Dr. Renante Pilapil Appointed as New VP for Higher Education
The AdDU community marked a significant milestone in its academic leadership as Dr. Renante D. Pilapil was officially appointed as the incoming Vice President for Higher Education.
Upon the nomination of the University President and the formal approval of the Board of Trustees through Resolution No. 2026-019, Dr. Pilapil will assume office starting on the 1st of August 2026, for a three-year term. The transition brings a highly respected scholar, dedicated educator, and proud alumnus back to a central leadership role within the university.
On Being an AdDU Philosophy Alumnus and Global Scholar
Dr. Pilapil graduated from Ateneo de Davao University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, earning the academic distinction of Magna Cum Laude. His passion for philosophy subsequently led him to earn his Ph.D. in Philosophy, specializing in political philosophy and ethics, from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium. He later brought his academic expertise to Columbia University, completing his postdoctoral research in political philosophy as a Fulbright Senior Scholar.
Since 2013, he has served as a Full Professor of the Philosophy Department at Ateneo de Davao University and has publications on recognition theory, justice, and political philosophy. He was a finalist for the 35th National Book Awards for his book “Recognition: Examining Identity Struggles.” He has also served as Editor-in-Chief of Tambara: A Journal on the Humanities and Social Sciences since 2012.
A Grateful Academic Community in Transition
As the university prepares to welcome Dr. Pilapil, the Ateneo community also extends its profound gratitude to the outgoing administration, under the leadership of Fr. Antonio M. Basilio, SJ, PhD, who has served with generous and dedicated stewardship concurrently as the Vice President for Higher Education. Following this transition, Fr. Basilio will focus on his concurrent role as the newly minted Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Community Engagement (RICE), effective on the 1st of June 2026.
The successful search process was made possible through the meticulous efforts of the VP for Higher Education Terna Search Committee. Chaired by Mr. Jeremy S. Eliab, the committee, composed of Mr. Joeffrey L. Gomez, Dr. Jenner Y. Chan, Ms. Geraldine Niña Rocel A. Libron, Ms. Tracy B. Villanueva, and Mr. Lunar T. Fayloga, worked diligently and with great discernment to guide this vital leadership transition.
As Dr. Pilapil steps into this new chapter of institutional leadership, the university community is warmly invited to accompany him with unwavering support and prayers, working together to anchor the Higher Education unit in academic excellence and Ignatian values.
