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In a momentous event held on 8 December 2024, at the Leong Hall, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed between Ateneo de Manila University, represented by its President, Fr Roberto C "Bobby" Yap SJ; and philanthropist Dr Rosita G Leong. This agreement formally inaugurates the naming of the university’s School of Social Sciences as the Dr Rosita G Leong School of Social Sciences.
The event was graced by the presence of former Ateneo Presidents, Fr Bienvenido "Ben" Nebres SJ, and Fr Jose "Jett" Villarin SJ; former SOSS Dean, Fr Jose "Joey" Cruz SJ; as well as Dr Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu, current Dean of the School of Social Sciences; and members of the faculty and staff of SOSS. Family and friends of Mr Ricardo and Dr Rosita Leong also joined the celebration, adding warmth and significance to the occasion.
The signing ceremony concluded with a symbolic unveiling of the new school’s name. This milestone underscores the enduring bond between Ateneo de Manila University and the Leong family, whose generosity continues to shape the future of education in the Philippines and beyond.
The 19th Spring Film Festival (SFF) celebrated its nineteenth year with a curated selection of Chinese films. Guests enjoyed not only the films themselves, but also dragon and lion dances, calligraphy workshops, and various performances. Held at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, the event was organized by the Ateneo Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies, Ateneo Celadon, and the Red Carpet Cinema Shangri-La Plaza Mall.
The Gala Night, on January 31st, showcased a variety of performances, including the aforementioned dragon and lion dances, as well as musical performances tuned to the Lunar New Year. The evening culminated in an exclusive screening of the SFF’s main film, "One More Chance." Directed by Anthony Pun, the comedy-drama starred Chow Yun-fat as Fai, a gambler attempting to connect with his autistic son.
The festival featured three other films in addition to "One More Chance." "Where is the Dragon?" an animated children’s movie, followed a young girl who teams up with zodiac animals to find the dragon and save humanity. "Somewhere Winter," a teen romance based on the novel by Rao Xueman, depicted the love story of a Beijing student and a Taiwanese photographer. "Find Your Voice," a drama about troubled students in a singing program, starred Andy Lau as their mentor.
Beyond the film screenings, the festival also hosted a Calligraphy Workshop on February 1st and a Wushu Federation Philippines Exhibition on February 2nd
The Department of Communication has successfully passed the assessment of the ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) programme.
This prestigious certification affirms our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the holistic development of our students. The AUN-QA accreditation recognizes the department’s dedication to providing a globally competitive communication education that empowers students to excel in an ever-evolving media landscape.
In Case You Missed It
In Case You Missed It
The second lecture of “Intersections: Colloquies in the Humanities and Social Sciences" was held on 30 January 2025. Prof. Em. David Gellner of the University of Oxford delivered the lecture on "Hierarchy and the Aspiration for Equality in Higher Education." Prof. Gellner, a Fellow of the British Academy, specializes in the social anthropology of religion, politics and ethnicity in Nepal and South Asia, including caste and concepts of hierarchy.
In his lecture, Prof. Gellner explores the tension between hierarchy and equality based on his experiences of higher education in the United Kingdom, India, and Nepal. He points out that there are significant obstacles to the institutionalization of equality of opportunity, not least the ability of elites to reproduce themselves in succeeding generations even when the educational system is officially based on meritocratic principles. The marketplace of ideas is an equal opportunity forum; however, equality of opportunity does not mean equal outcome and achieving equality of opportunities does not mean treating everyone the same.
The lecture, an offering for the core curriculum course, SocSc 13 (Economy, Society, and Sustainable Development), was hosted by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. It also highlights the broadening of global area studies in the Dr. Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences to include South Asian Studies.
Introduced in 2024, "Colloquies in the Humanities and Social Sciences" explore intersections in the humanities, social sciences, and other epistemic cultures to power a more nuanced understanding of human and societal flourishing and planetary wellbeing. It is supported by the Kwan-Laurel Fund for the Social Sciences.
Dr Justin See delivered a keynote lecture at Ateneo de Manila University for the Coastal Cities at Risk in the Philippines Climate, Society, and Culture Lecture Series 2025. The lecture took place on Wednesday, January 22nd at 11 am (Philippine time), available both in-person at the Leong Hall Auditorium and online. The talk explored the enduring popularity of flood control infrastructure like seawalls and dykes, focusing on the "Great Wall of Leyte" as a case study.
Using urban political ecology and infrastructure studies, the speaker analyzed the power dynamics that contributed to the project's perceived effectiveness and popularity, despite its limitations.
