Noted economist is Ateneo SOSS' new dean
The School of Social Sciences is welcoming a new era under its newly appointed dean, former Department of Economics chair Dr. Fernando “Nandy” T. Aldaba.
In a memo released to the Ateneo community, Aldaba was named the successor of former SOSS Dean Dr. Filomeno Aguilar Jr. for an initial term of 3 years (1 April 2015 to 31 May 2018).
Research and NGO background
Prior to his appointment as dean, Aldaba has held various positions in different non-government organizations, trade unions, and social development institutions. He has done research in the fields of development economics, labor economics, and the civil society sector, and is a consultant for various government agencies and multilateral institutions.
Aldaba is a firm advocate of nation building and other current social issues. He is currently Chair of the Board of Kasagana-Ka Development Center, Inc. (KDCI), a development microfinance institution, President of the Civil Society Resource Institute, and Board Member of the East Asia Economic Association. He is also Senior Fellow at Eagle Watch, the macroeconomic and forecasting unit of the Economics Department that provides the general public with timely and relevant information on the Philippines’ fast changing economic landscape.
This background, he says, will help him in trying to pull together the 7 departments and 11 programs of the SOSS towards his long-term vision of turning the School of Social Sciences into a top school of social sciences in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) area and the larger Asia.
Area studies, research and service-learning
Since assuming the position, Aldaba says he is learning more about the different cultures of the departments and programs. “I really want to know what the needs are in the departments, what the actual situation is in each,” he says. A closer coordination among the area studies is one aspect he will be keen in pursuing.
In terms of research, the dean expresses his aim to further strengthen the environment of research in the school by helping the faculty maximize the opportunities available for the Loyola Schools faculty members. He is also open to consider research proposals outside the current clusters formed by the school. “I am open to deload faculty from the different departments coming together and making a research proposal on a specific theme outside the current clusters,” he says.
Aldaba also shares his plans to further strengthen service-learning within the school. During Aguilar’s term, a framework for service learning was already drafted. “I hope we could also explore how good practices and innovative modes of instruction can be shared among the faculty.”
Networking and marketing
Aldaba says that the ASEAN integration will be a good opportunity to network with other ASEAN schools and universities. “My experience in networking is that you have to do it face to face. You really have to attend conferences and be active in organizations within the region.” He also aims to tap the student organizations of SOSS to market the school via social media and sponsored events.
The new dean further hopes to be more involved with the student organizations in terms of putting up events and alternative classes. Aside from this, he also aims to catalyze the organization of the alumni of the school as well.
