As part of our commitment to supporting the holistic well-being of our employees, we are launching a series of initiatives focused on physical, spiritual, and financial wellness.

These activities are intended to provide opportunities to care for your health, strengthen your financial well-being, and nurture your spiritual life. We hope that through these initiatives, you can take time to attend to your personal well-being while continuing to contribute to a supportive and thriving workplace community.

We warmly encourage everyone to participate in the activities that may be helpful or meaningful for you.

The registration link is embedded in the title of each activity. Please click the title to register.

PHYSICAL WELLNESS ACTIVITIES

Annual Physical Examination
For Full-Time Female Employees
March 9, 2026 
6:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Dizon Auditorium

Annual Physical Examination
For Full-Time Male Employees
March 10, 2026 
6:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Dizon Auditorium

Vision & Skin Care Pop-Up: Sunnies Specs and Sunnies Face
Discounted eyeglasses and facial care products will be available, with installment payment options through salary deduction.
March 11–13, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
ACB Metrobank Lobby

Know Your HMO: Avega Benefit Orientation
Learn how to maximize your HMO benefits in a fast and convenient way.

March 12, 2026
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
ALB Dining Halls

March 13, 2026
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
ALB Extension Room II

Nutrition and Wellness Talks
March 12, 2026
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
ALB Dining Halls

Dieting Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
“Simple Choices for Sustainable Weight Loss – Lessons from My Personal Journey”
by Kynan Del Rosario, Founder of Diet Buddy Philippines

Movement is Medicine
by Ken Rioveros, RN
CrossFit Trainer and Owner of Taraki Fitness PH

Flexicare Wellness Booth
Free medical exams, consultations, and drug store discount cards
For all employees (full-time, part-time, and outsourced)
March 13, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dizon Auditorium

FINANCIAL WELLNESS TALKS

Saan Napunta ang Sweldo Ko? Spotting Ghost Expenses to End the “Petsa de Peligro” Cycle
March 12, 2026
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
ALB Dining Halls

The Ultimate Safety Net: Saving to Protect Your Health, Wealth, and Family
March 13, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
ALB Extension Room II

SPIRITUAL WELLNESS

Retreat for Female Employees
March 27–29, 2026
Dizon Auditorium

Retreat for Male Employees
April 2–4, 2026
Dizon Auditorium

The Fund Development Office would like to invite everyone to "Heartstrings," a choral concert and photography exhibit for the benefit of the UA&P Chorale, the Dizon Auditorium, and Balanghai Study Center. It will be held on April 25, 2026 (Saturday), at the Dizon Auditorium from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. 

The concert will feature the UA&P Chorale under the direction of the distinguished choirmaster Ms. Anna Abeleda-Piquero. Known for their musical artistry and winning performances, the UA&P Chorale continues to aspire toward greater engagements. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the UA&P Chorale, enabling them to join competitions abroad and represent the University on the international stage. Joining them for special performances are the Philippine Homeschool Chorale with their conductor Leslie Anne Abordo and soprano Ms. Rhina Palma-Cruz.

Accompanying the concert is a photography exhibit featuring the works of Philip Dizon, grandson of the auditorium’s namesake, Celestino M. Dizon. The exhibit supports the much-needed major upgrading and renovation of the Dizon Auditorium built more than three decades ago. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the sale of the fine art nature photographs will go directly to the Dizon Auditorium Renovation Fund.

Balanghai Study Center, a project of Kalinangan Youth Foundation, Inc. (KALFI), serves as a vibrant hub for young women—a safe space where they can grow and thrive together through leadership, service, and a shared commitment to professional development. Throughout the year, the Center organizes outreach activities and workshops that promote study, culture, and integral character growth, all within a welcoming, family-like atmosphere.

Donations of Php1500 and Php2000 include corresponding admission passes to the concert. The concert pass page can be accessed here.

The Richmonde Hotel Ortigas will conduct its annual general fire and earthquake evacuation drill on March 12 (Thursday). The intersection of San Miguel Avenue, including Pearl Drive and Lourdes Drive, shall be closed to traffic from 3:00 pm onwards. 

The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) hosted a meeting with a representative from Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic, on February 26, 2026, at the Executive Café Meeting Room 2 to review their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and explore opportunities for expanded collaboration.