Dean Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu recently hosted scholars from the Philippines, Germany, India, Singapore, United Kingdom, and New Zealand for the “Mitigating Inequalities in Higher Education: Trends, trajectories, and temporalities in Asia” workshop. The workshop was the first in a series of three workshops to be conducted as part of the research project, "Navigating Universities: Student Aspirations, Boundaries, and Transformations in India and the Philippines."
The project is funded by the German Research Foundation led by Prof. Dr. Joanna Pfaff-Czarnecka at Bielefeld University in Germany. Through this study of non-traditional students [e.g., in the Philippines, first in the family to go to the university, financial aid scholar; in India,, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) or Other Backward Class (OBC)] in university spaces, the research team hopes to generate a better understanding of the mitigation, perpetuation, or creation of new forms of social inequalities in universities and the wider society they are embedded in.
Singapore-based British documentary filmmaker Tom St John Gray was recently nominated at the International Emmy Awards held in New York City, United States, on November 26, 2024. Early this year, Tom St John Gray, coordinating with the History Department, visited Ateneo de Manila University to consult the James Francis Warren (JFW) Collection in the Rizal Library.
The JFW Collection is the professional library of Emeritus Professor James Francis Warren, author of The Sulu Zone and ten other books, along with over 140 refereed book chapters, journal articles, and reviews in leading journals and publishing houses across the globe. The First Tranche of the JFW Collection has already been cataloged and is accessible to researchers.
The Second Tranche is arriving in the first quarter of 2025. The History Department of the Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences is facilitating the donation of these valuable source materials to the Rizal Library.
Tom St John Gray, with Lyn Dino and Mark Glen Carbungco of the Pardo de Tavera Special Collections, consulting the James Francis Warren Collection on February 15, 2024.
Paper presenters pose with various members of the audience after the workshop at the Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal in Lisbon.
PHILIPPINE STUDIES WORKSHOP IN PORTUGAL
By Stephanie Marie Coo, Department of History
An international workshop titled "Philippine Objects In The Context of European Colonial Gears (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries)" held on December 6, 2024 at the Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal, offered interdisciplinary insights into the Philippine colonial experience, bringing together 13 prominent authors, scientists, and chairs from 8 disciplines, 8 countries, and 10 institutions. The workshop drew over 60 attendees, including historians, diplomats, scholars, media representatives, and members of the Filipino community. Organized by Associate Professor Dr. Stephanie Marie Coo of the Department of History and Dr. Paulo Pinto, with support from the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, Philippine Embassy in Portugal and the Universidade Nova de Lisboa's Centro de Humanidades (CHAM - NOVA FCSH), the workshop distinguished itself through a meticulously curated panel of experts from diverse disciplines including anthropology, history, museology, genetics, materials science, literary and memory studies.
Philippine Ambassador to Portugal Paul Raymund Cortes and Dr. Yasmin Cortes hosted a dinner featuring musical performances by Stephenie Coker-Rank, wife of Nigerian Ambassador to Portugal Alex E. Kefas, and Marianela Mirpuri, founder of the NGO Hera and Mirpuri Foundation. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a formal press release.
Each episode dives into the stories behind the texts and artifacts archived at ALiWW, highlighting the profound contributions of women writers and cultural icons to Philippine arts and letters. Featuring intimate conversations with authors, scholars, and cultural advocates, the podcast sheds light on the creative journeys, struggles, and triumphs of these remarkable women, offering listeners a deeper appreciation of their impact.
In Episode 3, we explore the artistry of Lenore RS Lim, the 16th Natividad Galang Fajardo Awardee, in this special episode of ALiWW’s Pamana. Through intricate prints inspired by callado embroidery and natural elements, Lenore weaves personal history, cultural heritage, and advocacy into her work.
From childhood lessons in creativity and resourcefulness to her involvement in various causes, Lenore’s journey is a testament to resilience, generosity, and the enduring spirit of womanhood.
Trigger Warning: This content discusses potentially distressing topics, including violence, trauma, and discrimination. Viewer discretion is advised.
This episode of Baka Naman Pwede? explores teenage pregnancy in the Philippines and the role of sex education within the country's cultural context. Guests Jona Claire Turalde from Family Planning 2030 Asia-Pacific Hub and International Planned Parenthood Federation, and Mariel Quiogue from Ateneo de Manila University's Department of Political Science, will discuss the current bill addressing this issue. The conversation will examine the bill's content, address misconceptions, and evaluate its potential impact on adolescent pregnancy. Jesse Claudio, Associate Director for Research at the Institute of Philippine Culture, hosts.
Baka Naman Pwede?, a knowledge dissemination initiative of the Institute of Philippine Culture, offers a culturally sensitive, critical, evidence-based analysis of contemporary social issues. It promotes collaborative knowledge creation, incorporating diverse experiences, perspectives, and problem-solving approaches. The episode can be accessed here.
