Rhoderick John Abellanosa | Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (original) (raw)

Papers by Rhoderick John Abellanosa

Poverty is political. It is a condition also characterized by specific disadvantages involving th... more Poverty is political. It is a condition also characterized by specific disadvantages involving those in power and their institutions. It remains common knowledge that power, privileged position, and influence are associated with the rich if not their characteristics, while the poor are in a condition that is exactly the opposite. Films have portrayed this stereotype time and again. Yet not much space has been given to this sort of narrative in development studies or social science research. The study of poverty must involve demography, economics, statistics, etc. Thus we have depictions or pictures of poverty in such compartments but not as an experience of living individuals in its whole being. To portray the political face of poverty basically means to holistically present the poor's experience as persons who are subject to the formal institutions and their power, authority, laws and policies. Poverty's political face is the face of those who are at the bottom of the power...

Asian Horizons, Jun 30, 2018

Strategies that Work: NTD Control and Elimination in the Philippines, 2015

This best practices analysis focused on the Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) Control in Cebu,... more This best practices analysis focused on the Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) Control in Cebu, particularly in: the northern part of Cebu province comprised of the municipalities of Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, San Remigio, Santa Fe, Tabogon and Tabuelan in the 4th Congressional District and the municipalities of Borbon, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Liloan, Pilar, Poro, San Francisco, Sogod and Tudela and the city of Danao in the 5th Congressional District, and Metro Cebu, composed of the cities of Cebu and Mandaue.

JPAIR Multidisciplinary Research, 2011

Asian Horizon, vol 7(3) 2013

Kritike: An Online Journal of Philosophy, 2010

Phavisminda Journal , 2013

The paper is an exposition of Benedict XVI's notion of the Church (or religion) as a purifier of ... more The paper is an exposition of Benedict XVI's notion of the Church (or religion) as a purifier of reason. The paper further examines the same vis-a-vis Jose Casanova's notion of Public Religion.

Kritike: Online Journal of Philosophy

MST REVIEW, 2020

The recent experience with COVID-19, a pandemic that has further exposed the vulnerabilities of t... more The recent experience with COVID-19, a pandemic that has further exposed the vulnerabilities of the poor in Philippine society, provides a socio-political and economic context for a reemphasis of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines' (PCP II) Church of the Poor (COP). This paper argues that the crisis brought about by the pandemic affirms the importance of the COP but at the same time it provides a context to further deepen our understanding on what else can be done by a COP. To carry out the objective, Amartya Sen's definition of poverty that focuses on capabilities instead of income is used for synthetic analysis of poverty's face as it was experienced during the pandemic. This is used to further analyze how the Philippine Church can rekindle its commitment to be a Church of the Poor in the new normal.

Asian Perspectives in the Arts and the Humanities, 2013

Studies in World Christianity

The declaration of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in various provinces and cities in the Phi... more The declaration of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in various provinces and cities in the Philippines did not impede the Catholic Church from celebrating its sacraments and popular devotions. Mired with poverty and various forms of economic and social limitations, the presence of God for Filipinos is an essential element in moving forward and surviving in a time of pandemic. Predominantly Roman Catholic in religious affiliation, seeking the face of God has been part of Filipinos' lives whenever a serious disaster would strike. This essay presents how the clergy, religious and lay communities in the Philippines have innovatively and creatively sustained treasured religious celebrations as a sign of communion and an expression of faith. In addition to online Eucharistic celebrations that are more of a privilege for some, culturally contextualised efforts were made during the Lenten Season and even on Sundays after Easter. This endeavour ends with a reflection on the Church as ...

Social Ethics Society (SES) Journal , 2020

There is no need to belabor that most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are the poor. Despite the... more There is no need to belabor that most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are the poor. Despite the overused statement "the virus is our real enemy", it cannot be denied that the pandemic is, in many ways, a political and economic issue. The goal of this paper is to present the face of poverty in a time of pandemic. Using the views of Amartya Sen (capability approach) and Robert Chambers (multidimensionality of poverty) this work endeavors to argue that people's multifaceted difficulties and vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately indicate the deficiencies of Philippine democracy that are concretely felt in the experiences of certain segments of the populace especially when the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was imposed in many parts of the country. Building on the foregoing, this work, though not offering any concrete suggestion or blueprint for action, proposes key areas for further critique on the deficiencies of Philippine democracy.

