Social Sciences Department, Ateneo de Zamboanga University

HONORING A LEGACY AND USHERING A TRANSFORMATION | AdZU American Corner Marks Legacy, Begins New Chapter as Collaborative Learning Hub

From a cherished cultural resource to a dynamic space for learning and collaboration, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) American Corner marks a meaningful transition as it concludes its program and begins a new chapter as the Collaborative Learning Hub (ColLH). Established 37 years ago, the American Corner - AdZU has served generations of learners and community members through cultural exchange, educational programs, and opportunities to deepen Philippine-American ties.

Building on this legacy, the ColLH will continue to foster learning, dialogue, collaboration, cultural exchange, and community engagement within the FJTB Library. A new chapter begins—rooted in legacy, shaped by collaboration, and guided by Servicio con Amor y Alegria.

The Social Sciences Department would like to thank the Bacatan Library under the leadership of its Director Ma'am Lynnie Calingacion for awarding the department a recognition award for its partnership rendered with the American Corner. The department's faculty were also awarded including Hezekiah Concepcion, Rovic John Eslao, and Dr. Bienvenido Gregorio.

Honoring a legacy and ushering a transformation: AdZU American Corner Marks Legacy, Begins New Chapter as Collaborative Learning Hub - Ateneo de Zamboanga University Since its establishment 37 years ago, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University American Corner has been a rich and welcoming cultural resource hub where community members can come to delve into Philippine-American friendship through a wide range of multimedia materials and engaging learning activities. To...

🌏 ADZU PRESENTS: Global Leadership in Action! 🇵🇭🇰🇷

Ateneo de Zamboanga University proudly takes part in the AJCU-AP Global Leadership Program (GLP) held at Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea, from August 9–14, 2026. 🇰🇷

Representing AdZU are our student leaders:
✨ Ms. Bea Yu – 3rd Year, BS Computer Science
✨ Ms. Ellise Estrada – 2nd Year, BA International Studies

The Global Leadership Program (GLP) offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in global learning, cultural immersion, and leadership development alongside fellow student leaders from Jesuit institutions across the Asia-Pacific region. 🌏🤝

This year’s program brings together members of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities in Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP), including:

GLP Member Schools:

🇰🇷 Sogang University – South Korea
🇹🇼 Fu Jen Catholic University – Taiwan
🇯🇵 Sophia University – Japan
🇮🇩 Sanata Dharma University – Indonesia
🇵🇭 Ateneo de Manila University – Philippines

Joining the GLP as guest Jesuit institutions are:

🇹🇭 Xavier Learning Center – Thailand
🇹🇱 De Brito College – Timor-Leste
🇵🇭 Ateneo de Zamboanga University
🇵🇭 Ateneo de Davao University
🇭🇰 Ricci Hall, The University of Hong Kong

Beyond classrooms and campuses, GLP provides a space where young leaders learn from different cultures, build meaningful connections, share experiences, and discover how they can contribute to a more just and compassionate world.

For Bea and Ellise, this is more than an international experience—it is an opportunity to chart new global paths, grow as leaders, and live out the Jesuit tradition of being persons for and with others. 💙🌏

Mabuhay, Bea and Ellise! Carry the AdZU spirit with you and continue to make your mark on the global stage! ✨

IN PHOTOS | GA x ASEAN Day ‘26

On August 8, 2026, the International Studies Organization of the Ateneo (ISOA) gathered the International Studies community at the Carlos Dominguez Conference Hall (CDCH) for its General Assembly x ASEAN Day, with the theme, “PAGLAWIG: Cultural Currents Across the SEA.” 🌊⛵

The program featured the council reports, giving students a glimpse into the organization’s plans and initiatives for A.Y. 2026–2027. The 3rd Year BA International Studies seniors also shared their internship experiences, offering valuable insights and lessons from their journey. 💼🌐

The assembly continued with the oath-taking of the ISOA Council and the recognition of ISOA Moderator Mr. Jasper Noe Pioquinto, marking a new chapter of leadership and service for the organization. Adding to the celebration was our resource speaker, Br. Jeffrey U. Pioquinto, who shared “ASEAN-tastic! Stories, Surprises, and Stamp-worthy Lessons,” followed by a vibrant cultural showcase from the 1st to 3rd year students and an exciting ASEAN Kahoot Challenge. 🌐🧠

With new lessons, shared cultures, and stronger connections, ISOA officially sets sail into A.Y. 2026–2027—ready for another journey filled with growth, discovery, and unforgettable memories. 🌊💙⛵

🇰🇷 TEAM AdZU has arrived in Seoul, South Korea! 🇰🇷

Ms. Ellise Estrada (BA International Studies from our department) and Ms. Bea Yu (BS in Information Technology) are representing Ateneo de Zamboanga University at the AJCU-AP Global Leadership Program (GLP) 2025 at Sogang University.

The Global Leadership Program (GLP) is an annual gathering of students from Jesuit universities across the Asia-Pacific region. It provides a space to engage global issues, experience diverse cultures, and build friendships and networks grounded in Ignatian values and leadership.