Driving Evidence-Based Policy: Insights from the SY 2024–2025 Seminar Series
Driving Evidence-Based Policy: Insights from the SY 2024–2025 Seminar Series
The Department of Economics and the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development (ACERD) concluded a record-breaking Seminar Series for the First Semester of SY 2024–2025, featuring 12 sessions from August to December 2024. Conducted through a mix of online and onsite formats with an average of 40 participants per session, the series brought together experts, policymakers, and educators to tackle pressing economic and policy issues.
The seminars covered a diverse range of topics, including food security challenges, labor market dynamics, inter-island transport connectivity, and the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.
Notable sessions featured discussions on national security in the West Philippine Sea, congestion in electricity markets, and innovative environmental performance scorecards for local governments. The series also highlighted critical research on learning losses during the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic implications of public R&D spending.
The series, held in partnership with the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD), supported the HRep-Ateneo Evidence-Based Research Project, which submitted 13 studies to the Philippine House of Representatives. These studies addressed the Marcos Jr. administration’s 8-point agenda. Through these seminars, Ateneo and ACERD demonstrated their unwavering commitment to fostering evidence-based policymaking and advancing sustainable development goals.
SAGE 2nd Alumni Homecoming: Celebrating Legacy, Camaraderie, and Vision
SAGE 2nd Alumni Homecoming: Celebrating Legacy, Camaraderie, and Vision
On November 23, 2024, the Samahan ng mga Atenistang Graduate ng Economics and Management Economics (SAGE) held its 2nd Alumni Homecoming at Singson Hall, Ateneo Grade School, Quezon City. The event brought together alumni across generations for an evening of reconnection, celebration, and reflection on the department’s enduring legacy. The festivities began with a campus tour, offering alumni a nostalgic glimpse of their alma mater, followed by a Mass celebrated by Fr. Ernald Andal (MECo ’98), President of Ateneo de Zamboanga University. The evening’s program officially opened with welcoming remarks from SAGE President Goody Hernandez (Eco ’72), who emphasized the spirit of camaraderie and the bright future of the alumni community.
A highlight of the event was the keynote speech written by Manny V. Pangilinan (Eco ’66) and delivered by Debbie Tan, his Chief of Staff. Introduced by Noel de la Paz (Eco-H ’77), the speech inspired attendees to balance nostalgia with forward-thinking, reflecting on the transformative role of economists in shaping society.
The evening concluded with dinner, music by Alvin Santoyo & Company, and warm fellowship, leaving alumni not only renewed in their Ateneo spirit but inspired to plant seeds for a brighter future.
The RGLSoSS gathers in prayer and thanksgiving during the Cluster Mass, held last January 23, 2025, to welcome the second semester of SY 2024-2025. Teaching and non-teaching staff come together to reflect and seek blessings for the months ahead.
Recent Events
Recent Events
The European Studies Program participated in the Nova Gorica/Gorizia 2025 European Capital of Culture commemorations last Saturday, February 8th. Professor Claudio Cressati of the University of Udine delivered a lecture titled "Borderlessness and European Identity: Nova Gorica and Gorizia as European Capital of Culture 2025." Attendees included Italian Ambassador to the Philippines, Davide Giglio; Ambassador-Designate of Slovenia to the Philippines, Smiljana Knez; and Ateneo de Manila University President, Rev Fr Bobby Yap.
The program expressed gratitude to the Italian Embassy in the Philippines for their support and the students, colleagues, and guests for their contributions to the lively discussion.
On the Horizon
On the Horizon
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology presents“𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤: 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝, 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞ñ𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞”
Come and join us for the lecture by Dr. Caroline Marie Q. Lising, MA, IMQP PhD on human greed and environmental exploitation as they are pushing our natural heritage to the brink. This lecture examines the Peñablanca Protected Landscape as a case study, highlighting the impact of extractive activities and inadequate conservation. We will explore broader patterns of ecological destruction, the ethical responsibilities of stakeholders, and strategies for sustainable preservation.
Date: February 19, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Leong Hall
Sign up today through this link: https://forms.gle/bfqabkWQ7XWYhzNg6
or by scanning the QR code in the post.
Reading List
Reading List
Ateneo de Manila University is advancing micro-credentials in Southeast Asia through the MICROCASA project, an EU-funded initiative promoting lifelong learning and employability. Collaborating with universities from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Europe, Ateneo is shaping policies to integrate micro-credentials into higher education.
Leading the project for Ateneo are Dr Dennis Batangan (RGL-School of Social Sciences - Institute of Philippine Culture), Dr Marichi Guevarra (School of Humanities), and Mr Jacob Carpio (RGL-SOSS Institute of Philippine Culture)
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