Dr. Nick Alviar, Dean of the UA&P School of Politics and Governance, met with Dr. Ondrej Konecny, Dean of the Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies of Mendel University, to discuss initiatives aimed at strengthening academic cooperation. Key areas of discussion included potential research collaborations and program exchange opportunities.

The meeting underscored both institutions’ shared commitment to advancing international partnerships and fostering meaningful academic engagement.

(L-R) Ms. Jhona Camba, Senior International Affairs Officer; Dr. Nick Alviar, Dean of the School of Politics and Governance; Dr. Ondrej Konecny, Dean of the Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies of Mendel University; and Ms. Regina Gonzaludo, Executive Assistant and part-time faculty member at the School of Politics and Governance.

The UA&P College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce the opening of admissions for Academic Year 2026–2027 for its newly launched Bachelor of Arts in Asia Pacific Studies program (ABAPS).

UA&P’s Bachelor of Arts in Asia Pacific Studies program prepares students to become globally minded changemakers in the Asia-Pacific region. With a strong foundation in Anthropology, Cultural Studies, and Area Studies, students develop a deep understanding of cultures, communities, and regional dynamics. The program equips learners with the skills to lead advocacies, shape policies, and drive meaningful initiatives alongside International Non-Government Organizations (INGOs), foundations, think tanks, and other purpose-driven organizations.

For detailed information on application procedures and requirements, kindly refer to uap.asia/admissions.

The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for its Student Exchange Program. This opportunity allows qualified students to study at partner universities abroad for one term or one academic year while earning academic credits toward their degree.

Through the Exchange Program, students gain valuable international exposure, experience diverse cultures, and expand their academic and professional networks. Participants will have the chance to enroll in courses at host universities, immerse themselves in new learning environments, and develop global competencies that enhance both personal and career growth.

Qualifications:

1. At least a sophomore upon the commencement of studies at the host university
2. With a minimum GWA of 2.0
3. No disciplinary record

Initial Requirements:

1. Online Application Form
2. Two (2) Recommendations
3. Certificate of Good Moral Character
4. Passport Copy

For more information, please click this link. Interested applicants are required to submit the initial requirements to [email protected] before the set deadline. For consultation, please click here.

As we enter the Lenten season, we warmly invite all faculty, staff, students, and outsourced personnel to join the Pre-Lenten Penitential Rite.

Guided by Pope Leo XIV’s 2026 Lenten message, this year's theme is: “Let us cultivate kindness and respect.” In his message, the Holy Father calls us to a practical form of abstinence—refraining from harsh or hurtful language. By choosing to disarm our words and avoid rash judgments, he reminds us that we can make room for hope and peace in our workplace, homes, and communities.

This meaningful activity, dedicated to reflection, prayer, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, will be held on March 6 (Friday) from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Sancta Maria Stella Orientis Oratory.

A Retreat for Men  will be held on April 2–4, 2026, at the Dizon Auditorium.

The schedule is as follows:

April 2, Holy Thursday: 8:15 am to 5:30 pm
April 3, Good Friday: 8:15 am to 2:45 pm
April 4, Holy Saturday: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm

The participation fee is ₱2,000 for the full three-day program, or ₱1,000 per day for those attending fewer than three days.

Optionally, participants may order lunch for an additional fee.

To register for the men’s retreat, click here.

Full-time regular employees are eligible for a Php 3,000 retreat subsidy. The retreat subsidy application form may be downloaded here.

For questions or concerns, please contact Jason de Villa at [email protected].

All female UA&P employees are invited to participate in the Retreat for Women on March 27–29, 2026, at the Dizon Auditorium. UA&P alumnae, mothers, graduate students, and friends are welcome to attend.

The schedule is as follows:

March 27–28 (Friday-Saturday) - 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
March 29 (Palm Sunday) - 9:00 am to 12:00 nn

In consideration of the weekend schedule, the final day of the women’s retreat will conclude with the participants and their families joining the Palm Sunday Mass at 12:00 pm.

The participation fee is Php 4,500, inclusive of snacks and lunch. A discounted fee of Php 3,000 is available for employee participants.

Full-time regular employees are eligible for a Php 3,000 retreat subsidy. The retreat subsidy application form may be downloaded here.

The women’s retreat is in coordination with the Human Resource Office and the University Chaplaincy.

To register for the women’s retreat, click here.

