Leading scholar of Philippine ethnic traditions passes away

MANILA, Philippines - Esteemed professor of literature, history, philosophy and cultural studies Florentino Hornedo passed away Wednesday morning in Batanes at the age of 77.

Born in Savidug, Sabtang, Batanes on Oct. 16, 1938, Hornedo was one of the leading scholars of Philippine ethnic traditions, pre-colonial and colonial history and contemporary society, who exemplified excellence in field research and preservation of intangible cultural heritage.

Hornedo produced numerous books and articles published in reputable local and international journals, including The Philosophy of Freedom, Laji: The Ivatan Folk Lyric Tradition, Panitikan II: An Essay on Philippine Ethnic Culture, Taming the Wind – Ethno- Cultural History on the Ivatan of Batanes Isles, Culture and Community in the Philippine Fiesta and Other Celebrations and the Glitter of Gold in Batanes Cutural Heritage.

He was a commissioner of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, commissioner for Ivatan project of the ASEAN and UNESCO Center for Asian Culture in Tokyo, Japan.

Hornedo held many positions in the academe. He was a full professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, professorial lecturer at the Graduate School of the University of Santo Tomas and a visiting professor in 29 universities abroad.

Hornedo also served as the founding dean and professor of the Graduate School of the Saint Dominic College of Batanes from 1991 to 2015. During Hornedo’s term as dean, he produced 78 MA holders and established the Ivatan Studies Center, which compiled numerous Ivatan theses.

Hornedo was a recipient of the Carlos Palanca Award for Literature, the Pilak Award from the CCP, the Batanes Provincial Achievement Recognition for Cultural and Social Research and the St. Antoninus of Florence Award from the UST Graduate School.

He was also a recipient of the Parangal Hagbong Award for Lifetime Achievement in Letters and the Most Outstanding Thomasian Alumnus in the Arts and Humanities.

Hornedo received his undergraduate degree from the University of Santo Tomas as well as his post-doctorate degree in History and Political Science in 1977 and 1985.

A military vigil was held last night and necrological rites will be held today at the Basco Gymnasium. His remains are expected to arrive in Sabtang Island at noon on Dec. 14. Funeral mass will be held in the morning of Dec. 15 at San Vicente Ferrer Parish in Sabtang.