Fifty years since the merger of the then separate Departments of Anthropology and Sociology (SoAn) at the University of San Carlos in 1967, an alumni gathering was held on November 30, 2017 at the USC Downtown Campus with the theme “Paghanduraw ug Paglantaw sa Kalim-an: Anthropology, Sociology and History @ USC, 50 Years and Beyond.”
Although anthropology was first taught at USC 65 years ago in 1952 by Fr. Rudolf Rahmann and sociology 56 years ago in 1961 by Fr. Wilhelm Flieger, the merger was significant as it expanded ethnographic and demographic researches as well as archaeological expeditions that built up an impressive collection of artifacts now displayed at the USC Museum and paved the way for the establishment of the Office of Population Studies. The celebration likewise commemorated the 51st year since history was offered in USC.
The whole day activity began with a Holy Mass concelebrated by two SoAn alumni priests, Fathers Philip Bonifacio and Rolando Aniscal of the Society of Saint Columban. Zumba and games in the morning enabled the alumni from different disciplines and batches to mingle and interact with each other.
The afternoon forum highlighted the experiences of Sociology, History and Anthropology alumni in different fields of endeavor—in academe, research, public service, museum work, advocacy work on lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, and engagement with indigenous peoples.
Sharing her experience in demographic research was Socorro Gultiano, former director of the Office of Population Studies (OPS) of USC. Phoebe Zoe Umbay shared her experiences as a professor at the University of the Philippines-Cebu. Sheldon Clyde Jagoon gave a glimpse of his work in underwater archaeology with the National Museum. Magda Robinson described her journey as an advocate of LGBT rights and the relevance of anthropology in her advocacies. Easterluna Canoy shared her experiences as an engaged anthropologist in her work with indigenous peoples of Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon.
The afternoon activity climaxed with the awarding of a plaque of recognition to Dr. Rosa C. P. Tenazas for her significant work and contribution to the field of anthropology as the “First Female Archaeologist in the Philippines” presented by the Department of Anthropology, Sociology and History (DASH) chair Delilah Labajo and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Fr. Rogelio Bag-ao, SVD.
Video presentations as well as the rendering of songs by alumni and students, and a dance number by the DASH faculty provided the light moments of the whole day event which ended with a sumptuous dinner at the Wrocklage Yard.
by Zona Hildegarde S. Amper
Tags: Anthropology, Sociology, History, Alumni