Department of Sociology

Department of Sociology

Overview

Degree Program

Contact Information

Overview

The introduction of the teaching of Sociology as a course in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) is historically related to the establishment of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters in 1896. Historical records indicate that graduate degrees for both the Masters and PhD degrees in Sociology were awarded by the university in the 1950s, the undergraduate Sociology program was only formally introduced in 1967 with the establishment of the Department of Sociology in UST under the College of Liberal Arts (Batan & Samaco, 2013).

After almost two decades the Sociology program evolved various sets of curricula, which was recently reviewed and implemented in response to the new set of K-12 graduates, specifically catering to the Humanities and Social Sciences academic strand. This new curriculum follows the minimum requirements provided in the CHED Memorandum Order 40 Series of 2017 – Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSG) for the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. As a result, the new Sociology curriculum ensures a high standard of instruction covering fundamental teaching, learning, and training of Sociology core courses in theory, social research methods, and the department’s specializations in the field of five substantive research agendas.

Recognition

  • social planner / community organizer
  • project coordinator
  • interview / survey facilitator
  • social development worker
  • media consultant
  • statistician
  • concept analyst
  • public administrator
  • administrative assistant
Philippine Sociology Practices as a Profession

What to do after finishing a sociology degree is always a question for many, most still find assurance on whether taking the degree will give them a good career, and most importantly, a stable source of income. Its status as a profession has been largely presupposed. For example during the 2012 National Conference of Philippine Sociological Society, researchers gathered to talk and try to solve the problem regarding sociology’s professional boundaries which revolves around the conference’s central theme: “sociologists as professionals” (Rafael 2014). Meanwhile Randolf “Randy” David argues that sociology is already a professionalized one (Rafael 2014). 

Sociology has been a forefront in examining the organization and practices of professional life. Sociologist Julia Evetts, in her comprehensive study on sociological research on professional groups, observed that the history of development in the said field revolves around three concepts: professional. professionalism, and professionalization (2011). The concept of profession is primarily concerned with the nature of the profession itself. It acknowledges the prominence of the profession’s knowledge and its sought of finding traits that makes a profession distinct from other occupations (Rafael 2014). Therefore we are to say the same on sociology: that is a profession which can be identified and applied to various work occupations in the society. 

The discipline of sociology is diverse and not well-defined. Because of this flexibility, Sociology can be incorporated to almost every discipline, from social sciences to health, communication to sports etc. Sociological practice encompassess wide range of “expertise”, which include social research, policy analysis, social development work, social mobilization, and policy research among the few (Rafael 2014). This generality of expertise from sociologists leads to situations where sociology graduates are expected by educational institutions to teach non-sociology subjects like logic, philosophy, history and economics (Rafael 2014). Meanwhile, sociology has established its “market” on academic research, and that the discipline developed its own self-inferential jargon as seen from the works published by Philippine Sociological Review  (Rafael 2014). 

On that note, Randolf David has described professionalization as the discipline’s promotion of “a particular way of talking, a jargon, a scholasticism,” and the insistence on relation sociological research outputs to an imagined universal thread of sociological thought (David 2001), which further supports the idea that sociology is indeed a profession because of the skills and knowledge required to be able to analyze, interpret, and understand cultures and establish norms in both the society and institution. 

However, in the Philippine setting, sociology remains to be an academic discipline as it currently does not have a professional code of conduct for it to be formalized. Erwin Rafael has compared sociology, an academic discipline, with accountancy which is more practice-based and has concluded that sociology-centered norms and values are not workable profession-wise (Rafael 2014). Nonetheless, this does not stop sociology from being a profession as it continues to contribute to the production, interpretation, understanding, and application of knowledge to solve society’s conflicts and issues.

