Social Development Office - ADZU

08/10/2026

Signing the People's Initiative petition is now done fully online, and it only takes these simple steps. Prepare these first so that you can sign in one go:

📍 Your voter registration details (city or municipality and barangay)
📝 A photo of your signature on a clean sheet of white paper
🤳 A selfie of you holding that signed paper, with your face and signature clearly visible
📲 A charged phone with a camera and stable internet

Then:

🔗 Open the petition at d1l.org
👀 Read the summary and the proposed law.
👉 Enter your details. Upload your signature photo and selfie, then submit.

Keep your signature photo and selfie private. Upload them only on the official platform, and never send them to anyone through chat or social media.

Save this post so that you can guide a parent, grandparent, or neighbor later. Only you can sign for yourself, so help them do it on their own gadget. Assisted-signing help from our Ka-ISA volunteers is coming soon; watch this page for details.

24/09/2026

Faith, Governance, and Partnership for the Common Good

The Social Development Unit (SDU) of Ateneo de Zamboanga University took part in the four-day Strategic Religious Engagement (SRE) Training and Forum organized by the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), held on September 14–17, 2026.

Representing AdZU were Ms. Aurora Gonzales, SDU Unit Director, and Ms. Mary Elizabeth Apolonio, Program Coordinator of the Ateneo Peace Center, joining faith-based organizations (FBOs) from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The first two days, "Strategic Religious Engagement: Strengthening Policy Influence through Evidence and Partnership," were an executive education training built on the findings of the SRE Training Needs Assessment. Sessions covered evidence-informed policy messaging, strategic engagement with government, and monitoring, evaluation and learning for advocacy.

The training led into the forum "Strategic Religious Engagement (SRE) for Inclusive Development: Building Institutions, Strengthening Governance and Advancing Institutional Partnerships in the Philippines" on September 16–17. ASOG, through the Ateneo Policy Center, organized it in partnership with the World Faiths Development Dialogue (WFDD) of Georgetown University. The forum served as the culmination of the SRE Project. It brought together FBOs, the academe, and development partners to reflect on national survey and FGD findings, envision SRE models, and build a shared roadmap for sustained dialogue and regional formations.

This engagement is anchored on SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It reflects SDU's commitment to strengthening institutions and building bridges between faith, academe, and government for inclusive development.

Maraming salamat to ASOG, the Ateneo Policy Center, and WFDD for this opportunity. We also thank our fellow participants and partners, including the Society of Jesus Social Apostolate – PH, Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, the John J. Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues, and Tanging Yaman Foundation, Inc., for the rich exchange. We look forward to carrying these conversations home to Zamboanga and the wider Mindanao.

21/09/2026

Never Again. Never Forget. ✊🇵🇭

In commemoration of the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on September 21, 1972, the Social Development Unit held a watch party of EDJOPTheMovie last September 20, 2026 at KCC Mall de Zamboanga, a solemn look back at a chapter of our history that must never be forgotten.

The film tells the story of Edgar "Edjop" Jopson, a young student leader who had the courage to speak truth to power and gave his life fighting for freedom and democracy. His story reminds us that the youth have always had a voice, and that voice matters.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our anonymous donors, whose generosity made it possible for the youth of Zamboanga to watch this film. Your kindness helped keep history alive for a new generation.

And to the youth of Zamboanga who joined us, thank you for taking the time to watch, reflect, and remember. Your presence shows that the spirit of Edjop lives on in a new generation ready to stand for truth, justice, and freedom.

May we carry Edjop's courage with us, remember the lives lost and the freedoms fought for, and never let history repeat itself.

18/09/2026

🎬 WATCH EDJOP THE MOVIE FOR ONLY ₱50!

Kabataan ng Zamboanga, this one’s for you! 💙

Catch EDJOP the Movie on Sunday, September 20 at 5:10 PM and be part of this powerful story of courage, conviction, and standing up for what you believe in.

🎟️ Student ticket: ₱50 only
📅 September 20, 2026 (Sunday)
🕔 5:10 PM
📍 KCC Mall de Zamboanga - Cinema 3
👥 Open to all students in Zamboanga

Interested? Just fill out the registration form to secure your ticket!

