The Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS) held its 6th Alejandro Roces Professorial Lectures last Feb. 7, in line with the university foundation week. Thisyear, the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Language and Literature hosted two outstanding women in their respective fields.
Prof. Cecilia Reyes, PhD. of the National Museum of the Philippines talked about “Thrips in the Philippines” and their impact on biodiversity and the economy, while Prof. Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo, PhD. of the University of Santo Tomas Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies delivered a lecture on “The Role of Women Writers in the Development of Philippine Fiction in English.
The lecture was attended by faculty members and students from the various departments of IAS. Former Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs Gianna Montinola, together with the current Vice President for Corporate Affairs Rowena Capulong-Reyes, PhD., graced the afternoon lecture of Prof. Hidalgo.
Each year IAS hosts the lectures in honor of its alumnus and former dean, Dr. Alejandro Roces. Next year, the Department of Psychology and the Department of Communication are hosting the series. “
Prof. Reyes finished her PhD. at the University of Alberta, Canada with a degree in Entomology-Systemics. Her work focuses mostly on the Thysanoptera (Thrips). She is regarded as an authority in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia.
Prof. Pantoja-Hidalgo is a recipient of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards, the Philippines Graphic Awards for Fiction, the Philippines Free Press Awards for Fiction, and the National Book Awards. She has also received the distinguished SEAWrite or Southeast Asian Writers Award from Thailand. She has published more than 40 books, including three novels, as well as shortfiction and creative non-fiction, and literary criticism.
Alejandro Roces Professorial Lecture Series is a program organized by the Institute of Arts and Sciences in honor of its alumnus and former Professor and Dean, Dr. Alejandro Reyes Roces. This lecture series aims to recognize distinguished professors and experts in the diverse disciplines of Arts and Sciences. Through this Professorial Lecture, the Institute envisions to inspire faculty members and students to embark on research or creative work that bring pride and honor to FEU. Thus, the Institute opt to hold the lecture in line with the celebration of its foundation.
