Xavier University's Social Development Office launches this year's Social Development Week, running from May 6^th to 10^th, 2024, under the theme "PADAYON XU! Continuing Commitment for Sustainable Development."

Engr Dexter S Lo, Vice President for Social Development, passionately articulated the essence of the theme, emphasizing the need for continuous progression towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "First, we urge everyone to 'Padayon,' to continue not in a static manner but progressively. The SDGs are still about six years away, and we aim to make local contributions to these global goals”, he said.

The week-long celebration commenced at the Xavier University Little Theatre, with the opening program entitled "Advancing Xavier Ateneo’s Mission for Sustainable Development," facilitated by Ms Victoria Melissa C Pulido, Formator of the Service-Learning Program.

Fr Mars P Tan SJ, in his opening remarks, echoed the sentiment of progress and development. He emphasized, “As a society, we need to develop economically, politically, in all aspects. Also, know that development requires expenditure of resources. That’s what we have to watch out for. When we develop, we also spend resources, especially ecological resources, financial resources, human resources. We don’t want many years from now for these resources to be depleted, leaving nothing for future generations to use. That’s why we need to prioritize sustainable social development."

Following Fr Tan's insightful remarks, Fr Antonio Moreno SJ, founding Vice President for Social Development, delivered the keynote message, reflecting on Xavier Ateneo's journey towards social and sustainable development over nearly two decades. He acknowledged the challenges faced, including tensions between survivability and creativity, and the prevailing development fatigue. Amidst these challenges, he emphasized the profound call for personal, communal, and institutional transformation, echoing the essence of the De Statu Societatis lesu (DSS) examen.

Fr Moreno's address was not merely a recounting of Xavier Ateneo's journey, but a stirring reflection on the intersection of challenges and opportunities in the pursuit of social justice and sustainable development. He quoted, "The examen to which I am calling the Society is a way of continuing to advance along the path of personal, community, and institutional conversion along which the inspiration of the Holy Spirit has been leading us since the 36^th General Congregation," echoing the words of Fr General Arturo Sosa.

The opening program also marked the launch and presentation of two significant documents aimed at advancing the university's mission for social transformation. Ms Glenda S Factura, Coordinator for Green Campus Agenda, introduced "XU's Journey in Becoming Laudato Si University," a document guiding Xavier Ateneo towards achieving the 7 Laudato Si' Goals and its aim for formal recognition as a Laudato Si’ University by the Vatican. Ms Factura emphasized that Xavier Ateneo’s participation as a Laudato Si` University will not only focus on continuing the implementation of programs and initiatives that contribute towards the integral ecology, but also work on expanding these programs so as to be sustainable and create impacts on the systems, structures and the behavior and practices of the members of the University.

Meanwhile, Assistant to the Vice President for Social Development, Ms Therese Rhea Rose M Baliwag-Vallente, presented the "XU Social Development Guidelines of Engagement." These guidelines provide a framework for collective engagement with partner institutions and communities, emphasizing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development practices. The Guidelines is aimed to help the Xavier Ateneo community efficiently navigate its social development engagements, allowing to foster meaningful relationships with partner institutions and communities, and in turn deepen the commitment to the shared mission for sustainable development.

Following the presentations, an open forum provided a platform for audience members to share their reflections. One attendee expressed gratitude to Fr Moreno for shedding light on Xavier Ateneo's early days of social development. Fr Moreno, in response, articulated the essence of true conversion, emphasizing the importance of being attuned to the promptings of the spirit. He remarked, "What is always asked of us in the experience of conversion is to be more attentive to the promptings of the spirit. It's somewhat a new language, but one we must strive to understand, for our purpose here is not solely for ourselves but to heed the calls of the spirit." He cautioned against the dangers of pursuing missions devoid of spiritual guidance, highlighting the importance of discernment in distinguishing between mere projects and true missions aligned with the spirit's direction.

In closing, Engr Lo expressed his optimism for the week's activities, underlining the aim to inspire the Xavier Ateneo community with success narratives and foster collaboration with the Social Development Office.

The Social Development Week 2024 aims to foster community engagement and fortify Xavier University's dedication to social responsibility and sustainable development.