Filipino:

Kung anong gagawin pagkatapos ng pagkuha ng diploma sa sosyolohiya ay tanong ng marami. Lahat ay naghahanap ng katiyakan na ang diplomang nakuha ay makapagbibigay ng magandang trabaho at maayos na pangita. Ang lugar ng sosyolohiya bilang isang propesyon ay palaging kinukwestiyon, halimabwa noong 2012 National Conference ng Philippine Sociological Society, nagtipon ang mga mananaliksik para pag-usapan at bigyang solusyon ang problema patungkol sa “hangganan” ng propesyon ng sosyolohiya na naka-angkla sa tema ng komprensya: “mga sosyolohista bilang mga propesyonal” (Rafael 2014). Samantala, ayon kay Randy David, ang sosyolohiya ay ganap nang gawaing propesyonal (Rafael 2014).

Ang sosyolohiya ang palaging nangunguna pagdating sa pagkilatis ng mga organisasyon at praktika ng propesyonal na buhay. Ayon kay Julia Evetts sa kanyang pag-aaral patungkol sa sosyolohikal na pananaliksik sa mga grupong propesyonal, naobserbahan niya sa kasaysayan ng pagusbong ng naturang disiplina ang tatlong konsepto: propsesyonal, pagka-propesyonal, at gawain propesyonal (2011). Ang konsepto ng propesyon ay pangunahing nakatuon sa katangian ng mismong propesyon. Kinikilala nito ang kaalaman ng disiplina at ang paghanap nito ng mga indibidwal na katangian na naghihiwalay rito sa ibang disiplina (Rafael 2014). Kung gayon ay makikita natin na katulad nito, ang sosyolohiya ay isang propesyon kung saan maaring maiangkla sa iba’t ibang trabaho sa lipunan.

Ang disiplina ng sosyolohiya ay malawak. Dahil sa kakayahan nito angkop sa lahat, ang sosyolohiya ay maaaring isama sa ibang disiplina mula agham panlipunan at medisina, komunikasyon at palaro. Ang praktika ng sosyolohiya ay maraming maituturing na larangan ng kadalubhasaan, kabilang na rito ang panlipunan pananaliksik at pagtatasa ng patakaran (Rafael 2014). Ang lawak ng kadalubhasaan na ito ng sosyolohiya ay madalas na nagiging dahilan ng generalisasyon na ang mga sosyolohista ay inaasahang ng mga akademikong institusyon na magturo ng mga asignaturang walang kinalaman sa disiplina. Samantala, naitatag ng sosyolohiya ang sarili nitong “merkado” sa pananaliksik na makikita natin sa mga gawang inilathala ng mga sosyolohista sa Philippine Sociological Society (Rafael 2014).

Inilarawan naman ni Randolf David ang professionalization bilang promosyon ng disiplina ng “partikular na pamamaraan ng pagsasalita, jargon, iskolarismo,” at ang paggigiit sa kaugnayan ng sosyolohikang pananaliksik na output sa ipinalalagay na unibersal na sosyolohikang pag-iisip (David 2001) na higit pang sumusuporta sa ideyang ang sosyolohiya ay isang tunay na propesyon dahil sa kasanayan at kaalamang kailangan upang masuri, magbigay kahulugan, at intindihin ang mga kultura at magtatag ng mga pamantayan sa lipunan at sa institusyon.

Ngunit, ang sosyolohiya ay nananatiling isang pang-akademikong disiplina sa Pilipinas sa kadahilanang wala itong professional code of conduct upang ito ay ganap na gawing pormal. Ikinumpara ni Erwin Rafael ang sosyolohiya na isang pang-akademikong disiplina sa accountancy na batay sa kasanayan at naghinuha na ang mga pamantayan at prinsipyong nakasentro sa sosyolohiya ay hindi praktikal para sa isang propesyon (Rafael 2014). Gayunpaman, hindi ito makapipigil sa sosyolohiya sa pagiging isang propesyon sapagkat patuloy ito tumutulong sa produksyon, interpretasyon, pag-unawa, at aplikasyon ng kaalaman upang malutas ang mga salungatan at isyu ng lipunan.

