdinand Garingo, Department of Philosophy and Humanities (DPH) Chairperson, opened the program urging attendees to sharpen their philosophical tools to build a better world, closing with a rallying call: “May the force of philosophy be with us all.”
Following the introductions of the participating houses by JPG’s Mayor, Hannah Valerie Acama and co-adviser Stephen Gabriel Zamora, Batch 2023 alumna and guest speaker Michae Ella Digo delivered the celebration’s keynote message, sharing a candid account of her journey in Philosophy.
Digo recounted her early years in the program, admitting she could not clearly remember why she chose to pursue philosophy in the first place. Despite graduating Summa Cum Laude, she confessed that she did not feel the pride and happiness that might be expected from gaining the achievement.
She explored other fields, including law and environmental science, and at times wondered whether staying in philosophy would have been easier, describing herself as feeling like “a fish out of the water.”
Her fascination with heavy topics such as death initially propelled her deeper into discipline, but she later realized that reading alone “wasn’t enough,” and she struggled with not knowing how to translate her philosophical studies into real-world action.
Digo shared that it was only after entering the workforce, particularly during her time at LGU Iligan, that her view of philosophy began to evolve. She admitted there were moments when she “kept her mouth shut even if she was right.”
Philosophy, she emphasized, goes beyond formulas for solutions; it is a discipline that embraces the wonder of asking simple questions and the pursuit of truth through conversation and decision-making.
Digo urged the audience not to detach from reality or merely criticize but to fully engage in learning and dialogue. She highlighted the societal role each person has, encouraging participation by reading, listening, and debating ideas with peers and even teachers.
Closing with a call to compassionate action, she reminded the JPG members that “ideas can in fact change the world, but as mere thoughts, they are not enough.”
She urged the cultivation of intellectual humility, kindness, and empathy, saying, “We cannot solve things by imposing our own ideas. Solve it with kindness, with the ability to see things in their perspective.”
Digo’s final words offered reassurance and encouragement to embrace growth: “It’s okay to outgrow dreams. You’re not failing, you are evolving.”
The event left attendees inspired to view philosophy as both a personal and societal tool, a living practice that fuels curiosity, empathy, and meaningful change.
Written by Raneshka Gudes
Proofread by Fame Orong
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