Phavisminda Journal , 2019

This is my editor's note of Volume 18 of the Phavisminda Journal (2019 Special Issue) that is ded... more This is my editor's note of Volume 18 of the Phavisminda Journal (2019 Special Issue) that is dedicated to Romualdo E. Abulad, S.V.D. Ph.D.

PHAVISMINDA Journal, 2019

In an essay written in 2009, Romualdo E. Abulad asked: "[p]hilosophy and politics: do they meet a... more In an essay written in 2009, Romualdo E. Abulad asked: "[p]hilosophy and politics: do they meet and mix?" Apparently, it would take one to read the entire essay to find out the writer's answer to his question. One would also need to read through the circuitous explanations and examples without the assurance of getting a clear-cut yes or no for an answer. This paper engages Abulad's philosophical musings on politics, specifically his interpretation of Niccolo Machiavelli. Additionally, and because of my discontent with Abulad's presentation, this paper asks the same question raised in his essay: "do philosophy and politics mix?" I take the liberty of adding another question and thus expanding the discussion: how possible is a post-political situation or choice in one's existence?

Asian Horizons, 2020

There is a need to broaden the analysis of abuse within the Catholic Church to include any excess... more There is a need to broaden the analysis of abuse within the Catholic Church to include any excessive use or application of power, authority, and influence that would detriment, damage and demoralize its members. In this light, the paper offers to go deeper in the understanding of abuse as rooted in ecclesiastical elitism which is a more serious problem than clericalism. Elitism within the Church is concrete in the various forms of privilege and distinctions, rooted in traditionally held theologies, culturally reinforced beliefs, and repeated practices of fame and honour. Because of these, abuse is perpetuated, thus making possible the lack of transparency in terms of financial management and disregard for the rights of people working within the various ministries of the Church. Realistically, power and authority are part of any human system. Precisely why there is a need for the Church to balance its hierarchical authority, power, and influence with accountability in the various structures and aspects of its governance and pastoral activities. The experience of the Philippine Church is the case and context of this study.

PHAVISMINDA Journal, 2016

This paper contends that Laudato Si' would be better appreciated if understood in the light of th... more This paper contends that Laudato Si' would be better appreciated if understood in the light of the Church's teaching on the common good. More succinctly, it contends that although LS calls all persons to care for and defend the environment, such act would only be possible in a more genuine sense if understood in the light of the common good, that is, the collective vision for the future of humanity. In trying to explicate this claim, the article reviews the notion of the common good and its foundations in scripture, political thought, and Catholic social teaching. A constitutive aspect on the Church's teachings on the common is a sustained critique of capitalism and its repercussions to human dignity. This article ends with a reflection on the encyclical's challenge to the readers, particularly Christians, to be workers for the attainment of the common good and for the future of our common home.

PHAVISMINDA Journal , 2018

Working within the framework of post-colonial critique, this paper engages scholars who have writ... more Working within the framework of post-colonial critique, this paper engages scholars who have written about Filipino philosophy. Without siding with either those who believe that there is an essential Filipino philosophy or those who say otherwise, the article argues that the Filipino philosophy question is an issue that is as unsettled as (the) Filipino identity. The problem however is such only insofar as Filipinos refuse to settle the fact that their colonial experience frustrates any attempt or endeavor to find the essential Filipino. This point of view should not be used as an argument against Filipino philosophy because, precisely, Filipino philosophy is the progressive attempt to understand the Filipino and his world, his lifeworld and systems, by interrogating the colonial experience and its constructs about the colonized, i.e., the Filipinos. Thus, Filipino philosophy is a resistance to the pervading notion that philosophy is exclusively Western such that those who live outside or if not unconnected to the privileged geography are nothing but mere subscribers to the privileged knowledge.

