Ateneo de Manila joins University Social Responsibility Summit 2024 in Beijing

Three members of Ateneo de Manila University participated in the University Social Responsibility Summit hosted by the University Social Responsibility Network (USRN), at the Beijing Normal University from 21 to 23 October 2024.

Melinda T Siega Cobar from Ateneo Senior High School presented a paper entitled “Teaching Parabolas with Mathway: Effects on Students’ Proficiency and Skill Retention” which she co-wrote with her students Trish F Elardo, Lynchel Alexa G Linaza, Hanson Paul B Go, Francisco J Basas, Alejandro Luis C Motas, Audie C Secerio, Cassandra Leigh E Buenaventura.

Dr Leland Joseph Dela Cruz, Assistant Vice President for Social and Environmental Engagement for Development and Sustainability, participated in a roundtable discussion on “Decolonial Approaches to University Social Responsibility: Equity, Engagement and Justice.” The Roundtable was convened by Dr Maree Higgins, PhD and Prof Fengshi Wu, both from the University of New South Wales. The roundtable discussion also included Dr Henk van den Heuvel from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Dr Mark Anthony D Abenir, Service Learning Program Manager and Associate Professor of the Department of Development Studies of Ateneo de Manila University.

Aside from participating in the roundtable discussion, Dr Abenir also presented two papers on “Bridging Cultures: Digital Empowerment of Indigenous Filipino Youth in Service-Learning” and “Transforming Education, Empowering Communities: A Case Study of Ateneo’s Development Field School in Siargao.”

Dr Dela Cruz and Dr. Abenir also participated in the annual business meeting of the Executive Committee of the University Social Responsibility Network. This past year, Dr Dela Cruz helped organize and hosted a USRN online forum on "The Challenges of Making Universities Sustainable: Perspectives from University Sustainability Officers" on 20 September 2024. He also served as a member of the USRN’s Membership Committee.

Photo Credits: USRN and Beijing Normal University