For inquiries, email Gladys Golo at [email protected] and Zoila Pilola at [email protected].

PASIG CITY — Digital transformation is a vital tool to cutting red tape and corruption, improving public service, and saving lives during disasters, but many local governments are still in the dark on how to do it the right way. This was the challenge being addressed by the forum on “Reimagining Local Governance: Digital Transformation for Local Development” held on February 11 at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) by the Center for Research and Communication’s Institute for Local Development (CRC-ILD) and finance super app GCash. 

The forum gathered over 160 local government representatives, development practitioners, and innovation advocates to share practical applications of technology to improve local governance in two areas: improving efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness in local governance, and improving disaster risk reduction and response. 

Speakers from GCash, Khan Academy Philippines, and the Quezon City local government showcased initiatives actively addressing bureaucratic red tape, and improving and expanding social services such as education, while the Office of Civil Defense, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, UK-based philanthropy Unconnected.org and Japan-based AI company Spectee presented their innovative programs supporting resilience building, disaster management and response, and communications especially for the “last mile” – the isolated and low-income communities who remain difficult to reach.

GCash Vice President and Head of Public Sector Ms. Cleo Celeste Santos discussed how GCash has worked with many LGUs across the country to improve the "ease of doing business" by enabling seamless digital transactions, reducing opportunities for corruption and processing time. Other initiatives like Paleng-QR Ph Plus for market vendors, digital fare payments for tricycles, and direct payments for water districts and local hospitals are also now available. However, policy challenges remain as laws and regulations lag behind the real-time use at scale of innovative digital tools like e-wallets. 

Quezon City’s presentation was an eye-opener for the almost 40 LGUs present during the forum, as City Administrator Michael Alimurung discussed how the city moved from zero online services in 2019 to 34 online modules offering 241 services today, serving 3.5 million registered accounts and 1.6 million QC ID holders, with significant benefits for both city hall operations and for citizens. Khan Academy Philippines presented the same rapid scale they achieved in improving outcomes for both students and teachers in public schools, starting with only 34 schools in 2023 and now to over 2,500 schools nationwide in partnership with LGUs and the private sector using AI and digital connectivity.

Panel Discussion on Digital Transformation for Efficiency, Transparency and Effective Local Governance: Quezon City Administrator Michael Alimurung (far right) discusses the journey of Quezon City to develop an online system that serves the needs of their more than three million citizens. (L-R: Manny Caintic, former acting DICT secretary and forum moderator, Ms. Cleo Celeste Santos of GCash, and Ms. Denise Fabella of Khan Academy Philippines).

The second panel focused on disaster preparedness and response, emphasizing how digital tools are now essential for modern disaster risk reduction and management. Mr. Junie B. Castillo, spokesperson for the Office of Civil Defense discussed how the agency has moved to digital modeling to anticipate risks and identify where, when, and how intense a hazard will be. They then prioritize action for exposed communities and bridging digital gaps to ensure early warnings for isolated populations. Addressing this "last mile" connectivity gap, Mr. Benj Gerard "Jigs" Sevilla of unconnected.org, a global charity, discussed the use of satellite technology like Starlink to provide high-speed internet to isolated areas. This ensures evacuation centers and schools remain connected for relief distribution and emergency communication.

Ms. Veronica Gabaldon, Executive Director of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), highlighted the critical role of communications for effective coordination especially in managing the first 48 hours of a disaster response, with Mr. Satoshi Negoro of Spectee, a Japanese AI company, presenting their technology that scans social media platforms to validate "crowdsourced" information in real-time, providing LGUs with a visual map of ongoing floods, fires, or landslides, often providing situational awareness before official reports are compiled. 

Economist Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas, CRC Founder, delivered the closing message, summing up the core challenge and opportunity for LGUs. He called on smaller but contiguous LGUs to collaborate to achieve economies of scale in setting up digital infrastructure, and to continue to engage with the private sector. He also spoke of the vital role that LGUs play in accelerating national economic development to avoid the “middle income trap.” According to Villegas, a “concerted, whole-of-society effort led at the grassroots by local governments is essential in rapidly growing the economy, and building a more resilient Philippines.”#

Dr. Bernardo Villegas, founder of the Center for Research and Communication, encourages contiguous LGUs to collaborate and work together to create economies of scale in setting up digital transformation solutions in local governance.

Press release from CRC-ILD & GCash.

