On November 5, the University of Asia and the Pacific held an Economic Briefing for Diplomats featuring Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas, UA&P Trustee and University Professor Emeritus, and Dr. Dennis Coronacion, Chair of the UST Political Science Department.

Dr. Villegas presented “The Philippines as a High-Middle-Income Economy,” highlighting that the country remains on track to achieve upper middle-income status despite slower third-quarter economic growth. Dr. Coronacion followed with a talk titled “Corruption, scandals, and patronage: How to understand Philippine politics and where does it lead to?,” offering insights into the political dynamics influencing governance and reform.

The briefing was attended by H.E. Eduardo Young Virzi, Ambassador of Panama, along with representatives from the embassies of Malaysia, New Zealand, the United States, Sweden, the Czech Republic, India, South Africa, Argentina, Spain, Myanmar, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Ukraine, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, Timor-Leste, and Australia.

Representatives from the embassies (standing) with (seated, L-R) University Secretary Ms. Viory Janeo, Professor Emeritus Dr. Bernardo Villegas, UST Political Science Department Chair Dr. Dennis Coronacion, UA&P School of Economics Dean Dr. Peter U, and UA&P Events Head Ms. Marielle Uy-Abella.