CRC to launch Forum on Local Governance, tackle Mandanas-Garcia ruling implementation

The Center for Research and Communication (CRC) is hosting the inaugural Forum on Local Governance and Development tomorrow, October 22, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).

Bringing together around 200 participants from national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), the academe, civil society, and the private sector, the forum serves as a collaborative space for dialogue on the dynamic landscape of decentralization and local governance in the Philippines.

The central focus of this year’s forum is the continuing implementation of the landmark 2018 Mandanas-Garcia Supreme Court ruling, which significantly increased the share of national tax revenues allocated to LGUs. Experts and practitioners will examine the policy’s impact on local development, especially in terms of how LGUs are adapting to their expanded mandates and resources.

Among the high-level attendees are senior government officials, including a Cabinet Secretary, several Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, and nine city and municipal mayors, who will contribute their insights and experiences to the discussion.

The event also marks the official launch of the Institute for Local Development, a new initiative of CRC. The institute aims to continue CRC’s tradition of evidence-based, action-oriented research and advocacy, with a specific focus on empowering local governments as drivers of inclusive and sustainable progress.

True to CRC’s mission of promoting the common good through research and dialogue, the Forum on Local Governance and Development is envisioned to be a regular platform for critical reflection, knowledge exchange, and the co-creation of solutions to the complex challenges faced by local communities across the country.

MScM Public Seminar on October 21

Everyone is invited to the on-site public seminar hosted by the Master of Science in Management (MScM) Program on October 21 (Tuesday) from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at ACB 402.

The topics and speakers are as follows:

"The Effects of Job Demands and Job Resources on Turnover Intention and Task Performance of Overseas Filipino Workers in Mainland China"
Kimberly Shaye Marañon, MScM 6th Year 6YP

"The Effect of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Commitments on Brand Loyalty in the Fast Fashion Industry"
Daniela Mari Todoc, MScM 6th Year 6YP

"The Effects of Green Marketing Mix on Purchase Decision in the Real Estate Industry"
Kristine Beliran, MScM 6th Year 6YP

Those who wish to attend may email [email protected].

Call for Nominations: Dragons’ Choice Awards

Nominations are now open for the Dragons’ Choice Awards, which recognize UA&P educators who have made a significant impact on student learning.

Inspired by the theme “Seafarers of Learning,” this award honors educators who serve as guiding lights to their students and even fellow educators navigating the vast seas of knowledge with courage, compassion, and creativity.

Unlike other awards, the Dragons’ Choice is determined solely through nominations from the UA&P community. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to nominate teachers who have contributed meaningfully to their academic journey.

Nomination Period: October 15–22, 2025
Awarding Ceremony: October 29, 2025 (World Teachers' Day Celebration)

Late submissions will not be considered. The nomination form may be accesed here.

A.C.E.R.S. applications now open

The Center for Student Affairs - Office of Student Development (OSD) invites all UA&P students (undergraduate and stand-alone graduate studies) to join the Advocates of Community Empowerment, Resilience & Sustainability (A.C.E.R.S.), a Civics volunteer program.

Join the A.C.E.R.S. and take part in the different projects/activities, which aims to promote social awareness, involvement, and responsibility through education and training, volunteerism, and outreach initiatives.

Apply now through this link until October 30.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

UA&P Library’s October Learning Sessions

The University Library (LIB) invites everyone to the following learning sessions under the UA&P Library Awareness Program:

October 16, 2025 (Thursday)
Topic: Bridging intuitive access to information with contextual knowledge delivery: Your essential guide to using the unified resource discovery service and reading lists: A Webinar (Part 1)
Objective: Learn to efficiently search, access, filter, organize, and cite physical and digital library resources using the library’s online platform and discovery tools for academic success
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: Online
Who: Open to all students, faculty, and (academic) non-teaching staff
Register here: https://bit.ly/UAP-LAP

October 17, 2025 (Friday)
Topic: Bridging intuitive access to information with contextual knowledge delivery: Your essential guide to using the unified resource discovery service and reading lists: A Webinar (Part 2)
Objective: Use Leganto in Canvas to manage, access, and enhance course reading lists with library resources, AI tools, and collaborative support for teaching and learning.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Who: Open to all students, faculty, and (academic) non-teaching staff
Register here: https://bit.ly/UAP-LAP

October 22, 2025 (Wednesday)
Topic:  Leveraging Financial Data for Research and Learning with LSEG Refinitiv: Your gateway to global financial and business information
Objective: Explore and apply LSEG Refinitiv to access, analyze, and integrate financial data for academic, research, and professional use.
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Public Access Computing 1, University Library
Who: Open to all students, faculty, and (academic) non-teaching staff
Register here: https://bit.ly/UAP-LAP

October 22, 2025 (Wednesday)
Topic: Exploring Local Research through the Philippine E-Journals: Your gateway to credible, peer-reviewed Philippine scholarly journals
Objective: Access, integrate, cite, and share peer-reviewed Philippine research to enrich local content, support accreditation, and promote scholarly work
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Multimedia Hub
Who: Open to all students, faculty, and (academic) non-teaching staff
Register here: https://bit.ly/UAP-LAP

For inquiries, email the University Library at [email protected].