UA&P unveils landmark study on Cebu and Baguio creative industries

The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) College of Arts and Sciences formally unveiled on March 23, 2026, at the PLDT Hall its pioneering study on the furniture and weaving industries of the UNESCO Creative Cities of Cebu and Baguio. 

Funded by the UA&P Center for Research and Communication, the book, The Weaving and Furniture Industries in the UNESCO Creative Cities of Baguio and Cebu: Strengthening Cooperation in Challenging Times, highlights the vital role of Filipino creatives in sustaining the economy during and beyond the pandemic. 

Edited by Dr. Elizabeth T. Urgel, the publication brings together contributions from Dr. Carmita Eliza D. Icasiano, UA&P College of Arts and Sciences faculty member; Mr. Ranel Ram C. Cheng, UA&P School of Politics and Governance lecturer; Dr. Philip Michael I. Paje, Chair of the UA&P Department of Asia Pacific Studies; and Dr. Laya Boquiren-Gonzales, University of the Philippines Cebu faculty member and former UA&P faculty. 

The study underscores how artisans and industry players in Cebu and Baguio have emerged as global powerhouses, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and the enduring value of Philippine creative industries in challenging times.

For book reservations and other inquiries, please email the Department of Asia Pacific Studies at [email protected] or call 8632-0912 local 277 or 278.

UA&P President Atty. John Philip Yeung (center ) with the book contributors and editor (L-R): Dr. Philip Michael Paje, Dr. Laya Boquiren-Gonzales, Dr. Elizabeth Urgel, and Dr. Carmita Icasiano.

With the College of Arts and Sciences Operations Committee members and Asia Pacific Studies faculty members (L-R):  CAS Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs Dr. Dean Edward A. Mejos, CAS Dean Dr. Philip Peckson, Dr. Laya Boquiren-Gonzales, Dr. Elizabeth Urgel, Dr. Carmita Icasiano, Ms. Ma. Agnes Paculdar, Ms. Zarah Suzanne Villanueva, Dr. Philip Michael Paje, and CAS Vice Dean for Academic Affairs & Student Affairs Dr. Moreal N. Camba.

Tracking the Fundamentals: A Mid-2026 Economic Review

The Business Economics Club (BEC) of the University of Asia and the Pacific will hold a session on April 29 (Wednesday) from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the PLDT Hall. This event will review recent macroeconomic trends in the Philippines alongside key developments across the ASEAN region.

The discussion will highlight shifts in growth dynamics, trade patterns, inflation, and financial conditions, with particular attention to key macroeconomic indicators. The session aims to help business leaders and industry practitioners better understand how the economy is progressing amid current uncertainties.

Business owners, managers, and professionals across various industries are invited to attend this event. The registration form may be accessed here.

For inquiries, kindly email [email protected]. 

Visit of Our Lady of Manaoag Image | April 26-May 4

The Sancta Maria Stella Orientis Oratory (SMSO) is privileged to welcome the life-size image of Our Lady of Manaoag from Pangasinan as it celebrates its Centennial Canonical Year (1926-2026).

The UA&P community is invited to attend the Mass on April 26 (Sunday) at 4:00 pm, followed by the novena prayer. The image will stay in SMSO until the 12:05 pm mass on April 28 (Tuesday), after which a replica image will be on display until the departure on May 4 (Monday).

Please be guided by the schedule below:

April 26 (Sunday) 

11:00 am      Arrival of Our Lady of Manaoag image

4:00 pm       Holy Mass followed by novena prayer

April 27-May 2 (Monday-Saturday)

12:05 pm     Mass and novena prayer 

May 3 (Sunday)

4:00 pm      Mass and novena prayer

May 4 (Monday)

12:05 pm    Mass and novena prayer

SEC prof elected to PES Board

Dr. Jovi C. Dacanay, Program Director for PhD in Business Economics of the UA&P School of Economics, was recently elected as Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Economic Society (PES).

Also on the board was Department of Budget and Management Assistant Secretary Romeo Matthew T. Balanquit, who had previously taught at the UA&P School of Economics. Asec. Balanquit was elected as Secretary of the PES Board.

The Philippine Economic Society is a non-stock, non-profit organization that aims to foster and encourage professional relations among economists and seek to improve the standards of economic research and instruction in the Philippines.

Dr. Jovi C. Dacanay

DBM Asec. Romeo Matthew T. Balanquit

34th Equatorial Rites moved to April 21

This year's Equatorial Rites will honor the UA&P students who have successfully completed half of the course of their studies at UA&P: Entry Batch 2023 (under the 4-Year and 5-Year Programs) and Entry Batch 2022 (under the 6-Year and Lex Honors programs). At this academic rite of passage, students receive a beca bearing the color of the respective School they belong to, and the University Seal.

The Equatorial Rites 2026 will take place on April 21, 2026 (Tuesday), from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the Li Seng Giap Auditorium. Seats for faculty and staff who wish to attend are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more details, please refer to the info sheet or email [email protected].