By Keziah G. Huelar
Dr. Mona Lisa Siacor, faculty of the CPU College of Theology, commits her life to a discipline of faith complemented by an academic dedication.
In 2010, National Geographic aired a series entitled “Great Migrations.” It had seven episodes revealing the majestic rhythm of wildlife and its determination not only to migrate for survival but to echo the natural principle of stewardship between generations.
In one of its episodes, “Born to Move,” NatGeo featured the migration of the monarch butterfly.
Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the Northeastern U.S. and Canada to Central Mexico, because of this monarch butterfly is known for its two-way migration, just like birds.
The documentary showcased the amazing persistence and determination of the monarch butterflies as they travel almost 3000 miles—the journey ultimately culminating after four generations. What is amazing about this phenomenon is the fact those later generations of monarch butterflies who have never been to their ancestral breeding grounds return to the exact trees where their parents roosted before.
Centralians also experience their own migration, and for Dr. Mona Lisa Siacor, faculty of the CPU College of Theology, the journey is a testimony of Christ’s grace and purpose.
Dr. Siacor graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science Major in Math in 1990 from the university. Her calling and interest eventually led her to the portals of the CPU College of Theology where she finished her Masters of Divinity in 2007.
In 2010, Dr. Siacor started her seven-year-journey as a scholar studying Doctor of Philosophy in Protestant Theology at the University of Regensburg. Her stay in Germany exposed her to the different disciplines of Protestant theology and a grassroots perspective on Protestantism.
After graduating in 2017 from the University of Regensburg, she returned to the Central Philippine University bringing with her her insights and testimony.
Recently, she attended the Summer School under Dr. h.c. mult. Hans Schwarz, Professor Emeritus of Protestant Theology University of Regensburg Universitätsstr to present a paper entitled, “The Crosses that Filipino Women Migrants Carry.” According to the abstract of her research, the study entails the travails of the working Filipino woman migrant and an analysis of her sad experiences due to having to work abroad. The cultural worldview plays a role in the ability to persevere and that globalization is one of the main causes of her suffering. Her suffering is compared to the Christian understanding of the daily cross-bearing that Jesus expected of his followers.
According to Dr. Siacor, migration is one of the trending issues around the globe, “There is a need to participate in the dialogue of global concerns for migration. Migration can be seen in the Middle Ages, in the Bible, and the best way to discuss this phenomenon is through academic presentation and study.”
As part of her dedication to the study of theology, Dr. Siacor currently teaches MDiv 600 (Inter-Testamental Literature) and MDiv 602 (Postmodern, Postcolonial Theologies).
With 22 years of service to the university, Ma’am Siacor is a testimony that Centralians always come back to the university, carrying with them the testimony of the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness.