By Maria Cristina A. Uy and Danielle Calantuan-Mejos.

The University Research Office successfully held the orientation on the 2025 University Research Agenda last November 5, attended by faculty members and administrative staff from various academic units.

Dr. Veronica Esposo Ramirez, Executive Director of the University Research Office, opened the program by presenting the 2025 University Research Agenda and highlighting URO’s initiatives and support mechanisms to cultivate a strong and mission-aligned research culture.

Dr. Celerino Tiongco, Emeritus Associate Professor and former Dean of the School of Education and Human Development, shared insightful reflections on how research should remain aligned with the University’s mission and values. He emphasized that UA&P’s mission—promoting integral human development and contributing to nation-building—should be reflected in the University’s research. Research, he stressed, must be deeply human, guided by values, and directed toward meaningful social transformation.

Representatives from the different academic units shared their ongoing and future research initiatives:

School of Economics (SEC) – Dr. Jovi Dacanay, Program Director of Ph.D. in Business Economics, underscored the School’s rigorous research mentoring framework, through which faculty and students consistently produce high-quality studies that are presented in reputable local and international conferences. A number of these works have been published internationally. Research within the School of Economics remains firmly anchored on practical and industry-related concerns, addressing relevant social and economic issues.

School of Management (SMN) – Dr. Ruel Maningas, Vice-Dean for Faculty Affairs and Research, presented the School’s completed and ongoing research projects, which span digital transformation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership. He also highlighted the SMN Digest, the School’s official research publication accessible through EBSCO and Philippine E-Journal, which serves as a platform to amplify the visibility and reach of faculty research. Additionally, he shared that the School has established the SMN Data and Analytics Kiosk, where students and faculty may access research-related tools and software such as AWS Academy, Euromonitor International, LSEG Data & Analytics, and Technistock.

School of Media and Marketing (SCM) – Dr. Robert Cortes, Associate Professor, highlighted its vibrant research culture supported by structured research days, active idea exchange, publication goals and priorities, and frequent co-authorship among faculty. Their research agenda focuses on industry-grounded areas such as integrated marketing communication, media literacy, entertainment and culture, and technology and AI ethics.

School of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (SSE) – Ms. Chona del Castillo, Department Chair of Natural Sciences, presented the School’s recent Scopus-indexed journal publications and upcoming research projects. She also emphasized the School’s collaborative research culture, which allows faculty from different departments to work seamlessly on scientific, practical, and community extension initiatives, while underscoring the need for continued funding and policy support to sustain this momentum and further expand research activities.

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) – Dr. Dean Mejos, Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs, shared that due to diverse research interests among its full-time faculty members, they have formed small research groups within the different departments to foster collaboration and interdisciplinary research. Their current alignment with the University Research Agenda is focused on Moral and Cultural Renewal, promoting scholarship grounded in values and societal transformation.

During the open forum, Dr. Leodivico Lacsamana highlighted that research and teaching are complementary, noting that engaging in research enhances teaching effectiveness. Ms. Juliana Odoño inquired about how “creative work” fits into the University Research Agenda, to which Dr. Tiongco clarified that such outputs generally align with the Moral and Cultural Renewal priority, depending on the focus of the work. 

The program concluded with the closing remarks of Dr. Fe Gladys Golo, Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs. She thanked all participants and reiterated the University’s commitment to nurturing a collaborative, mission-aligned, and empowered research community.

To access the 2025 University Research Agenda, please click this link.

The School of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (SSE) will celebrate its 16th Founding Anniversary on November 15. It also marks the Feast of St. Albert the Great, Patron Saint of the Natural Sciences—a fitting day to honor the spirit of discovery and faith that guides our School. 

Join us for a Thanksgiving Mass at 12:05 PM at the Sancta Maria Stella Orientis Oratory on November 17 (Monday) as we give thanks for 16 years of learning, innovation, and service. 

This week, we also celebrate Technovation Week (Nov. 12–19), featuring exciting talks, exhibits, and activities that highlight creativity and innovation in science and technology.

Thank you to the entire UA&P community for your continued support through the years. Here’s to more discoveries and milestones ahead!

UA&P Anima invites interested UA&P students, faculty, personnel, and alumni to join them for an educational trip to the Senate on November 19 (Wednesday) from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

The activity aims to provide participants with firsthand exposure to government processes by observing a live Senate hearing and getting a tour of the Senate building, fostering a deeper understanding of national issues and critical engagement with how government works.

The registration fee is Php200. Transportation will be provided.

Kindly sign up here. 

On November 5, the University of Asia and the Pacific held an Economic Briefing for Diplomats featuring Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas, UA&P Trustee and University Professor Emeritus, and Dr. Dennis Coronacion, Chair of the UST Political Science Department.

Dr. Villegas presented “The Philippines as a High-Middle-Income Economy,” highlighting that the country remains on track to achieve upper middle-income status despite slower third-quarter economic growth. Dr. Coronacion followed with a talk titled “Corruption, scandals, and patronage: How to understand Philippine politics and where does it lead to?,” offering insights into the political dynamics influencing governance and reform.

The briefing was attended by H.E. Eduardo Young Virzi, Ambassador of Panama, along with representatives from the embassies of Malaysia, New Zealand, the United States, Sweden, the Czech Republic, India, South Africa, Argentina, Spain, Myanmar, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Ukraine, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, Timor-Leste, and Australia.

Representatives from the embassies (standing) with (seated, L-R) University Secretary Ms. Viory Janeo, Professor Emeritus Dr. Bernardo Villegas, UST Political Science Department Chair Dr. Dennis Coronacion, UA&P School of Economics Dean Dr. Peter U, and UA&P Events Head Ms. Marielle Uy-Abella.

UA&P students attended an information session on the Oxford Certificate Programme offered by Worcester College, University of Oxford, held on November 7, 2025, at ACB 301.

Dr. Dominik Wanner, Director of the Oxford Certificate Programme, provided an overview of the programme’s objectives, structure, and application process. The session also underscored the value of international learning experiences and how the programme fosters both personal and professional growth.

Oxford Certificate Programme Director Dr. Dominik Wanner.