Our students are accompanied by Ms. Darlene Undug of Ateneo de Davao University, which is also represented by two students.

This is AdZU’s second year joining the GLP, following our first participation at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan, last year.

🌏 Charting Global Paths, one global experience at a time. Through programs like GLP, AdZU empowers students to step beyond borders, engage the world with a deeper sense of purpose, and grow as persons for and with others—living out our mission of zealously charting global paths.

Go, TEAM AdZU! 🇵🇭🇰🇷💙

NOW ONGOING: Br. Jeffrey U. Pioquinto, SJ, Director of Global Paths : Internationalization Office - GPIO, is currently giving a talk entitled "ASEAN-tastic! Stories, Surprised, and Stamp-Worthy Lessons" during the General Assembly of the International Studies Organization of Ateneo in celebration of ASEAN's 59th Anniversary here at the Carlos Dominguez Conference Hall. Gracias, Br. Jeff for your time and lecture!

Every journey across borders begins with a story. Some leave us with memories, others with lessons that reshape how we see the world. 🌐

The International Studies Organization of Ateneo (ISOA) is honored to welcome Br. Jeffrey U. Pioquinto, SJ, Director of the Global Paths–Internationalization Office (GPIO) of Ateneo de Zamboanga University, as the keynote speaker for the 1st General Assembly of the International Organization of Ateneo A.Y. 2026–2027, held in conjunction with the celebration of ASEAN Day 2026. ✈️✨

With years of experience in international education, academic leadership, and global engagement, Br. Jeff has been at the forefront of advancing Ateneo's internationalization efforts. His work has fostered partnerships and academic exchanges across Asia and Europe, collaborating with institutions and Jesuit communities in Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Thailand, China, Italy, and beyond. His leadership continues to strengthen AdZU's vision of cultivating globally minded individuals grounded in its Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit identity.

Through his keynote, ASEAN-tastic! Stories, Surprises, and Stamp-Worthy Lessons, Br. Jeff will take participants on a journey through the experiences, encounters, and unexpected insights that come with engaging across cultures. More than tales of travel, his talk invites us to see ASEAN as a living community—one shaped by shared histories, diverse identities, and meaningful connections that transcend borders.

As we celebrate PAGLAWIG: Cultural Currents Across the SEA, may this gathering inspire us to widen our horizons, deepen our appreciation of our Southeast Asian neighbors, and embrace the opportunities that come from learning through, with, and from one another. 💙⛵️

📍 Carlos Dominguez Conference Hall (CDCH)
📅 August 8, 2026 (Saturday)
🕗 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🌏 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 | 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬

In its continuing commitment to academic excellence, relevance, and responsiveness to the changing demands of the discipline, the Social Sciences Department, under the leadership of Mr. Rovic John F. Eslao, convened yesterday, August 5, 2026, a committee tasked to review the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (BA INTS) program.

The review process brings together a diverse group of stakeholders whose expertise, experience, and perspectives will help shape the future direction of the program. The committee is composed of:

• Dr. Ma. Christina Cañones, past Department Chairperson and faculty member;
• Dr. Michael Vincent Caceres and Ms. Cindy Ann Quaile, faculty members;
• Mr. Jasper Noe Pioquinto and Ms. Jasmin Catajoy, faculty members and BA INTS alumni;
• Ms. Karla Aballe, representing the students through the International Studies Organization of Ateneo (ISOA) in her capacity as their Secretary-General; and
• Br. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ, the Director of the Global Paths : Internationalization Office - GPIO.

The Department expresses its gratitude to the members of the committee for their willingness to contribute their time, expertise, and insights to this important undertaking. Through collaborative dialogue and thoughtful review, the committee seeks to ensure that the BA INTS program remains academically rigorous, globally relevant, and responsive to the needs of students and society.

We look forward to the recommendations and initiatives that will further strengthen the formation of future international studies professionals, leaders, and global citizens.

Please stay tuned for updates as we intend to expand our reach to students, alumni, and stakeholder alike to enhance our curriculum for God and country!

The tides are calling, and a new journey begins. 🌊⛵✨

Set sail with the International Studies Organization of Ateneo (ISOA) as we celebrate our General Assembly x ASEAN Day with the theme "PAGLAWIG: Cultural Currents Across the SEA."

Together, we'll embark on a voyage that celebrates the rich cultures, shared stories, and lasting connections that unite Southeast Asia while embracing the diversity that makes us unique. 💙🌐

Discover what ISOA has in store for the academic year, meet fellow students who share your passion for global affairs, and celebrate the spirit of ASEAN through a day of meaningful activities, cultural exchange, and unforgettable memories.
Chart your course and sail with us on August 8, 2026 (Saturday), from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Carlos Dominguez Conference Hall (CDCH). See you there, voyagers! 💙⛵

NOW ONGOING: Petitions, Presidents, and Separation: The US Historical Footprint on Moro Separatism by our Immediate Past Chairperson Hezekiah Concepcion during the 1st Session of the Camara de La Liga Historia Zamboangueña - ADZU Chapter. If you're free now, you can join us here at the College AVR.