Sociology seniors Sheena Tria Estabas Cabatingan, James Ryan Salic Cachola, Christine Taaliah “Hajra” Laput Camilo,
Joseph Clinton Belvistre Dimen, James Allan Tindog Pagdanganan, and Sharmaigne Delig Saavedra taking their oath the 7th
Academic Celebratory Ritual of the Department of Sociology & Anthropology Department.
The Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Department of Sociology and Anthropology held its 7th Academic Celebratory Rituals which included the Pin Installation Ceremony and Commissioning of Interns for its senior Sociology students on 14 February 2025, at the Xavier University Immaculate Conception Church. This event, a highlight of the academic experience in Xavier University at the College of Arts and Sciences, marked the transition for these graduating seniors into the professional world through their internships. The solemn mass that preceded the rituals was officiated by Fr Antonio F Moreno, SJ, setting a tone of reflection and blessing for the embarking interns. The ceremony was a deeply personal and celebratory occasion, attended by College of Arts and Sciences Dean, Dr Judy P Sendaydiego, Dr Wynne Escol, Academic Department Chair, esteemed members of the faculty of the Department of Sociology & Anthropology, and proud parents who had entrusted their children's education and formation to Xavier University.
The pinning ceremony itself symbolized this crucial transition from the theoretical learning within the university walls to the practical application of their sociological knowledge in real-world settings. Six (6) AB Sociology seniors were recognized and celebrated as they prepared to be fielded to various government and non-government partner organizations. The interns will be working with various partner organizations, including government offices such as the regional office of the Population Commission, the Commission of Muslim Filipinos, and the City Museum. Partners in the private sector also welcomed interns, including the Research Institute for Mindanao Culture and the ChildFund program of the Xavier Science Foundation. The Academic Celebratory Rituals of the AB Sociology program emphasized the holistic development of the interns, focusing not only on the acquisition of knowledge and competence in their field but also on the refinement of crucial communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. The ceremony highlighted the importance of character development and the cultivation of a strong sense of mission. The interns were solemnly charged to discern, decide, and act morally and ethically in all their endeavors, upholding the Pledge of Professionalism with integrity, competence, and respect. Students embarking on the internship programs were reminded of their responsibility to use their God-given gifts not only for personal advancement but also to promote the common good and to honor God in their actions, speech, and behavior.
Ms Laurine Alexis D Yonson, an alumna of the department's Bachelor's and Master's programs and currently the program coordinator and learning advisor of the Mindanao Young Leaders Programme (MinYLP), an international NGO managed by UnionAID and supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, graced the event and delivered an inspiring message to the graduating class. Ms Yonson encouraged the Sociology interns to fully embrace the learning experience that awaited them and to actively take advantage of the opportunities to build strong and lasting connections with mentors, supervisors, and colleagues during their internships. She assured the interns that their education at Xavier University had equipped them with the capacity and preparedness to embark on this incredible journey as Sociologists outside the university gates.
Mr Don Antonio Velez, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Higher Education conveyed a message from Dr Juliet Q Dalagan during the commissioning rites. Mr Velez shared that according to Dr Dalagan, the university's prayer for the interns is focused on the transformative potential of the internship experience, expressing hope that it would nurture feelings of relief and gratitude, instill a sense of responsibility alongside hope, and replace any anxieties with a deep and abiding faith. Furthermore, the commissioning message conveyed the university’s sincere gratitude for a continued partnership with families, recognizing the collaborative effort in shaping the students' academic journey.
Parents, administrators, faculty, and staff joined together in a heartfelt and unified prayer, beseeching divine support for the interns' continued dedication, strength, and perseverance throughout their internship journey. Xavier University looks forward to the long-term impact of students’ work and expression of hope that it would be like planting seeds that would eventually bear fruit, contributing to a bountiful harvest of positive change and allowing them to share Christ's love through their actions and interactions with others.
The ritual’s blessing concluded with a final and earnest invocation for the Lord's continued grace, guidance, and peace to be with the interns throughout their entire internship experience and beyond.