Talk on shaping public opinion with Catholic Voices founder Jack Valero

The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) will host a talk titled “Your Voice Matters: How Parents and Teachers Can Form Filipino Hearts & Public Opinion for Integrity and Consistent Christian Life in A Time of Corruption” on October 26 (Sunday) at the Li Seng Giap Auditorium, with a second session to follow at PAREF Southridge School in Muntinlupa City at 2:30 pm. The event will feature Mr. Jack Valero, founder of Catholic Voices, an international initiative that trains laypeople to engage in public discourse and media with clarity and charity.

The talk seeks to reflect on the Christian responsibility to participate meaningfully in shaping public opinion—rooted in truth, faith, and service to the common good.

The in-person sessions will be held at the following venues:

10:30 am at UA&P (Li Seng Giap Auditorium)
2:30 pm at PAREF Southridge School Auditorium

Admission is free, but limited slots are available. Interested participants are encouraged to register early at https://bit.ly/JackValero.

For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be live streamed via the Opus Dei Philippines Facebook page and official website:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opusdeiphl/
Website: https://opusdei.org/en-ph/

Mr. Valero’s visit offers a timely opportunity for students, educators, and members of the wider community to explore how faith-informed perspectives can contribute to constructive dialogue in both digital and traditional media spaces.

Announcement from the CAS Operations Committee 

The College of Arts and Sciences Operations Committee is pleased to announce the appointments for Department Chairs and Program Directors for the First Semester, SY 2025-2026 (August to December 2025):

Departments

Arts
Ms. Andrea Carmeli O. Abulencia, Department Chair (DC)

Asia Pacific Studies
Dr. Philip Michael I. Paje, DC

English
Dr. Judy S. Tanael, DC

Filipino
Dr. Moreal N. Camba, DC

History
Dr. Mary Josefti C. Nito, DC

Literature
Mr. Robin Jason A. Sebolino, Officer-in-Charge (OIC)

Philosophy
Dr. Guillermo A. Dionisio, DC

Religion
Fr. Peter Edward M. Cabreros, DC

Programs

Humanities Program
Dr. Joachim Emilio B. Antonio, Program Director (PD)
Dr. Pia Patricia K. Garcia, Deputy PD

Junior College Program
Mrs. Elerosa B. Caparas, Incoming PD

We thank the outgoing Department Chairs Dr. Dean Edward A. Mejos (Philosophy) and Mrs. Meryl Kei C. Hernandez (Literature), and Mrs. Aurea F. Cruz, outgoing Junior College Program Director, for their dedicated service these past years.

We congratulate and welcome Dr. Guillermo R. Dionisio as the new DC for the Philosophy Department, Mr. Robin Jason A. Sebolino as the OIC for the Literature Department, and Mrs. Elerosa B. Caparas as the new Junior College PD. 

We encourage everyone to give their full support to all the appointees.

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.