Poverty is political. It is a condition also characterized by specific disadvantages involving th... more Poverty is political. It is a condition also characterized by specific disadvantages involving those in power and their institutions. It remains common knowledge that power, privileged position, and influence are associated with the rich if not their characteristics, while the poor are in a condition that is exactly the opposite. Films have portrayed this stereotype time and again. Yet not much space has been given to this sort of narrative in development studies or social science research. The study of poverty must involve demography, economics, statistics, etc. Thus we have depictions or pictures of poverty in such compartments but not as an experience of living individuals in its whole being. To portray the political face of poverty basically means to holistically present the poor's experience as persons who are subject to the formal institutions and their power, authority, laws and policies. Poverty's political face is the face of those who are at the bottom of the power...

Asian Horizons, Jun 30, 2018

Strategies that Work: NTD Control and Elimination in the Philippines, 2015

This best practices analysis focused on the Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) Control in Cebu,... more This best practices analysis focused on the Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) Control in Cebu, particularly in: the northern part of Cebu province comprised of the municipalities of Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, San Remigio, Santa Fe, Tabogon and Tabuelan in the 4th Congressional District and the municipalities of Borbon, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Liloan, Pilar, Poro, San Francisco, Sogod and Tudela and the city of Danao in the 5th Congressional District, and Metro Cebu, composed of the cities of Cebu and Mandaue.

JPAIR Multidisciplinary Research, 2011

Asian Horizon, vol 7(3) 2013

Kritike: An Online Journal of Philosophy, 2010

Phavisminda Journal , 2013

The paper is an exposition of Benedict XVI's notion of the Church (or religion) as a purifier of ... more The paper is an exposition of Benedict XVI's notion of the Church (or religion) as a purifier of reason. The paper further examines the same vis-a-vis Jose Casanova's notion of Public Religion.

Kritike: Online Journal of Philosophy

MST REVIEW, 2020

The recent experience with COVID-19, a pandemic that has further exposed the vulnerabilities of t... more The recent experience with COVID-19, a pandemic that has further exposed the vulnerabilities of the poor in Philippine society, provides a socio-political and economic context for a reemphasis of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines' (PCP II) Church of the Poor (COP). This paper argues that the crisis brought about by the pandemic affirms the importance of the COP but at the same time it provides a context to further deepen our understanding on what else can be done by a COP. To carry out the objective, Amartya Sen's definition of poverty that focuses on capabilities instead of income is used for synthetic analysis of poverty's face as it was experienced during the pandemic. This is used to further analyze how the Philippine Church can rekindle its commitment to be a Church of the Poor in the new normal.

Asian Perspectives in the Arts and the Humanities, 2013

Studies in World Christianity

The declaration of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in various provinces and cities in the Phi... more The declaration of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in various provinces and cities in the Philippines did not impede the Catholic Church from celebrating its sacraments and popular devotions. Mired with poverty and various forms of economic and social limitations, the presence of God for Filipinos is an essential element in moving forward and surviving in a time of pandemic. Predominantly Roman Catholic in religious affiliation, seeking the face of God has been part of Filipinos' lives whenever a serious disaster would strike. This essay presents how the clergy, religious and lay communities in the Philippines have innovatively and creatively sustained treasured religious celebrations as a sign of communion and an expression of faith. In addition to online Eucharistic celebrations that are more of a privilege for some, culturally contextualised efforts were made during the Lenten Season and even on Sundays after Easter. This endeavour ends with a reflection on the Church as ...

Social Ethics Society (SES) Journal , 2020

There is no need to belabor that most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are the poor. Despite the... more There is no need to belabor that most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are the poor. Despite the overused statement "the virus is our real enemy", it cannot be denied that the pandemic is, in many ways, a political and economic issue. The goal of this paper is to present the face of poverty in a time of pandemic. Using the views of Amartya Sen (capability approach) and Robert Chambers (multidimensionality of poverty) this work endeavors to argue that people's multifaceted difficulties and vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately indicate the deficiencies of Philippine democracy that are concretely felt in the experiences of certain segments of the populace especially when the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was imposed in many parts of the country. Building on the foregoing, this work, though not offering any concrete suggestion or blueprint for action, proposes key areas for further critique on the deficiencies of Philippine democracy.

Phavisminda Journal , 2019

This is my editor's note of Volume 18 of the Phavisminda Journal (2019 Special Issue) that is ded... more This is my editor's note of Volume 18 of the Phavisminda Journal (2019 Special Issue) that is dedicated to Romualdo E. Abulad, S.V.D. Ph.D.

