Mangaluru: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, collaborated with Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) and the Naga City Coalition for Arts and Culture, Inc. to participate in the international conference titled “Echoes of the River: Integrating Policy, Research, and the Humanities for a Fluid Future.” The three-day conference was held at Villa Caceres Hotel, Naga City, and simultaneously streamed via Google Meet.
The conference marked the formal launch of ADNU’s five-year programmatic strategic action plan for research centred on rivers and the environment, spearheaded by the University Research Council.
Commitment to environmental stewardship
In his welcome address, ADNU President Fr Aristotle Dy, SJ reaffirmed the university’s commitment to the teachings of Laudato Si’, the encyclical of Pope Francis on environmental care, marking a decade since its publication. He cautioned that environmental disasters, including the devastation caused by the 2024 Tropical Storm Kristine, may continue if humanity fails to act as responsible stewards of nature.
The conference brought together six international speakers who enriched the deliberations with interdisciplinary perspectives on river systems, climate change, disaster management and cultural engagement.
Global insights on rivers and resilience
On the first day, Dr Marie Paz Morales of the Philippine Normal University delivered the keynote address titled “Navigating the Currents of Change in Science, Policy, and Community for a Resilient Future.” This was followed by an online lecture by Dr Guangwei Huang of Sophia University, Japan, on “Has Our Vulnerability to Flooding Decreased Over Time?”
Dr Salvatore Manfreda of the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, concluded the day’s sessions with his presentation, “Flood Risk Assessment at Large Scale: Challenges and Strategies,” highlighting data-driven approaches to disaster mitigation.
The second day featured Dr Paz Verdades Santos, a Bulawan na Bikolnon Service Awardee of ADNU, who presented “The River Remembers,” underscoring the transformative role of arts and culture in river conservation. Dr Cyrille Vallet of the University of Geneva delivered a thought-provoking lecture on “Operationalizing the Rights and Legal Personhood of Rivers,” offering insights relevant to the Bicol River.
Contribution from St Aloysius University
On the third day, Dr Vidya Vinutha D’Souza, Assistant Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities and Assistant Professor in the PG Department of Social Work at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), delivered a lecture titled “Social Work and Community Resilience in Disasters.” She shared lessons from India on strengthening community preparedness and participatory disaster management.
Dr Vidya highlighted the role of St Aloysius University in fostering social responsibility among students through structured extension programmes and a fieldwork-based curriculum that integrates academic learning with community engagement.
The collaboration received appreciation from Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University). The partnership was further facilitated by Dr Roshan D’Souza, Chair of International Relations at the University.
Cultural engagement and formal partnerships
The conference concluded with a presentation by ADNU faculty member Ms Khim Cathleen M. Saddi, PhD (Cand.), on “Citizen Science in River Plastic Detection: Challenges and Opportunities.”
Beyond academic sessions, the event featured an art exhibition of paintings inspired by the Naga River by artist Manuel Medenilla and cultural performances by Aninipot sa Tahaw kan Salog, Mr Bruce Raleen, Ignacio Dance Company, selected Senior High School performers, Mr Jason Chancoco, Dr Teresa C. Francisco and Engr Ellaine G. Gogola.
A significant highlight was the signing of Memorandums of Understanding between Ateneo de Naga University and St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) to strengthen international academic collaboration. An additional MoU was signed with the Naga City Coalition for Arts and Culture, Inc. to advance advocacy efforts for the care and preservation of the Naga and Bikol Rivers.
The conference concluded with a ceremonial declaration by all participants, affirming their shared commitment to protecting rivers and waterways through research, policy engagement and cultural action.
