Tag: On the Ground
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Heard the Unheard
When we are given the chance to extend a hand and offer hope, may our hearts not hesitate. Let us turn our own wounds into bridges of compassion—using our pain not as a prison, but as a path to lift others in hope. And in doing so, may we allow God to guide our hearts…
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Easy Money” or Dangerous Trap? Online Loans vs. Parish Cooperatives: A Lesson from SMDS
In the Philippines today, many families live paycheck to paycheck. For students, small vendors, minimum-wage workers, and even government scholars, money is always tight. So when you’re scrolling on Facebook, TikTok, or watching videos on YouTube, those pop-up ads promising “instant loans, no paperwork, no hassle” can feel like a lifeline. Backed by celebrities or…
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Confronting Collective Trauma in the Wake of Duterte’s War on Drugs
May 8, 2025 | Opinion In a poignant piece, Fr. Emmanuel “Nono” L. Alfonso, SJ, sheds light on the ongoing trauma faced by families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims under Duterte’s War on Drugs. Published in Currents, the article captures the stories of survivors who attended a trauma counseling session at UGAT Foundation, Ateneo de…
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A Social Apostolate Reflection: Voting as a Work of Justice and Conscience
As we approach another election season, we in the social apostolate are challenged once more to enter into the difficult but necessary task of formation—not just of minds, but of consciences. Voting, after all, is not merely a civic duty; it is an expression of our faith in action, a concrete gesture of our commitment…
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No Longer Fun in the Philippines: A Reflection on Tourism and Social Justice
In a recent opinion piece titled “No Longer Fun in the Philippines” (March 4, 2025), Fr. Emmanuel “Nono” L. Alfonso, SJ, critiques the rapid expansion of tourism in the country, questioning its ethical and environmental sustainability. He draws a striking parallel between the controversial vision of a “Trump Gaza” beach resort—built upon the suffering of…
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Ateneo Community and Various Organizations Commemorate 39th Anniversary of EDSA People Power
February 26, 2025 – Yesterday, February 25, marked the 39th anniversary of the historic EDSA People Power Revolution, a pivotal moment in Philippine history that inspired the world in the fight for democracy and sovereignty. The Ateneo community, alongside various organizations, participated in a series of activities to honor the legacy of the peaceful uprising…
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Do You Remember? A Call for Justice and Compassion
Do you remember their names? Do you remember their stories? Aldrin Pineda was just playing in his neighborhood when a police officer shot him. The officer said it was an accident, that he tripped and fired his gun. But Aldrin was 13 years old—too young to be caught in such violence. Do you remember the…
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A Heart Surrendered to Grace
Lord, we thank You for the gift of another day—not only for ourselves but for all those who strive to live out Your love in the world. With hearts full of gratitude, we offer You everything—our past, our present, and the future that remains unknown to us. Life is not without its challenges, yet we…
Society of Jesus' social apostolate 