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The Pedagogy of Encounter as Via Pulchritudinis: Humanizing 21st-Century Teaching-Learning through Education 5.0 and the Global Compact on Education

Submitted: March 28, 2026 | Published: June 30, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.236

Authors

  • Inst. Ericka Mae B. Cunanan The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines , Institute of Religion, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5217-6095
  • Prof. Allan A. Basas Institute of Religion, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
  • Asst. Prof. Joseph Renus F. Galang Institute of Religion, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0447-3046

Keywords:

Catholic Education, Education 5.0, Global Compact on Education, Humanization, Pedagogy of Encounter, Via Pulchritudinis

Abstract

Pope Francis champions accessible education as an act of hope, reminding educators that the distinctive feature of Catholic education is true humanization. Yet, the rise of Education 4.0, driven by digital learning, often lacks a coherent ethical, human-centered framework. This study investigates the ethical challenges posed by Education 4.0’s reliance on AI, data analytics, and immersive technologies, aiming to evaluate these through Education 5.0 and Pope Francis’ Global Compact on Education (GCE) to propose a theological-pedagogical framework that re-centers Catholic education on humanization. Employing qualitative textual analysis informed by the synodal methodology of listening, discernment, and participation, it explores three questions: (1) What are the pedagogical features of Education 4.0 and 5.0? (2) What opportunities (“lights”) and challenges (“shadows”) emerge when Education 4.0 is viewed through the GCE lens? (3) How can Education 5.0 and the GCE be synthesized into a theological-pedagogical framework for humanization? Findings show Education 4.0 enables AI-enhanced instruction, personalized learning, hybrid modalities, immersive tools, and collaboration, but risks dehumanization, bias, and digital divides. Integrating Education 5.0’s human-centered innovation with the GCE, the study proposes the Pedagogy of Encounter as Via Pulchritudinis (Path of Beauty), a framework affirming beauty as a path to God and a means of proclaiming the Gospel. This offers Catholic education a principled, hopeful way to humanize teaching and learning in the 21st century. 

About the Author/s

Inst. Ericka Mae B. Cunanan

Ms. Ericka Mae Bayani Cunanan is a Licensed Professional Teacher, faculty member of the University of Santo Tomas Institute of Religion, and a catechist. She completed her Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Religious Education and her Master of Arts in Theology at the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the same institution. Her academic interests focus on Catholic Education and Inculturation, particularly in relation to contemporary pedagogical contexts. She is actively engaged in the formation of pre-service teachers in Religious and Values Education, contributing to the preparation of future educators.

Prof. Allan A. Basas

Prof. Allan A. Basas completed his academic formation in Philosophy and Theology at the Philippine Dominican Center for Institutional Studies and the University of Santo Tomas (UST). He earned his Licentiate, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Sacred Theology from the Ecclesiastical Faculties of UST. Since 2003, he has been a faculty member of the UST Institute of Religion, where he teaches theology across various faculties and colleges of the University. He also teaches in the M.A. and Ph.D. Theology programs of the UST Graduate School, as well as in the Faculty of Sacred Theology and the Faculty of Philosophy. He has published scholarly works in academic journals and has presented papers at national and international conferences.

Asst. Prof. Joseph Renus F. Galang

Joseph Renus F. Galang is an assistant professor of Theology at the Institute of Religion of the University of Santo Tomas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Master of Arts in Education, majoring in English, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Theology. He has taught philosophy, theology, sociology, literature, and creative writing classes. His interests include philosophy, theology, religion, mythology, and fantasy literature.

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Published

06/30/2026

How to Cite

Cunanan, E. M., Basas, A., & Galang, J. R. (2026). The Pedagogy of Encounter as Via Pulchritudinis: Humanizing 21st-Century Teaching-Learning through Education 5.0 and the Global Compact on Education. Hitik: International Journal of Catechists and Religious Educators, 3(1), 191-207. https://doi.org/10.63130/hijcre.v3i1.236