References

Batan, Clarence and Francis Lyn Samaco. 2013. “More Than 100 Years of Sociology ? A Historical Reconstruction of the Teaching of Sociology at the University of Santo Tomas.” Philippine Sociological Review 61(1):123–146. Retrieved April 3, 2020.

David, Randolf. 2001. De-professionalizing Sociology.  Reflections on Sociology and Philippine Society. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press.

Erwin, Rafael. 2014. Is Sociology in the Philippines a Professionalized Discipline? Pp. 213-236 in Erwin, Rafael. Philippine Sociological Review. Philippine Sociological Society.

Missouri State Sociology Program. 2020. Retrieved.

Palafox, Q., 2012. Asia’s Oldest University, The Royal And Pontifical University Of Santo Tomas National Historical Commission Of The Philippines. [online] National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Retrieved.

Steele, Stephen and Jammie Price. 2008. “Making a Difference with Sociology.” Pp. 125–32 in Applied Sociology: Terms, Topics, and tasks. Thomson Wadsworth.

University of Santo Tomas. 2018. Student Handbook. Revised.

University of Santo Tomas. (2016). Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (4 years). Retrieved from University of Santo Tomas: 

Weightman, George H. 1987. “SOCIOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES.” International Review of Modern Sociology 17(1):35–62. Retrieved April 3, 2020.

Contact Information

Research Agenda

Projects

Sociology of Youth, Education, Work, and Technologies
  • Prof. Clarence M. Batan, PhD – Lead
  • Asst. Prof. Josephine A. Placido, MA
  • Asst. Prof. Antonino N. Tobias, IV MS
  • Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict R. Ignacio, PhD
  • Asst. Prof. Milrose P. Llenas, MA, LPT
  • Asst. Prof. Rhodora Lynn L. Tababa, MA
  • Inst. Noemi G. Estrella, MS, LPT
  • Inst. Mark Godwin B. Villareal, MA, LPT
  • Inst. Anzelwise Augustus Dominik Y. Paras, MA
  • Inst. Jade Harley C. Bretaña, MA
  • Ms. Theresa Anne Nadine B. Lichauco, MA-TSS, LPT
  • Mr. Jaconiah Shelumiel T. Manalaysay, MA

The Department of Sociology focuses on youth, education, work, and technologies as research areas. We believe that specific attention to youth provides an opportunity to deeply examine the socio-cultural roots of young people’s collective behavior, a perspective that can inform strategies that aim for their active engagement and improvement, particularly on Kabataang Pilipino (young Filipinos). Moreover, the department also deems education, being one of the most critical determinants of quality of life, as an equally important area of study together with work.

Examining education and work in research offers meaningful models or bases on which we can frame policy recommendations for the betterment of society. This comes especially as challenges to youth, education, and work are intertwined with technologies as culture engenders more digital competencies vital for human engagement. Thus, the department also focuses on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in relation to the interacting sociologies of youth, education, and work in contemporary societies such as the Philippines and the global world.

Social Engagement and Service-Learning
  • Asst. Prof. Froilan A. Alipao, MCD – Lead
  • Asst. Prof. Antonino N. Tobias IV, MS
  • Asst. Prof. Milrose P. Llenas, MA, LPT
  • Ms. Noemi G. Estrella, MS, LPT

The Department of Sociology also orients itself in applying research to real-world conditions. We want to show how our conceptual knowledge is validated and challenged through first-hand experience in the community and with different stakeholders. This is driven by our desire to anchor the theoretical to the practical to ensure that classroom-based lessons or modules are relevant and not detached from everyday realities.

By doing so, the department can expand the learning environment beyond the physical space of the school campus. We, therefore, maintain a research agenda rooted in the principles of experiential and action-oriented learning intended to contribute to the formulation of realistic solutions to issues that confront communities and their socio-ecological structures.

