Abstract:

In December 2024, the Philippine employment rate exceeded 95%, yet 57% of Filipinos still considered themselves poor. High employment conceals the prevalence of “bad jobs” marked by low wages, informality, and social stigma—what sociologist Everett Hughes termed dirty work—labor society deems disgusting, degrading, and/or immoral. This thesis examines dirty work through the lens of the Catholic business leader seeking an integrated life of faith and stewardship guided by Catholic Social Teaching (CST). It asks: How does dirty work evolve into dehumanization? Which CST principles respond to it? And how can these guide Filipino business leaders toward humanizing work?

This thesis explores CST’s countercultural vision rooted in the imago Dei, expressed through three principles: the Dignity of Work (addressing objectification through just wages and rest), Solidarity (healing exclusion through community), and Subsidiarity (restoring autonomy through participation). A case study of a Philippine company demonstrates how these values can be embodied in business, transforming stigmatized work into humanizing work.

Final Defense:

Board of Examiners:

1. Stephanie Ann Puen, Ph.D. (Adviser)
2. Fr. Peter Pojol, S.J., S.T.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner)
3. Fr. Francis Alvarez, S.J., S.T.L., Ph.D.
4. Fr. Hartono Budi, S.J., Th.D.

Proposal Defense:

Board of Examiners:
1. Stephanie Ann Puen, Ph.D. (Adviser)
2. Fr. Peter Pojol, S.J., S.T.D.
3. Fr. Abundio Babor, Jr., M.S.C., S.T.D.