EDITOR'S NOTE

Framing Knowledge for Social Transformation

Abstract

It is with great honor that I present Volume 5, Issue 2 (August 2025) of the SUKISOK Journal of the Arts and Sciences. This issue embodies the journal’s commitment to advancing scholarly inquiry across the arts and sciences, foregrounding research that is both intellectually rigorous and socially relevant. The articles in this release not only address pressing issues within their respective disciplines but also collectively underscore the enduring responsibility of academic research to contribute to knowledge, policy, and practice in Philippine society and beyond.

The opening article, “Rethinking Moral Education: Unpacking Its Foundations and Relevance” by Bernardo N. Caslib, Jr., offers a philosophical re-examination of moral education amidst current debates on the removal of Ethics as a required course in higher education. Through conceptual and philosophical analysis, the study underscores the irreplaceable role of moral education in cultivating ethical awareness and moral responsibility among students. It demonstrates that ethics education is not a redundant subject but a crucial element in preparing individuals for meaningful and responsible participation in society.

The second article, “Epekto ng Modalidad ng Pagbasa sa Komprehensyon ng mga Mag-Aaral sa Tekstong Pangkasaysayan” by Dara Mae T. Fernandez and Rene Boy E. Abiva, employs a quasi-experimental design to compare the effectiveness of individual and group reading modalities in developing historical comprehension. Anchored in metacognitive theory, schema theory, and social constructivism, the study concludes that collaborative reading yields higher comprehension outcomes. This research provides valuable insights for pedagogical practice in Philippine higher education, particularly in strengthening literacy and critical thinking skills in General Education courses.

The third article, “Tatay Digong as Prototypical, Political Metaphor: A Content Analysis of Senator Bong Go’s Prayer Rally Speech on March 15, 2025 at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila” by Willies Winsor Gutierrez Gabitan, examines the rhetorical framing of former President Rodrigo Duterte as “Tatay Digong” during a politically charged moment amid his International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation. Grounded in Conceptual Metaphor Theory and Prototype Theory of Meaning, the study reveals how familial metaphors of fatherhood—invoking care, sacrifice, and moral authority—transform legal accountability into narratives of loyalty and vulnerability. By analyzing Senator Bong Go’s prayer rally speech, the paper demonstrates how cultural prototypes of Filipino fatherhood can reinforce populist politics, legitimizing authority while obscuring democratic accountability

In “The Influence of Military Discipline Practices on the Interpersonal Relationships of Criminology Students: A Case Study of CCJE” by Grace H. Lupao, Rubelyn P. Castillo, Grace Ann V. Mabao, and Samuel Jr. M. Ucol, the authors examine the integration of military discipline practices within criminology education and their influence on students’ personal and social relationships. Through qualitative inquiry, the study identifies both the constructive outcomes of such practices—such as punctuality, respect, and strengthened trust—and the potential risks of overemphasis on obedience. The article highlights the need to balance discipline with the cultivation of critical reflection and autonomy, particularly in the formation of future law enforcement professionals.

The fifth contribution, “Critical Discourse Analysis of Dr. Manuel Viola Gallego’s 1932 Monograph “The Language Problem of the Filipinos”: A Study of Postcolonial Linguistic Perspectives” by Rene Boy E. Abiva, reintroduces and critically examines the intellectual legacy of Dr. Manuel V. Gallego. Through Critical Discourse Analysis informed by postcolonial theory, the paper uncovers Gallego’s contributions to the discourse on language, education, and national identity, positioning him as a significant yet underrecognized voice in Philippine intellectual history. By revisiting Gallego’s works, the study provides an important historical lens for understanding contemporary debates on language policy, education, and cultural sovereignty.

Finally, “Prevalence and Resolution of Road Incidents in Cauayan City, Isabela: A Study on Law Enforcement Strategies” by Princess Mae S. Sebastian and Carla Joy T. De Castro, investigates the patterns of road incidents in Cauayan City from 2020 to 2024 and the strategies employed by law enforcement in response. Using a mixed-methods design, the study highlights the predominance of motorcycle-related accidents and the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement, including limited manpower, inadequate resources, and issues of public compliance. The findings call for a comprehensive, collaborative, and sustainable approach to road safety, with strong implications for public policy and community engagement.

Collectively, the articles in this issue advance critical discussions at the intersections of philosophy, education, criminology, linguistics, and political discourse. They demonstrate the capacity of scholarship not only to generate theoretical insight but also to inform institutional practices, public policy, and societal transformation.

On behalf of the editorial board, I extend my deepest appreciation to the authors for their contributions, to our peer reviewers for their rigorous evaluations, and to our readership for their continued engagement with the journal. It is our hope that this issue will serve as a meaningful resource for scholars, educators, policymakers, and practitioners committed to advancing knowledge and fostering positive change in their respective fields.