ADNU College of Humanities and Social Sciences - CHSS

Big congratulations to our Publication Incentive Awardees from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (January–May 2026)! 🎉

Today, we are celebrating the visionaries, the innovators, and the absolute powerhouses who are redefining what excellence looks like in our community.

Through rigorous inquiry and deep scholarship, your achievements don't just stay in a journal—they create a lasting impact that serves our society and elevates us all. Thank you for being the ultimate inspiration and showing us what happens when passion meets hard work.

This recognition is beyond well-deserved. Cheers to making history and keeping the momentum going! 🥂

𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗧𝗛

Public administration professor says HUC status can speed up dev’t

The conversion of Naga into a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) is expected to bring significant benefits to its residents through increased funding, improved public services, stronger local governance, and expanded economic opportunities, according to a local governance expert.

Dr. Marshal Q. Murillo, executive assistant to the president, international program officer, and associate professor in Public Administration at Ateneo de Naga University, said Naga’s new status would allow the city to access greater resources and exercise greater autonomy in pursuing its development goals.

He noted that highly urbanized cities generally receive a larger share of the National Tax Allocation (NTA), formerly known as the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), due to their population size and income classification.

“This translates to more funds for infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and public welfare projects," Murillo said.

He said the city would be able to accelerate the funding and implementation of priority programs in health, education, housing, and social services, enabling the local government to respond more effectively to the needs of its constituents. He added that these developments would improve mobility and enhance the quality of life of residents.

The public administration professor also emphasized that HUC status would strengthen local governance by granting the city greater autonomy and allowing more responsive and streamlined decision-making.

Achieving Highly Urbanized City status would allow Naga to establish direct coordination and dealings with national government agencies, potentially expediting the implementation of development programs and projects.

According to him, with higher revenues and direct control over planning and development, Naga would be in a better position to undertake large-scale infrastructure projects, including the construction and improvement of roads, drainage systems, transport terminals, digital connectivity facilities, and other public infrastructure.

Murillo also expects HUC status to boost investor confidence and attract more businesses to the city.

“HUC status enhances Naga's credibility and attractiveness to investors,” he said, adding that the entry of new businesses and expansion of existing industries could generate more jobs and increase household incomes.

The city is likewise expected to improve the delivery of basic services through expanded healthcare systems, improved schools, better sanitation facilities, and strengthened social protection programs.

In terms of urban planning and economic growth, Murillo said the city would be better equipped to implement long-term development plans, manage population growth, and promote a vibrant local economy, including support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

He also underscored the advantages of HUC status in disaster resilience and public safety, saying greater funding and autonomy would allow the city to invest more in disaster risk reduction programs, climate adaptation initiatives, and emergency response systems.

Despite these opportunities, Murillo stressed that sustained development is not guaranteed by HUC status alone.

He said the city government must continue to uphold the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability to fully realize the benefits of its new classification.

“Being an HUC does not automatically ensure sustained development,” Murillo pointed out.

He said Naga must maintain—and even strengthen—its governance capacity and continue serving as a model of good governance to ensure that the advantages of HUC status translate into tangible and lasting gains for its people. I via Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head

𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗨𝗖 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝗮, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

An economics instructor at Ateneo de Naga University said Naga City’s conversion into a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) is expected to bring significant economic and administrative advantages, but emphasized that maintaining the city's long-standing commitment to good governance will be crucial to its success.

In an interview, Ms. Danielle Belen, an economics instructor at Ateneo de Naga University, said HUC status would improve the city’s investment climate by enhancing its profile among local and foreign investors.

“HUC status often elevates a city’s standing as an economic center, making it more attractive to investments in real estate, commerce, tourism, information technology, healthcare, and education,” Belen said.

She added that the city's new status could spur increased economic activity through the expansion of businesses, infrastructure projects, and employment opportunities.

According to Belen, investor confidence in Naga’s expanded role as a regional growth hub could help create more jobs and provide local graduates with access to a more competitive workforce environment.

“The HUC status is an affirmation that Naga continues to become a progressive city and is growing efficiently,” she said.

Belen also noted that HUC status would allow city officials to exercise greater control over local affairs, enabling them to focus more directly on urban concerns such as transportation, housing, waste management, traffic management, and public health services.

She said improved autonomy could contribute to better urban planning and more responsive service delivery to residents.

The economics instructor further emphasized that the city’s new classification could strengthen Naga's regional competitiveness.

Belen likewise pointed to the potential for enhanced fiscal management under HUC status.

With greater flexibility in allocating and prioritizing resources based on local needs, the city government may be able to improve the efficiency of public spending and development programs, she explained.

She also cited the possibility of increased support from the national government, noting that national agencies often recognize HUCs as major urban centers.
This recognition, she said, could improve Naga’s access to national programs, infrastructure projects, and development initiatives that would further accelerate the city’s growth.

However, Belen stressed that the city government must preserve the governance principles that have long distinguished Naga if it is to fully realize the benefits of its new status.

She said the local government should continue to uphold its core values of transparency, accountability, and people’s participation and empowerment in decision-making and governance.

“With Naga's best practices in governance, there's no doubt that it can become a successful Highly Urbanized City,” Belen said.

She added that sustaining these principles would help ensure that the gains from urbanization and economic growth translate into inclusive development and improved quality of life for Nagueños.

