Cardinal David urges ADNU to deepen social mission as university launches OSCAR, SIAC

NAGA CITY — Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S. David urged Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) to deepen its commitment to social responsibility and service to the marginalized as the Jesuit institution launched its Office of Social Concern and Responsibility (OSCAR) and Social Involvement and Advocacy Council (SIAC) during a Social Justice Forum that gathered more than 1,500 students, educators, Church leaders, government representatives, and civil society partners.

The forum, themed “Companions in Hope: Serving Faith, Justice, and the Common Good,” marked a significant development arising from ADNU’s Strategic Planning process. The establishment of OSCAR and SIAC seeks to strengthen the leadership and alignment of the University’s social involvement efforts toward more cohesive, collaborative, and impact-driven engagements in responsible citizenship, care for the common home, and poverty alleviation. In his welcoming remarks, Fr. Aristotle C. Dy, S.J., ADNU President, said the initiative reflects the Jesuit commitment to “laboring with and for the poor,” a priority of the Philippine Jesuits Apostolic Plan 2026–2031.

Cardinal David described the establishment of OSCAR and SIAC as “more than an administrative development” but a “public affirmation that social engagement belongs to the very identity of a Catholic and Jesuit institution.” He emphasized that universities must go beyond producing competent professionals by forming persons “whose knowledge is placed at the service of society, whose competence is guided by conscience, and whose faith bears fruit in lives of generous service.”

Reflecting on the forum’s theme, Cardinal David stressed that faith, justice, and the common good are inseparable dimensions of the Christian vocation. He urged institutions to become bridge-builders in a divided world. “Authentic faith does not build walls between peoples. Rather, it builds bridges without erasing differences,” he said.

The Bishop of Kalookan also highlighted listening as the foundation of meaningful social engagement. “Before the Church teaches, she first listens,” he said, calling on institutions to pay attention to the experiences of the poor, workers, farmers, young people, indigenous communities, and those affected by social and environmental challenges. He also addressed emerging concerns such as artificial intelligence and technological change, emphasizing that progress must always remain at the service of human dignity and the common good.

The forum featured a special message from Raffy Magno, Executive Director of Angat Buhay, who expressed support and offered collaboration with OSCAR. Led by Rodolfo “Sonny” SB. Virtus Jr., Executive Director of OSCAR, the event brought together representatives from partner communities in Magarao, Canaman, Calabanga, and Naga City; the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga City; foundations, people’s organizations, non-government organizations, seminaries, and other Catholic educational institutions. Through OSCAR and SIAC, ADNU seeks to deepen partnerships that translate faith into action and strengthen its mission of service for justice and the common good.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Caloocan graces the launch of the Ateneo de Naga University Office of Social Concern and Responsibility as keynote speaker during the Social Justice Forum held Aug. 6 at the University Gymnasium. David commended the University's efforts of integrating faith, justice and the common good. (Photo by Natalie Quimlat)

(Article taken from the Ateneo de Naga University Facebook page)