DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY

Founding and Early Years (2011-2012)

The Anthropology Department at Ateneo de Davao University was established in 2011, fulfilling its vision to become Mindanao’s hub for anthropological research and education.  The department’s formation was spearheaded by the late Ms Leah H Vidal, PhD and Ms Maricel Hilario-Patiño, MA.  Later, a dedicated faculty including Atty Augusto B Gatmaytan, PhD, Ms Rosalinda C Tomas, PhD and part-time faculty member Br Carlito M Gaspar, CsSR, PhD joined the team.  In June 2012, the department launched its Master of Arts in Anthropology programme, setting a precedent for rigorous academic exploration and scholarly commitment to the field. Dr Vidal proudly served as founding chair until 2020.

Milestones and Transitions (2017-2019)

2017 was a year of both celebration and transition for the department.  It produced its first Master of Arts in Anthropology graduates, including Marites Gonzalo, MA, and Richard Belar, MA.  That same year, Ms Hilario-Patiño’s departure was filled by Fr Ulysses Cabayao, S.J., MAnthAdv, who assumed a full-time faculty role.  The department’s commitment to its exceptional alumni continued with Sheila Z. Labos, RN, MA, joining as a part-time faculty member in 2018 and Albert J. Santos, MA, taking on a full-time position in 2019.  In 2019, the Anthropology Department also expanded into undergraduate education by offering the “Mindanao Indigenous Peoples” elective. Initially designed by Dr Gatmaytan and taught by Fr Cabayao and Mr Santos, this course provided students with practical anthropological fieldwork experience.

Undergraduate Program and Pandemic Challenges (2020-2021)

The popularity of the MIP course prompted the department’s initial plan to offer a minor in anthropology, reflecting clear undergraduate interest. However, this plan evolved when Fr. Cabayao revived a previously shelved proposal for a full Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology specialising in Indigenous Peoples Education. With Dr. Vidal’s support, he finalised the curriculum for this new undergraduate programme, which was eventually approved by the AdDU Board of Trustees in March 2020 and later by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology programme welcomed its first cohort by June 2020. This success was partly due to generous scholarships provided by the University President. The inaugural class comprised ten first-year students and two transferees from other courses. To provide fieldwork experience, the department adapted by locating local fieldwork sites in Barangay Demoloc in Malita, Davao Occidental and Barangay Miarayon in Talakag, Bukidnon. In 2021, Gwyneth Marie M. Vasquez and Fr. Cabayao founded the Mindanawon Anthropological Society of the Ateneo (MASA), fostering a vibrant student community for anthropology undergraduates.

Recent Developments and Curriculum Revisions (2023-2024)

In 2023, the department celebrated the graduation of its first BA Anthropology student, Ms Vasquez.  She achieved remarkable distinctions, earning summa cum laude, AdDU Valedictorian and Jesuit Mission Awardee.  Her academic excellence led to her recruitment as a research assistant and part-time faculty member.

To enhance focus and make the most of available resources, Dr Tomas, the current chair, streamlined the original multi-track BA Anthropology programme.  This shift prioritised the BA Anthropology-Academic Research Track. By April 2024, a revised curriculum for the BA Anthropology programme was proposed.  This realignment aligned courses with University priorities and updated Anthropology electives to ensure flexibility and responsiveness to contemporary issues.

ATENEO INSTITUTE OF ANTHROPOLOGY (AIA)

In June 2011, during his Inaugural Address titled “Coming Together to Move Forward,” Fr. Joel E. Tabora SJ, then incoming University President, proposed an ambitious vision for Ateneo de Davao University: to establish it as the center for anthropological instruction and research in Mindanao. With this goal in mind, he gave the green light for the creation of the Ateneo de Davao University Institute of Anthropology (AIA) in November 2011.

The AIA serves as a vibrant hub for anthropological scholarship, aiming to deepen public understanding of the rich and diverse cultures that thrive in Mindanao. Since its full operational launch in 2012, the institute has made significant strides:

• Research Impact: The AIA has produced 12 major academic and policy studies. Six of these were funded by the University Research Council, while the remaining six were commissioned by external organizations. These studies delve into critical issues, shedding light on the complexities of Mindanao’s cultural landscape.
• Community Engagement: Beyond academia, the institute actively engages with local communities. By addressing locally relevant development challenges, it fosters meaningful partnerships. Through ethnographic research and collaboration, the AIA contributes to sustainable solutions.
• Education and Training: The AIA offers a robust graduate degree program—the Master of Arts in Anthropology. This program equips students with the analytical tools and critical thinking skills needed to tackle community and development issues. Graduates emerge as informed agents of positive change, contributing to Mindanao’s growth.

The Ateneo de Davao University Institute of Anthropology stands as a beacon of knowledge, bridging theory and practice. By celebrating diversity and promoting anthropological insights, it plays a vital role in shaping a more informed and respectful society.