✨bit.ly/4rnB5Ia
✨bit.ly/4rnB5Ia
✨bit.ly/4rnB5Ia

Tickets are non-transferable and are intended only for the registered student.

See you in the cinemas!

🎬 WATCH EDJOP THE MOVIE FOR ONLY ₱50!

Kabataan ng Zamboanga, this one’s for you! 💙

Thanks to an anonymous donor, you can watch EDJOP the Movie on Sunday, September 20 at 5:10 PM and be part of this powerful story of courage, conviction, and standing up for what you believe in.

🎟️ Student ticket: ₱50 only
📅 September 20, 2026 (Sunday)
🕔 5:10 PM
📍 KCC Mall de Zamboanga - Cinema 3
👥 Open to all students in Zamboanga

Interested? Just fill out the registration form to secure your ticket!

✨bit.ly/4rnB5Ia
✨bit.ly/4rnB5Ia
✨bit.ly/4rnB5Ia

Tickets are non-transferable and are intended only for the registered student.

See you in the cinemas!

17/09/2026

🚨 KABATAAN NG ZAMBOANGA, THIS ONE'S FOR YOU! 🚨

The Social Development Unit is giving away 12 FREE MOVIE TICKETS to watch EDJOPTheMovie! It's the story of a student leader who chose to speak up, and now it's YOUR turn to share your voice.

All you gotta do is answer this:
"What is the relevance of EDJOP the movie in today's youth and situation?"

No need to be perfect, just be real. Tell us what you think!

Drop your answer here: 👉 https://tally.so/r/gDBb21
Deadline: Saturday, Sept 19, 2026, 10:00 AM
Winners will get an email, so keep an eye on your inbox.

🎟️ Your free ticket is for the Sunday, September 20, 2026, 5:10 PM showing at KCC Mall de Zamboanga ONLY.
📍 Claim it at the cinema entrance. Bring your winning email + school ID!

Open to students in Zamboanga City only. Tag your barkada who needs to see this! 👇🎥

15/09/2026

EDJOP now showing in cinemas nationwide! ✨

14/09/2026

Today, the Bangsamoro votes for its first Parliament. The Social Development Unit of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University joins our neighbors in hope and in prayer.

Every ballot cast today carries decades of patience behind it, and the belief that peace is something a people can choose together. May that peace hold through the voting, the counting, and the days that follow.

We pray for the safety of every voter, for honesty among those entrusted with the count, and for calm in every community. And whatever the results, we pray for the long work that begins tomorrow, the work of building a Bangsamoro that is just, peaceful, and home to all its people.

Read our full statement below. 🕊️

03/09/2026

HAPPENING NOW: DAY 2 OF ART HEALING!

​The doors are open once again for Art Healing: When Words Are Difficult, Let the Colors Speak!

​Whether you were with us yesterday or are stopping by for the first time, drop in anytime before 4:00 PM today. All art materials are provided for free—just bring yourself, pick up a brush, and take a moment to reflect and express in a safe, peaceful space. No artistic experience needed!

​📍 Gallery of the Peninsula and the Archipelago (GPA), ADZU
⏰ Day 2 | Sept 3 | Open until 4:00 PM (Runs Sept 2–4)
🆓 Free Admission & Materials Provided

01/09/2026

Real stories sparked brave questions and honest conversations as young people from schools, universities, and youth organizations across Zamboanga gathered at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) for the EDJOP Campus Conversation.

The youth-led forum brought together director Katski Flores, co-producer Joyette Jopson, actors Elijah Canlas and Kakie Pangilinan, and moderator Rogin Eribal for an open exchange on speaking up, confronting difficult realities, and the role of young people in shaping public life.

AdZU extends its sincere gratitude to Hon. Kim Villaflores, delegations from Pilar College of Zamboanga City, Saint Joseph School Foundation, Inc., Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School–Calarian, Western Mindanao State University, and Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, as well as VERDAD Organizations, CAYA Initiatives, and the AdZU community for being part of the meaningful conversation.

EDJOP opens in cinemas nationwide on 16 September 2026.