Sociology of Politics and Governance
  • Asst. Prof. Frederick I. Rey, MA, MS, PhD – Lead
  • Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict R. Ignacio, PhD
  • Asst. Prof. Milrose P. Llenas, MA, LPT
  • Asst. Prof. Froilan A. Alipao, MCD

The Department of Sociology also includes the topics of politics and governance in its research agenda. This is in recognition that political actors and government regulations and legislations shape people’s life chances, behavior patterns, group dynamics, social development, and outcomes.

Sociology of Catholicism and Pastoral Issues
  • Prof. Clarence M. Batan, PhD – Lead
  • Ms. Noemi G. Estrella, MS, LPT
  • Inst. Jade Harley C. Bretaña, MA
  • Ms. Theresa Anne Nadine B. Lichauco, MA-TSS, LPT

Distinctively Thomasian, this research agenda of the Department of Sociology is also interested in examining how the Catholic Church and her institutions help shape the socio-political landscape guided by Christian values. We will investigate how the Catholic Church molds the faithful’s view on certain social issues and inspires them to act according to the Church and Social Teachings.

More importantly, the Department is keen to advance studies exploring the Catholic Church’s struggles as she faces the pressures and challenges of modern society, the realities of multi-culturalism, the alarming context of social and climate injustices, and her relevance in today’s world.

Emerging Research Agenda - Sociology of Health and Family
  • Assoc. Prof. Sampson Lee Blair, PhD – Lead
  • Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict R. Ignacio, PhD
  • Asst. Prof. Rhodora Lynn L. Tababa, MA
  • Inst. Anzelwise Augustus Dominik Y. Paras, MA
  • Mr. Jaconiah Shelumiel T. Manalaysay, MA

The Department of Sociology emphasizes social health and families as distinct areas of our research agenda. In the context of health crises that plagued the world in recent times, the department has never been in the right place than now for investigating the intersection of health and society, most especially in addressing critical issues like health equity and disparity.

We recognize that sociological research can contribute to the broader discourse on people’s well-being. We are also cognizant that family, as a social institution, remains a relevant area of research because of its role in socialization. Examining the family contributes to our critical understanding of how social circumstances shape family experiences, relationships, and dynamics.

Emerging Research Agenda - Sociology of Sociology
  • Prof. Clarence M. Batan, PhD – Lead
  • Asst. Prof. Josephine A. Placido, MA
  • Asst. Prof. Frederick I. Rey, MA, MS, PhD
  • Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict R. Ignacio, PhD
  • Asst. Prof. Antonino N. Tobias, IV MS
  • Inst. Noemi G. Estrella, MS, LPT
  • Inst. Jade Harley C. Bretaña, MA
  • Inst. Mark Godwin B. Villareal, MA, LPT

The Department of Sociology also directs attention to understanding the dynamics of Sociology as an academic discipline and a profession in the Philippines. As an academic discipline, we are interested in examining how Sociology as a discipline is being introduced in primary and secondary levels, including Senior High School, as part of Araling Panlipunan and Social Sciences courses. 

Also, we are fascinated by examining the learning experiences of Sociology students and the curriculum delivery in various institutions across the country. This includes the engagements of students and faculty with the Philippine Sociological Society (PSS) and other international associations such as the International Sociological Association (ISA). We are also inclined to explore the employment trajectories of Sociology alumni to learn about sociologists’ work realities and futures as practitioners and professionals.

Emerging Research Agenda - Global South / Post-Colonial Theory and Methods
  • Inst. Jade Harley C. Bretaña, MA – Lead
  • Prof. Clarence M. Batan, PhD
  • Asst. Prof. Froilan A. Alipao, MCD
  • Asst. Prof. Frederick I. Rey, MA, MS, PhD
  • Inst. Mark Godwin B. Villareal, MA, LPT 
  • Ms. Theresa Anne Nadine B. Lichauco, MA-TSS, LPT

The Department of Sociology also provides special attention to building upon Global South scholarship, particularly through post-colonial theory and methods, in response to the need for locally based conceptual, theoretical, and methodological approaches to contemporary Sociology. Mainly, we are interested in how sociological concepts and their local manifestations are understood in the Global South, especially in post-colonial countries like the Philippines. Thus, we further deem that theoretical knowledge based on specific articulations is sensitive and critical to the socio-economic, cultural, and religious milieu, among others, that make up essential contexts as a backdrop to doing better Sociology locally and internationally. Ultimately, we aim to translate these conceptual and theoretical aspirations to methodologically innovate, considering ethical sensitivities, awareness, and cultural competencies needed in researching in a post-colonial world.

