Economics Department - Ateneo de Davao University

Congratulations to the AB Economics Class of 2026! Your hard work, perseverance, and passion have led you to this remarkable achievement. Special congratulations to our academic awardees for exemplifying excellence and dedication throughout your journey. May your knowledge and skills continue to create meaningful impact in the world. The future is yours—go forth and lead with purpose!

Another student milestone achieved today! Congratulations to Kenneth Paul J. Recaña, MA Economics Candidate, on successfully defending his thesis, “Determinants of Selected ASEAN Countries’ Student Mobility to Japan: An Empirical Analysis.” 🎓 The study examines the key economic, demographic, and institutional factors influencing student mobility from selected ASEAN countries to Japan using empirical analysis.

Your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to advancing knowledge in economics have truly paid off. This achievement marks an important milestone in your journey as an MA Economics candidate, and we look forward to the meaningful contributions you will continue to make in the field.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to the mentor and panelists for their guidance and valuable insights: Prof. Mildred Estanda, Prof. Ma. Ritchell Abordo, Prof. Ruby Badilles, and Dr. Sphremiano Antipolo. Your support and expertise have been instrumental in shaping this research.

Once again, congratulations, Kenneth! Wishing you continued success in your academic and professional endeavors. 🌟

Congratulations to our AB Economics students on their successful thesis proposal defense!

Your chosen topics—on pest management control in the mango industry in Samal Island, the effects of Buy Now, Pay Later usage on psychological and financial well-being, and the self-employability of senior high school students—highlight timely and meaningful economic issues.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the panelists and mentors for their guidance and invaluable insights throughout the process.

Next up: data collection and processing. Wishing you all the best as you move forward to the next stage of your research journey!

Congratulations to Ms. Olive Dela Victoria, MA Economics Candidate, on the successful final defense of her MA thesis titled “The Role of Equity Markets in Predicting Bank Distress: Evidence from the Philippines.” Your work provides valuable insights into the link between financial markets and banking stability, contributing meaningfully to the field of financial economics. Wishing you continued success in your academic and professional journey!

The Ateneo Economics Society, together with the Economics Department, held a Research Celebration Day showcasing student research on pressing environmental and policy issues. Featured studies included an assessment of the economic value of corporate carbon offsetting through reforestation in the Davao Region, analyzing the social costs and benefits of carbon; a case study on the implementation of the Marine Protected Area in Brgy. Liboganon, Tagum City, examining the gap between policy and practice; and a behavioral economics study on the effectiveness of nudges in promoting energy conservation at Ateneo de Davao University. The event highlighted students’ commitment to evidence-based solutions and the role of economics in advancing sustainability and community development.

The Economics Department, the Sociology and Development Studies Department, and the Ateneo Economics Society successfully organized two meaningful academic events that generated critical discussions on key global issues. Dr. Nona Mae Pepito, Professor of Economics at Singapore Management University, delivered the public lecture on The Political Economy of Natural Disasters, offering valuable insights into how institutions, incentives, and strategic behavior shaped disaster preparedness and response. The forum on Geoeconomics: Utilizing Economic Power for National Security, led by Dr. Fernando T. Aldaba, Professor of Economics at Ateneo de Manila University, further enriched the conversation by examining how economic instruments were leveraged to advance national security and shape global relations.

The organizers sincerely thanked all speakers, participants, and workshop attendees for their active engagement and thoughtful contributions, which made both events intellectually rich and impactful.

📢 Upcoming Forum: Geoeconomics and National Security

Join us on January 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Bapa Benny Tudtud Auditorium for the public lecture “Geoeconomics: Utilizing Economic Power for National Security.”

This forum will explore how economic instruments are used as strategic tools to advance national security and shape global relations. All students from GE courses, Economics professional courses, International Political Economy (IS), and Political Science are encouraged to attend. Student participation is required.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a rigorous discussion on the intersection of economics and national strategy!

The Economics Department and the Tropical Institute for Climate Studies (TropICs) convened scholars to revitalize and organize the proposed “Economy, Environment, and Disasters (EED)” Research Group at Ateneo de Davao University. The meeting focused on identifying and refining the group’s goals, objectives, identity, and plans for institutionalization—an initiative that strongly aligns with the University’s Fortiores 2030 vision. Grateful for the commitment of our group members as we move toward exciting collaborations and impactful future projects. 🙏

The Social Sciences Cluster, Economics Department, Sociology and Development Studies Department, Graduate School, the Ateneo Economics Society and the Ateneo Internationalization Office for Mindanao are pleased to invite you to a Public Lecture on the Political Economy of Natural Disasters, an important and timely discussion on how institutions, incentives, and strategic decision-making shape disaster preparedness and response.

THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF DISASTERS
A Public Lecture

📅 When: December 17, 2025 (Wednesday)
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 Where: Finster Auditorium, Ateneo de Davao University

🎙 Speaker:
Dr. Nona Mae Pepito
Professor of Economics
Singapore Management University

This lecture is highly recommended for those who want to understand how strategic behavior, incentives, and institutional arrangements shape disaster response. See you there!

Congratulations to our BA Economics 4th year students for successfully defending their theses!

Their research tackled diverse and meaningful topics—from the behavioral impact of school energy-conservation policies, to the socio-economic effects of marine protected areas on fishing communities, and the economic value of reforestation projects in the Davao Region. What a great achievement and a testament to your hard work, rigor, and dedication. We are proud of you all!