PHAVISMINDA Journal, 2019

In an essay written in 2009, Romualdo E. Abulad asked: "[p]hilosophy and politics: do they meet a... more In an essay written in 2009, Romualdo E. Abulad asked: "[p]hilosophy and politics: do they meet and mix?" Apparently, it would take one to read the entire essay to find out the writer's answer to his question. One would also need to read through the circuitous explanations and examples without the assurance of getting a clear-cut yes or no for an answer. This paper engages Abulad's philosophical musings on politics, specifically his interpretation of Niccolo Machiavelli. Additionally, and because of my discontent with Abulad's presentation, this paper asks the same question raised in his essay: "do philosophy and politics mix?" I take the liberty of adding another question and thus expanding the discussion: how possible is a post-political situation or choice in one's existence?

Asian Horizons, 2020

There is a need to broaden the analysis of abuse within the Catholic Church to include any excess... more There is a need to broaden the analysis of abuse within the Catholic Church to include any excessive use or application of power, authority, and influence that would detriment, damage and demoralize its members. In this light, the paper offers to go deeper in the understanding of abuse as rooted in ecclesiastical elitism which is a more serious problem than clericalism. Elitism within the Church is concrete in the various forms of privilege and distinctions, rooted in traditionally held theologies, culturally reinforced beliefs, and repeated practices of fame and honour. Because of these, abuse is perpetuated, thus making possible the lack of transparency in terms of financial management and disregard for the rights of people working within the various ministries of the Church. Realistically, power and authority are part of any human system. Precisely why there is a need for the Church to balance its hierarchical authority, power, and influence with accountability in the various structures and aspects of its governance and pastoral activities. The experience of the Philippine Church is the case and context of this study.

PHAVISMINDA Journal, 2016

This paper contends that Laudato Si' would be better appreciated if understood in the light of th... more This paper contends that Laudato Si' would be better appreciated if understood in the light of the Church's teaching on the common good. More succinctly, it contends that although LS calls all persons to care for and defend the environment, such act would only be possible in a more genuine sense if understood in the light of the common good, that is, the collective vision for the future of humanity. In trying to explicate this claim, the article reviews the notion of the common good and its foundations in scripture, political thought, and Catholic social teaching. A constitutive aspect on the Church's teachings on the common is a sustained critique of capitalism and its repercussions to human dignity. This article ends with a reflection on the encyclical's challenge to the readers, particularly Christians, to be workers for the attainment of the common good and for the future of our common home.

PHAVISMINDA Journal , 2018

Working within the framework of post-colonial critique, this paper engages scholars who have writ... more Working within the framework of post-colonial critique, this paper engages scholars who have written about Filipino philosophy. Without siding with either those who believe that there is an essential Filipino philosophy or those who say otherwise, the article argues that the Filipino philosophy question is an issue that is as unsettled as (the) Filipino identity. The problem however is such only insofar as Filipinos refuse to settle the fact that their colonial experience frustrates any attempt or endeavor to find the essential Filipino. This point of view should not be used as an argument against Filipino philosophy because, precisely, Filipino philosophy is the progressive attempt to understand the Filipino and his world, his lifeworld and systems, by interrogating the colonial experience and its constructs about the colonized, i.e., the Filipinos. Thus, Filipino philosophy is a resistance to the pervading notion that philosophy is exclusively Western such that those who live outside or if not unconnected to the privileged geography are nothing but mere subscribers to the privileged knowledge.

Phavisminda Journal (vol. 20), 2022

Addressed to both religious and secular audiences (p. 13), This Life offers a challenge to those ... more Addressed to both religious and secular audiences (p. 13), This Life offers a challenge to those who believe in eternal life and a proposal to those who continue to ask whether such exists after death. The author, Martin Hägglund, is convinced that although spiritual freedom is the goal of each life, but this must not be understood in the religious sense that we live a life in the here and now in preparation for a world (far more real) to come. Instead, we are to live with conviction and commitment to do something responsible as we spend our time together in this world. Death, human finitude, reminds us of our vulnerabilities, but at the same time it calls us to hold on to faith that something more can be done other than spending our time in fear.