The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) celebrated University Day on August 14, 2025, at the Li Seng Giap Auditorium with a lecture by Full Professor Dr. Veronica E. Ramirez of the School of Education and Human Development, followed by the presentation of the 2025 Awards for Publication of Scholarly Work and the launch of the University Research Agenda (URA).

In her lecture on the “Filipino Diaspora: Lessons Learned from the Journey,” Dr. Ramirez drew from decades of research and field experience to narrate the story of overseas Filipinos—interweaving their struggles and triumphs with her own journey as a researcher. She traced the Filipino diaspora from its origins in the galleon trade to the present-day realities of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in more than 200 countries, highlighting the OFWs’ vital contributions to the Philippine economy and global development. She also shared how her research has influenced public policy, particularly in the areas of OFW health, migrant rights, and reintegration.

“Filipino migrant workers are not just economic contributors. They are agents of global and social transformation”, Dr. Ramirez emphasized, noting that migration, when designed with the human person at its center, can uplift both individuals and societies.

Following the lecture, UA&P presented the 2025 Awards for Publication of Scholarly Work, which recognize outstanding research and creative output by UA&P’s full-time employees. These initiatives underscore the University’s commitment to advancing scholarship and fostering an environment where rigorous research informs policy and enriches society.

This year's awardees are as follows: 

Moreal N. Camba, Ph.D.
Department of Filipino, College of Arts and Sciences

Ruel V. Maningas, Ph.D.
School of Management

Cecilia M. Resurreccion, Ph.D. 
Center for Student Affairs

Zyra F. Lentija 
Department of Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences

Mary Josefti C. Nito, Ph.D. 
Department of  History, College of Arts and Sciences

Winston Conrad B. Padojinog, DBA, Viory Yvonne T. Janeo, Diana R. Rueda
School of Economics

Peter L. U, Ph.D. 
School of Economics

Marya Svetlana T. Camacho, Ph.D., Juan O. Mesquida, Ph.D.
Department of History, College of Arts and Sciences

Jovi C. Dacanay, Ph.D.
School of Economics

Philip Z. Peckson, Ph.D., Dean Edward A. Mejos, Ph.D. 
College of Arts and Sciences

Varsolo C. Sunio, Ph.D.
School of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology
Mr. Justin Reginald F. Nery
School of Management

Noemi B. Torre, Ph.D, Edwin L. Olmos, Ph.D.
School of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology

Mr. Carlo L. Vinoya
School of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology

 

“Migration, when seriously designed to uplift the human worker, should lead to social transformation.” - Dr. Veronica E. Ramirez

 

This year's recipients of the Awards for Publication of Scholarly Work.