The University of Southeastern Philippines’ Institute of Languages and Creative Arts, or ILCA, recently held a two-day hybrid workshop to create a framework for a journal publication in the Humanities that includes research and creative works. The initiative aims to provide students, researchers, faculty, and advocates with a platform to publish their language, literary and cultural studies, and creative works. The event took place on April 18-19, 2024, at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City and via Zoom.
ILCA Head Francis N. Reginio collaborated with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Language and Literature Department to outline the key elements and aspects of journal management, wherein the faculty researchers in the department, namely, Assoc. Prof. Sajed S. Ingilan, Ms. Fe Monique M. Tagaytay, Ms. Jenifer R. Tuban, Asst. Prof. Josephine May Grace Famoso and Asst. Prof. Angelo Lenard E. Yu constituted the journal organization.
The international resource speakers at the workshop brought invaluable insights to the table. Yang Berbahagia Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nasirin Abdillah of Universiti Teknologi Mara in Malaysia, and Southeastern Philippines Journal of Research and Development (SPJRD) adviser, delivered a fascinating presentation entitled “Issues and Trends in Humanities,” which put the journal’s content into context and highlighted transformative themes shaping the scholarly landscape. Specifically, Assoc Prof. Dr. Abdillah’s talk focused on the exciting field of Digital Humanities (DH), which combines technology with traditional humanities methods to revolutionize scholarly practices and deepen our understanding of human culture and history. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex societal challenges and advancing knowledge across domains while also exploring the impact of globalization on humanities discourse and calling for inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding. In addition, he touched on the concept of the Anthropocene and the crucial need for humanity to take responsibility as stewards of the community and reduce our environmental impact. He stressed the importance of protecting nature and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
Yang Berbahagia Assoc. Prof Dr. Rodney C. Jubilado, Chair of the Humanities Division at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and SPJRD adviser, shared valuable global perspectives on advancing this significant initiative. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jubilado encouraged the participants to adopt a transformative approach, urging us to break free from conventional norms and reevaluate our viewpoints. “Let us challenge ourselves to think beyond the familiar,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jubilado emphasized. “It is time to surpass traditional boundaries and venture into uncharted territories.” His call to action emphasizes elevating local knowledge, celebrating indigenous wisdom, and sparking new conversations. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jubilado’s insights inspired the participants to foster a dynamic discourse that amplifies diverse voices and recognizes our distinct cultural heritage.
A captivating lecture on “Publication of Creative Works: The Market, the Reader, and the Community” was delivered by Dr. Aurelio Agcaoili, an associate professor from the University of Hawaii – Manoa and former director of UP Center of Creative Writing and a Palanca awardee. Dr. Agcaoili’s insights into the creative life of our people and communities were thought- provoking, highlighting the importance of prioritizing delight and usefulness over practicality and sweetness. He emphasized the power of language to promote social change and freedom, urging the need for language that inspires and awakens the minds of those living under tyranny, autocracy, dictatorship, or despotism. His inspiring statements on human and humane ideas lead us back to ourselves, others, and our communities, emphasizing language’s vital role in connecting us all.
Inspiring and guiding the future Editorial Board, the workshop featured inspirational messages from USeP officials, namely, Prof. Dr. Marnie Grace I. Sonico, CAS Dean; Dr. Daisy T. Besing, Institutional Planning Division Director; Dr. Randy A. Tudy, Publication Unit Deputy Director; and Dr. Ariel C. Pedrano, CAS Research Center Manager.
Finally, the workshop delved into crucial aspects of journal management, including establishing clear submission guidelines, outlining the journal’s aims and scope, implementing ethical procedures, defining a robust peer-review policy, structuring the Editorial Board, and establishing open access and copyright policies as presented by the editorial staff of the Publication Unit, Ms. Hannah Mae G. Lolong and Mr. Rey Kenneth John G. Marces including the open journal system as a critical tool for streamlined management.
This collaborative initiative among ILCA, CAS Language and Literature Department, and the Publication Unit signifies a commitment to fostering scholarship and creative expression in the Humanities. With the groundwork established during the workshop, the USeP Humanities Journal is set to launch in October 2024. This new publication promises to be a valuable resource for academics and creative minds across the Humanities disciplines.
Article by: Rhea Lhyne Castres AguilonPhotos by: Andrea Tablizo and Hyacinth Alde Abelgas
