We are delighted to welcome you to our upcoming monthly lecture and webinar series, running from June to September, dedicated to the vibrant and evolving field of Filipino philosophy. Organized by Women Doing Philosophy, this series gathers some of the most forward-thinking scholars in the country, each contributing to an urgent reimagining of what Filipino philosophy can be in the present moment.

Traditionally, debates about Filipino philosophy have been mired in the search for ancient texts or the anxious quest for a definitive philosophical identity. Dr. Jacklyn Cleofas (University of the Philippines-Los Baños) offers a refreshing alternative: instead of agonizing over the boundaries of what counts as Filipino thought, we should focus on making genuine progress in thinking through philosophical questions that matter for our communities and ourselves.

The speakers in this series embody this new spirit by broadening the scope of what counts as Filipino philosophy and by engaging a diverse range of philosophical methodologies. Instead of clinging to a narrow canon or venerating established authorities, they promote critical, collegial, and reform-minded dialogue. Their work demonstrates that Filipino philosophy flourishes when it welcomes analysis of local concepts and practices, employs methodologies from across philosophical traditions, and grapples with pressing social realities.

Crucially, these scholars also foreground the experiences of women and other historically marginalized voices, thereby challenging longstanding patterns of exclusion and epistemic oppression within academic communities.

We invite you to join us in this exciting journey as we explore Filipino philosophy as a living, dynamic practice—one that is at once self-reflective, socially engaged, and open to new forms of solidarity and understanding.

(With thanks to Dr. Jacklyn Cleofas for her influential framing of these new directions in Filipino Philosophy.)

BTG no. 27, “An Account of Justice as a Virtue from Katarúngan” by Dr. Jacklyn Cleofas

Beyond the Ghetto, in collaboration with the Center for Social Inclusivity Studies at Polytechnic University of the Philippines, is pleased to invite you to the inaugural lecture of the Filipino Philosophy Series, an in-person event.

Program:

• 9:00 am - Welcoming of guests into the venue and setup

• 9:30 am - Opening remarks by Dr. Noelle Leslie dela Cruz

• 9:35 am - Introduction of the speaker

• 9:40 am - Paper presentation by Dr. Jacklyn Cleofas

• 10:20 am - Commentary by Ms. Joyce Fungo

• 10:40 am - Open forum/Q & A

• 11:00 am - End of program

Master of ceremonies: Ms. Jeniel Dasig

If you are interested in attending this event, please register here. Several days before the event, registrants will receive information via email about how to get to the venue inside the PUP campus.