The 2026 Convocation of Higher Education for Faculty and Formators, with the theme Fostering a Safe & Respectful Academic Environment, was held on 20 February 2026, 8:30 to 11:30 AM, at the Little Theater. The program began with an invocation led by XU Chaplain Fr Ruben B Orbeta Jr, SJ and opening remarks by University President Fr Mars P Tan, SJ. Campus Ministries Director Danikka Mae M Fabela, DMin introduced the resource speaker Atty Joseph Noel Estrada, of Estrada & Aquino Law, who delivered an insightful talk on freedom of speech, civil rights, and issues concerning social media behavior.

In his presentation, Atty Estrada emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right that extends to social media as a form of expression, citing the Tinker doctrine as a basis for protected speech. He explained that freedom of speech and expression cannot be invoked against an academic institution in two instances: when expression substantially disrupts a school activity, and when expression materially interferes with a school policy on discipline. He clarified that the right to privacy generally does not apply to publicly shared posts, while the Data Privacy Act governs the processing of personal information rather than limiting expression. However, he stressed that privacy rights cannot be invoked when speech disrupts institutional order or infringes on the rights of others.

He also discussed the Safe Spaces Act, which protects individuals from gender-based harassment in both physical and online environments. He explained that acts such as catcalling, misogynistic remarks or slurs, transphobic remarks or slurs, and stalking constitute forms of gender-based harassment that are not protected by freedom of expression and may be subject to institutional and legal sanctions. Atty Estrada further noted that libel—defined as statements that are identifiable, public, and malicious—is not protected speech, and warned that social media posts may be considered libelous. He recommended that the university develop clear social media policies to help guide responsible and lawful online behavior within the academic community.

Reactions to the talk were given by School of Education Dean Dr Edralin C Manla and Human Relations Office Director Lan Q Espinosa, who highlighted the importance of balancing the protection of individual rights with the responsibility of maintaining a safe and respectful academic environment. The open conversation was moderated by Service Learning Program Director Engr Gail P De la Rita.

The convocation was facilitated by Atty Ernesto Neri and organized by the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President for Higher Education.