The Department of Mathematics of the School of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (SSE) conducted the Math Summer Institute (MSI) 2026 from January 28 to 30, 2026, at the AKC Country Home in Puerto Princesa City, gathering 50 senior high school mathematics teachers from various municipalities across Palawan.

MSI 2026 participants and facilitators.

With the theme “Enhancing Mathematics Instruction for Senior High School Teachers through TPACK,” the seminar-workshop centered on the Technological, Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework as a guide for lesson planning, materials development, and assessment in the strengthened SHS General Mathematics curriculum. Sessions emphasized that effective technology integration must be grounded in strong content knowledge and sound pedagogy.

Additionally, guided by the TPACK framework, the mathematics faculty of UA&P conducted focused content enhancement sessions to retool SHS teachers in key General Mathematics topics. These sessions revisited essential concepts, addressed common misconceptions, and reinforced mathematical reasoning to ensure that pedagogical innovation remained grounded in strong content knowledge.

Senior high school teachers collaborate during a lesson planning workshop, applying the TPACK framework to design competency-aligned mathematics instruction at MSI 2026. Post-training evaluation results showed high ratings in content relevance, clarity, and applicability. One participant wrote, “The most valuable aspect of the TPACK training was learning how to intentionally integrate technology with appropriate pedagogy and mathematical content in the instruction.”

Ms. Kimberly May M. Vallesteros facilitates a hands-on session on hypothesis testing, guiding SHS mathematics teachers in applying statistical concepts through technology-supported instruction.

The training, which is the official extension project of the Math Department, marked the second year of a three-year partnership with the Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. (ADFI), in collaboration with the Department of Education – Schools Division Office of Palawan (DepEd Palawan). Ms. Astrid N. Agbanlog, Education Program Supervisor for Mathematics of DepEd Palawan, played a key role in the conduct of the event.

Dr. Eva M. Rodriguez, MSI Project Head, led the training, with Dr. Noemi Barcial-Torre, Ms. Kimberly May M. Vallesteros, Dr. Edrian Peter Villanueva, Dr. Christopher Santos, and Mr. Gilbert Joseph Abueg.

To further assess impact, the Department of Mathematics will conduct a follow-up evaluation one month after classroom implementation to examine how participants applied the TPACK framework and workshop outputs in their actual teaching practice.

The UA&P Department of Mathematics faculty with Ms. Astrid N. Agbanlog (center), Education Program Supervisor (EPS) in Mathematics of the Schools Division of Palawan.

UA&P has officially entered into a partnership with St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, London. This collaboration aligns our community with a UK institution renowned for its academic rigor and pastoral care.

St. Mary’s brings a wealth of expertise in diverse fields, ranging from Business, Management, Communications, Education and Teaching, Humanities and Theology, and other fields. They ranked 5th for Teaching and top 10 for Student Experience in the 2024 Sunday Times Good University Guide—underscoring their commitment to the same holistic excellence we value at UA&P.

We anticipate this partnership will pave the way for student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and shared faculty development.

The Center for Student Affairs – Office of Guidance and Counseling (CSA–OGC) will hold a Mental Health Talk for Parents entitled “Holding Space: Keeping Conversations Open with Your Teens” on March 7, 2026 (Saturday), 9:30 am–11:30 am, at the Dizon Auditorium.

The talk aims to support parents and guardians in understanding the emotional and cognitive development of today’s adolescents and in fostering open, healthy communication at home. It will also highlight ways parents can strengthen their confidence in engaging in difficult conversations using collaborative, non-authoritarian approaches. While primarily intended for parents and guardians, mentors and faculty members are also welcome to attend. Admission is free.

Pre-registration is encouraged: https://bit.ly/UAPOGC_MHTalk2026

For inquiries, kindly email [email protected].

The Junior College Program invites everyone to a Special Masterclass on identity, service, and global engagement on February 18, 2026 (Wednesday), from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Li Seng Giap Auditorium. 

Entitled "From the Heart to the World: Patriotism, Diplomacy, and Shared Purpose," the masterclass will feature Mr. Ivica Glasnović, a senior Australian diplomat with over 18 years of experience at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia.

Register here.