Belen said the opportunities presented by HUC status, coupled with effective governance, place Naga in a strong position to sustain its development momentum and strengthen its role as one of the country's leading regional cities. I via Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head

CHSS Memo 2026-2027 #002

To : CHSS Unit Heads, Faculty, Staff, and Students
From : Ma. Filipinas H. Bana, Ph.D., CHSS Dean (SGD)
Date : June 10, 2026
Re : Officer-in-Charge of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS)

Dear everyone,

Please be guided that I will be attending the DIES International Dean’s Course Southeast Asia in Osnabrück and Berlin, Germany on June 11 - 27, 2026. I will be back to work by June 29, 2026, Monday.

During my absence, Dr. Janet V. Tan, Director of the College Reading Center, will be the officer-in-charge of the college.

Please give Dr. Tan your support and cooperation.

Thank you!

Unlock your full potential and write your own success story in Ateneo!

Your journey to greatness starts here.
𝗕𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗨𝗦!

𝗜𝗥𝗔 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗕. 𝗗𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢, 𝗖𝗣𝗔
🔹18th National Placer – Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination 2023

𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗥. 𝗘𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗟 𝗖. 𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗩𝗔, 𝗘𝗖𝗘, 𝗘𝗖𝗧
🔹5th National Placer – Electronics Engineering Licensure Examination 2026
🔹2nd National Placer – Electronics Technician Licensure Examination

𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘 𝗟. 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗘, 𝗥𝗣𝗺
🔹7th National Placer – Psychometrician Licensure Examination 2025

𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡 𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗢, 𝗥𝗡
🔹9th National Placer – Nursing Licensure Examination 2025

𝗔𝗟𝗬𝗦𝗦𝗔 𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗢, 𝗥𝗡
🔹9th National Placer – Nursing Licensure Examination 2025

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗢𝗟, 𝗟𝗣𝗧
🔹9th National Placer – Licensure Exam for Professional Teachers 2025

𝗬𝗩𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗭, 𝗟𝗣𝗧
🔹8th National Placer – Licensure Exam for Professional Teachers 2025

Experience our TRADITION of EXCELLENCE and SERVICE.
𝗕𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗻. 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆!
𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗟 𝗡𝗢𝗪!

CHSS Memo 2026-2027 #001

To : The University Community
From : Ma. Filipinas H. Bana, Ph.D., CHSS Dean (SGD)
Date : June 01, 2026
Re : New Chairpersons of the Departments of Philosophy, Theology, and Psychology

With the approval of the University President, I am pleased to formally announce the following appointments of new chairpersons of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), effective June 1, 2026, Monday:

Dr. Adrian V. Remodo – Chairperson, Department of Philosophy
Dr. Marco C. Guiriba – Chairperson, Department of Theology
Mr. Richard Martin C. Bautista, M.A. – Chairperson, Department of Psychology

As they assume their respective leadership roles, I am confident that they will continue to advance the academic excellence, service, and mission of their departments and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the college.

I would also like to express my profound gratitude to our outgoing department chairpersons for their dedicated service and invaluable contributions.

Dr. Sarah B. Ellorenco, who has served as Chairperson of the Department of Psychology for eight (8) consecutive years since School Year 2018–2019, has provided steadfast leadership that has strengthened the department’s academic programs, faculty development initiatives, and student formation efforts. Her commitment and vision have significantly contributed to the continued growth and success of the department.

Likewise, Mr. Juan Bautista Janthe B. Bagadion, M.A., who has served as Chairperson of the Department of Theology for two (2) consecutive years since School Year 2024–2025, has demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication in advancing the department’s academic and formative endeavors. His service has helped sustain the department’s commitment to excellence and mission-centered education.

The CHSS has greatly benefited from their leadership, dedication, and countless contributions. Their efforts have enabled us to achieve important milestones and pursue new opportunities in service of our students, faculty, and the broader university community.

In the same spirit of continued service, Mr. Arman A. Ogarte, M.A., outgoing Chairperson of the Philosophy Department, will serve as the Program Coordinator for the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIDS) Program beginning SY 2026–2027. In this role, Mr. Ogarte will lead the evaluation of the program's readiness and viability for a potential transition into a full department. We are grateful for his leadership of the Philosophy Department and look forward to his continued contributions in the college.

Please join me in congratulating our newly appointed chairpersons and in thanking our outgoing leaders for their dedicated service.

May we continue to work together in the spirit of excellence, collaboration, and service as we pursue our shared mission and goals.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑨𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌: 𝑨 𝑺𝒆𝒎-𝑬𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒔 🎓📚

With years of questioning about everything possible, be it real or not, the last attendance check in philosophy class finally concludes with laughter and enjoyment while cherishing the shared memories together. The night is filled with appreciation for the efforts that each senior has made and with well wishes for their next journey. 💗🍀

May this gathering be a reminder that philosophy is never merely a course but a way of doubting and living life. ✨

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Should there be queries, concerns, and/or partnership proposals, please do not hesitate to contact us through our email: [email protected]

𝗔𝗟𝟯 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: “𝗣𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔: 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵”👣✨

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | The Literature and Language Studies (LLS) Department, alongside the Ateneo Literature and Language League (AL3), hosted a heartfelt sending-off for its graduating students during the AL3 Tribute to Seniors 2026. Held on Wednesday, May 27, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Hotpot and Grill House, Balatas, Naga City.

The tribute emphasized that entering the next chapter of life does not mean abandoning the past. Instead, the organizers highlighted that the seniors are moving forward into a world of endless possibilities while carrying the core spark, creativity, and resilience they cultivated during their time at the Ateneo de Naga University.

𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗟𝟯, 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗟𝟯!⚘

Good luck sa journey mga Ate and Kuya💜💖

✒: Written by|
Arianne Joleen Frondoso
📷: Photos of|
Arianne Frondoso, Emie Bermejo, & Ma'am Apple Reyta

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