Vision & Mission

Recognition

Updates

Vision & Mission

Vision

The University of Santo Tomas Sociology Department aspires to thrive and progress further in achieving their goals: to apply and execute the disciplines and practices gained from integrated curriculum on both local and international communities. This educational program sets out to produce the brightest students who can perform well their duties and obligations as engaged citizens to the society. Pursuing to continue towards the development of well-rounded individuals and to ensure attainment of a sustainable future.

Ang Departamento ng Sosyolohiya ng Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas ay naglalayong paunlarin at payabungin ang kakayahan na nakuha mula sa edukasyong dapat isagawa sa iba’t-ibang komunidad sa buong mundo. Kalakip nito ang paniniwala na ang edukasyong aming ibinabahagi ay nagbubunga ng isang responsableng mag-aaral hindi lamang sa kanyang tahanan kundi na rin sa pamayanan. Ang Departamento ng Sosyolohiya patuloy na magsusumikap na mapag-yabong pa ang kaalaman ng bawat mag-aaral upang matiyak ang kanilang maayos na kinabukasan pati na rin ng lipunan.

Mission

The UST Department of Sociology, composed of both professors and the student body from the Faculty of Arts and Letters, are committed to enrich the field of Sociology by the dedication of to study sociological inquiries and analyses. Through our active research agendas, we aim to help, inform, enlighten, and urge the academe field and community masses to immerse themselves towards the sociological issues that happen in the society and to inspire creation of further studies.

Ang Departamento ng Sosyolohiya ng Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas na binubuo ng mga propesor at kalipunan ng mga mag-aaral mula sa Pakultad ng Sining at Letra, ay naglalayong mapagpayaman ang disiplina ng Sosyolohiya sa pagpapaigting ng dedikasyon sa sosyolohikal na pagsisiyasat at pagsusuri. Sa pamamagitan ng aming mga adyendang pangsaliksik, layon naming matulungan ipabatid, maliwanagan, at maunawaan ng mundong akademya at ng masa ang mga isyung sosyolohikal na nagaganap sa lipunan at magsilbing inspirasyon para sa paggawa ng karagdagang pag-aaral.