In line with Heart Month and the Human Resources Office’s ongoing efforts to promote employee health and wellness, we are pleased to announce a talk on PhilHealth’s YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) on February 13 (Friday), from 10:00 am to 12:00 nn. at the Dizon Auditorium. The talk will be led by a representative from the Philhealth Pasig Branch.

The YAKAP Program is a comprehensive health and wellness initiative that educates employees on the benefits and services offered by PhilHealth, including preventive care, health maintenance, and financial support for medical needs. The program also provides guidance on how to fully utilize PhilHealth membership to support better health outcomes and overall well-being.

This session is open to all employees who wish to maximize their PhilHealth benefits and make informed decisions for their health and wellness. 

The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) recently hosted representatives from two international higher education institutions as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand its global academic partnerships.

On February 6, 2026, delegates from Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm (THN), Nuremberg, Germany, visited the University for a meeting to revisit the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions. The discussion was held at the ALB Conference Room and was led by Dr. Dirk Honold, Coordinator for Finance of THN.

This was followed by a visit on February 9, 2026, from the Higher School of Economics (HSE), Russia, for an initial collaboration meeting. Representing HSE were Mr. Svyatoslav (Slava) Kvartalnov, Director of the Representative Offices Department, and Ms. Kseniia Nicheuhina, Head of the Centre for International Education at the International Office. The meeting explored potential areas of partnership and future academic cooperation.

Both visits underscore UA&P’s commitment to fostering international linkages that support academic excellence, faculty engagement, and student opportunities.

(L-R) School of Management (SMN) consultant Ms. Elsie Laguador, UA&P Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs Dr. Gladys Golo, THN Coordinator for Finance Dr. Dirk Honold, and SMN Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs and Research Dr. Ruel Maningas.

(L-R) UA&P School of Politics and Governance (SPG) Dean Dr. Nick Alviar, Higher School of Economics representatives Ms. Kseniia Nicheuhina and  Mr. Svyatoslav Kvartalnov, UA&P School of Economics Dean Dr. Peter U, and SPG Vice Dean Dr. Arnel Joven.

The University of Asia and the Pacific Junior College (JC) Program marked its 10th anniversary with a homecoming celebration held on January 31, 2026, at Dining Halls 1 and 2.

The event, anchored on the theme “Ten Years, One Spirit: Unitas,” brought together administrators, faculty members, alumni, and members of the Junior College community to commemorate a decade of the program’s academic and formative mission.

Among those in attendance were Dr. Fe Gladys Golo, Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs; Fr. Carlos Estrada, University Chaplain; Dr. Maria Asuncion Magsino, former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Antonio N. Torralba, Associate Professor, whose contributions helped establish the program. Former JC program directors Ms. Rissa Cortes and Ms. Margeaux Marie Valdez also shared messages of support, along with Mrs. Aurea Cruz, the program’s third director and currently Vice President for Finance and Administrative Affairs.

Select alumni shared reflections on their experiences in the JC Program and its role in their personal and professional formation. These included Ms. Jon Risel Varias (Batch 2016), Mr. Christian Dominic Angelo Sobremonte (Batch 2016), Mr. D3 Decena (Batch 2019), and Ms. Maya Decena (Batch 2023).

Looking ahead, Mrs. Elerosa Caparas, the present Junior College program director, presented her vision for the continued growth of the program, encouraging the community to remain united in its mission.

The celebration highlighted the program’s commitment to formation rooted in truth, service, and faith, as it continues to honor its past and move forward with purpose and hope.

The attendees to the Junior College Program 10th anniversary celebration, which include (seated, L-R) faculty member Mr. Victor Primo, Associate Professor Dr. Antonio Torralba, University Chaplain Fr. Cayo Estrada, VP for Finance and Administrative Affairs Mrs. Aurea Cruz, JC Program Director Ms. Elerosa Caparas, VP for Academic and Faculty Affairs Dr. Gladys Golo, former JC program officer Ms. Miles Herrero-Biay, faculty member Mr. Garry Perez, and (standing, third row, rightmost) JC Deputy Program Director Ms. Chinky Alarilla-Uy.

The University is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Ma. Christina A. Uy as the Junior College Deputy Program Director, effective February 1, 2026. Mrs. Uy previously served as Senior Operations Officer of the University Research Office (URO).

She succeeds Mrs. Elerosa B. Caparas, who has been appointed Junior College Program Director.

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the Junior College community warmly welcome Mrs. Uy and wish her every success in her new appointment.