Department of Economics, Ateneo de Manila University

🎉 We would like to congratulate Vinzen Josh L. Borja and Xavier Bryce W. Tan for being selected as the 2026 Program Awardees for Economics and Management Economics, respectively!

Your dedication and excellence have truly stood out — we are incredibly proud of you both!

Last May 9, the Ateneo Economics Department hosted an Open House at the Dr. Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences Leong Hall.

The event gave potential incoming freshmen a closer look at the academic journey ahead, introducing them to our undergraduate programs, vibrant student community, and world-class faculty.

Photos courtesy of the Ateneo Management Economics Organization

The Ateneo Economics Department proudly congratulates Genesis Kelly S. Lontoc, MA, for being honored with the prestigious Fr. John Delaney, SJ Excellence in Teaching Award at the Ateneo de Manila University Graduate School of Business.

This award recognizes his outstanding dedication, passion, and excellence in guiding and inspiring the next generation of business leaders and economists. Thank you, Sir Gemmy, for your exceptional service and commitment to the Ateneo community! 🦅💙

Erline Gail E. Zamudio (4 AB Eco) and Kristian Lyle Banta (4 AB Eco) of the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Economics were awarded the Best Student Paper Award at the 2026 Asian Conference on Business Economics and Management, held on May 15, 2026 at the University of Santo Tomas.

Their paper, Across Markets, Within Local Economies: Mapping the Spatial Dynamics of ESG and Business Environments and Outcomes in Philippine LGUs, impressed the conference with its analytical rigor and policy relevance — mapping how ESG conditions ripple across local business environments and economic outcomes in Philippine LGUs through spatial econometric analysis.

Turns out, good governance isn't just good ethics. It's good economics, too. 💙

On May 19, 2026, the Department of Economics hosted esteemed visitors from the Department of International Trade under the Institute of World Economics and Politics (IWEP) and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

The productive session opened the door for exciting future collaborations, with a strong focus on joint research projects and international exchange opportunities for both our students and faculty.

Congratulations to Sir RLance Chua on receiving the 2025 RGLSOSS Pedagogical Innovation Award: Special Commendation for ECONgagements: Baon Subsidy Project and School Kit Project! This is a reflection of his commitment to education as a form of service. The department is so proud of you, Sir! 💙🎉

A huge round of applause for our very own from the Department of Economics! On May 06, 2026, the Ateneo community gathered at the Areté Loft to celebrate the height of academic and research innovation.

We are incredibly proud to highlight the achievements of our faculty members, Dr. Philip Arnold Tuano, Mr. Joselito Seson, and Mr. Cymon Kayle Lubangco, together with their co-authors. Your relentless pursuit of knowledge doesn't just advance the field of economics, it inspires our entire department. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

The Ateneo Department on Economics was glad to welcome John Andrew A. Alsol and Zed Tristan L. Dy last April 22 for a research presentation titled “Balancing Act: Addressing Child Quantity-Quality Trade-off in the Philippine Households With Educational and Health Social Programs.”

The seminar explored the complex decisions Philippine households face regarding family size and investments in child development. Their study highlighted how targeted social programs in education and health play a vital role in helping families overcome the "quantity-quality" trade-off, ensuring that children can reach their full potential regardless of household size.

The Department of Economics warmly congratulates James Benedict Gamboa Cuesta (1 MA ECO) for receiving the Best Paper Presentation Award at the 8th Ateneo Graduate Research Festival, held last April 17–18, 2026.

His award-winning paper, titled "The Diminishing Returns of Compounding Sin Taxes: An ARDL Structural Break Analysis of the Philippine Market," which he developed under the guidance of the department’s very own faculty members Dr. Mae Hyacinth Kiocho and Dr. Geoffrey Ducanes.

🌐 Sectoral Alignment and Industrial Policy on Regional Economic Growth in the Philippines

Does a "one-size-fits-all" approach to economic growth really work for the Philippines? Join us for the installment of the Ateneo Economics Department Seminar Series featuring Jose Luis Manglallan, MA Economics Candidate, as he dives into the complexities of regional development. 📈🇵🇭

Moving beyond the idea that sectoral expansion automatically leads to progress, this presentation explores how manufacturing and services growth interact with specific regional policies and economic zones. Using two decades of data, the session will reveal why the success of an industry often depends on how well it aligns with a region's unique structural identity, and why place-based strategies are the key to closing the gap between our regions.

🗓 April 24, 2026
🕙 4:00 – 5:00 PM (PHT)
📍 Zoom Webinar | Simulcast on YouTube Live
🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/ManglallanOL

This seminar is free and open to the public.

🌐 Balancing Act: Addressing Child Quantity-Quality Trade-off in the Philippine Households With Educational and Health Social Programs

As part of the Ateneo Economics Department Seminar Series, join John Andrew A. Alsol and Zed Tristan L. Dy for a talk on the trade-off between family size and child development.

The presentation explores how Philippine households navigate the balance between the number of children and the "quality" of their upbringing, specifically in terms of education and health. It highlights the critical role of social programs in helping families overcome these trade-offs to ensure better long-term outcomes for the next generation.

🗓 April 22, 2026
🕙 4:00 – 5:00 PM (PHT)
📍 Zoom Webinar | Simulcast on YouTube Live
🔗 Register here: https://go.ateneo.edu/AlsolDy
This seminar is free and open to the public.