Recognition

Level III Accreditation

Updates

Administration

Administration

Asst. Prof. Antonino N. Tobias IV, MS,

Chair

Core Faculty

Core Faculty

Prof. Clarence M. Batan, PhD

Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

Asst. Prof. Josephine A. Placido, MA

Master of Arts in Sociology

Asst. Prof. Antonino IV N. Tobias, MS

Master of Science in Sociology

Inst. Noemi G. Estrella, MS, LPT

Master of Science in Sociology

Inst. Jade Harley C. Bretaña, MA, LPT

Master of Arts in Sociology

Inst. Mark Godwin B. Villareal, MA, LPT

Master of Arts in Sociology

Allied - Sociology/Political Science Faculty

Allied - Sociology/Political Science Faculty

Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict R. Ignacio, PhD

Master of Arts in Sociology

Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science

Asst. Prof. Frederick I. Rey, MA, MS

Master of Science in Sociology

Master of Arts in Creative Writing

Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science

Visiting International Faculty

Visiting International Faculty

Assoc. Prof. Sampson Lee Blair, PhD

Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

Allied - Social Science Faculty

Allied - Social Science Faculty

Asst. Prof. Froilan A. Alipao, MCD

Master of Community Development

Asst. Prof. Milrose P. Llenas, MAEd

Master of Arts in Education, major in Social Science Teaching

Asst. Prof. Rhodora Lynn L. Tababa, MA

Master of Arts in Humanities

Inst. Anzelwise Augustus Dominik Y. Paras, MA

Masters in Political Economy

Inst. Theresa Anne Nadine B. Lichauco, MA-TSS, LPT

Master of Arts in Teaching Social Sciences

Inst. Jaconiah Shelumiel T. Manalaysay, MA

Master of Arts in Political Science

Notable Alumni

Notable Alumni

Rosechelen Charity G. Acorda-Adongay 

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology 2011

Post-Graduation Engagements

A 2015 Bachelor of Laws alumna of UST, her field of expertise is Administrative Law. She is a Lecturer (2017 Rules on Administrative Cases on the Civil Service, Sexual Harassment, Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth) and is currently working as Attorney V at Civil Service Commission National Capital Region.

Clarence M. Batan, PhD

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology 1995

Post-Graduation Engagements

Clarence M. Batan graduated Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Magna cum Laude) in University of Santo Tomas – Manila, Philippines; Master of Arts in Sociology in University of the Philippines – Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines and Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (Dalhousie Unversity – Halifax, Canada). 

He became the Vice President for Asia of the Research Committee 34 – Sociology of Youth of the International Sociological Association (2014-2018); became President of Philippine Sociological Society (2017-2018); and a member of Technical Committee for Sociology of the Philippine Commission of Higher Education (CHED).  Brown University (Research Fellow, 2012 & Visiting Fellow for International Studies, 2013) Providence, Rhode Island, USA made him a postdoctoral fellowship. Dr. Batan became the director of the Research Center for Culture, Education, and Social Issues sa UST (2015-2017). 

 

His fields of expertise are Sociology of Youth, Education and Work. Currently, he is the head researcher of the The National Catechetical Study (NCS) 2021: Pastoral Action Research and Intervention (PARI) Project, commissioned by Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines (CBCP) – Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education (ECCCE) to understand the statehood and condition of the​

Catechetical Mission of the Church in the Country. Currently, he is the Coordinator of the Department of Sociology in University of Santo Tomas.

He has two books published:

2010 Batong-bahay: Naratibo ng kahirapan at tagumpay ng isang karaniwang pamilyang Pilipino (Stone house: A Filipino family’s narrative of poverty and success) UST Publishing House, Manila Philippines. [Creative non-fiction about his family] 

2000 TALIM: Mga Kuwento ng Sampung Kabataan (TALIM: Life Histories of Ten Young People) published in Filipino by the Social Research Center, UST. [An advocacy book for rural youths with illustrations. Based on the MA thesis in Sociology, UP Diliman, Quezon City.]

John Philip Bertiz

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology 2009

Post-Graduation Engagements

John Philip Bertiz is a graduate of AB Sociology at The University of Santo Tomas Batch 2009; MS Human Resource Management in 2016. Some of the notable recognitions he received are:

  • 2019 Global Stars of Excellence
  • 2019 Asia Segment Stars of Excellence (Asia LEAD New Graduate Program and Manulife Business Processing Campus Sourcing Team)
  • 2017 Asia Segment Stars of Excellence
  • 2016 Asia Best LinkedIn Influencer for Manulife

His field of expertise is Human Resource and he is currently working at Manulife as the Manager for Campus Recruitment and Sourcing Strategy for Asia.

Vincent C. Leido IV

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology 2010

Post-Graduation Engagements

Vincent C. Leido IV is a graduate of AB Sociology at The University of Santo Tomas Batch 2010; Juris Doctor at Philippine Law School and he is currently taking his MBA in De La Salle University.

His field of expertise are Government Service/Political Affairs. Leido is currently the Deputy Chief for Political Affairs for the Office of Sen. Grace Poe (Senate of the Philippines).

Field School

Field School