Xavier University Department of Economics

21/12/2025

This Christmas, may the spirit of generosity remind us that welfare is maximized not only through markets, but through shared compassion and the collective good.

Merry Christmas from the Department of Economics, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.

17/12/2025

Final defense of Allison March G Dy, Van Vincent A Lao, Khenjay Triel M Singzon, 4th year AB Economics students.

Paper title: “Charge, Crusaders: Determinants of Electric Vehicle Adoption Readiness among Students of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan”

Adviser:
Ruby Jane B Rivera MSc
Chairperson, Department of History & International Studies
Faculty, Department of Economics

Adviser represented by:
Jhon Louie B Sabal MAEcon
Chairperson, Department of Economics

Advisory Committee:
Dr Glenda T Orlanes (Chair)
Coordinator, Agri-Business Program
Coordinator, MA Economics Program

Dr Jerelyn B Medalla (Member)
Associate Dean, College of Agriculture
Faculty, Department of Economics

Ma Estrella Luz R Penaloza MA (Member)
Faculty, Department of Economics

Engr Jefferson R Vallente Jr MEng (External Member)
Assistant Dean, College of Engineering

17/12/2025

The Young Economists Honors Society (YEHS) seeks to recognize the outstanding achievements by young economics graduates and scholars. Established in 2017 by the Philippine Economics Society (PES), the annual program is an initiative to create a society of young achievers and continues to this day–-providing opportunities for graduates in the field of economics to be recognized for their achievements and significant feats. The recipients of this recognition are the top graduates of economics and economic-related programs that are offered by higher education institutions in the Philippines.

Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan is a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit University forming leaders of character for the needs of Mindanao, the Philippines, and Asia-Pacific.

16/12/2025

The 63rd Annual Meeting and Conference of the Philippine Economic Society (PES), held on 7 November 2025, at Makati Shangri-la in Makati City, gathered economists, policymakers, industry leaders and students nationwide. With the theme “An Economy That Works for The People - Sustaining Economic Progress Amidst Global Polycrisis” this year’s conference offered discussions and activities that explored various solutions to economic-related issues nationwide and provided an opportunity for comprehensive discussions.

Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan is a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit University forming leaders of character for the needs of Mindanao, the Philippines, and Asia-Pacific.

15/12/2025

The Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Department of Economics held their annual educational trip on 5 November 2025 to 9 November 2025 wherein the participating students learned about the history and the growth, development, and evolution of the Philippines’ economy.

Established by the Department of Economics, the tour was developed for the purpose of providing the students under the program Bachelor of Arts in Economics with meaningful and valuable experiential learning opportunities outside of their formal learning spaces.

Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan is a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit University forming leaders of character for the needs of Mindanao, the Philippines, and Asia-Pacific.

15/12/2025

The Department of Economics formally declared 15 AB Economics students eligible for internship, marking a significant milestone in their academic formation and the final requirement toward earning the degree.

The program commenced with Opening Remarks by Dr. Judy P. Sendaydiego, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The awarding of pins was presided over by Mr. Jhon Louie B. Sabal, Chairperson of the Department of Economics, while the commissioning and official declaration of the students’ eligibility for internship was led by Dr. Juliet Q. Dalagan, Vice-President for Higher Education.

This year’s ceremony was particularly significant as it marked the first joint pinning ceremony for students of AB Sociology, AB Economics, and BS Development Communication, highlighting interdisciplinary solidarity as students transition to their respective internship programs.

This stage represents the final phase of the students’ undergraduate program. The pinning ceremony carries institutional and symbolic significance, as parents were invited to place the pin on the students’ Filipiniana attire, signifying the culmination of academic formation and the students’ formal transition to the internship phase.

The event was highlighted by the testimony and message of Mr. Ryan M. Buquis, AB Economics Batch 2022 and Faculty Member of the Department of Economics. Drawing from his internship and early professional experience, Mr. Buquis emphasized that the pin symbolizes not only achievement but readiness for the realities of professional life. He shared how humility and collaboration proved essential during his internship and subsequent work in the banking sector, where teamwork, accountability, and openness to learning were critical.

He reminded students that internships are spaces for observation, asking questions, and continuous learning, underscoring the value of humility in navigating unfamiliar tasks and environments. He also spoke about the importance of direction and self-awareness amid the many opportunities graduates may encounter. To guide the students, he introduced the “3 Ps”—Passion, Principles, and Purpose—encouraging them to let these serve as a compass as they shape their future paths.

The program concluded with the batch prayer led by Mr. Hannah Gwyneth T. Pardilla, AB Economics 4th Year Student and President of the Economics Society.

The Department of Economics remains committed to forming economists for and with others—graduates who apply their skills to advance sustainable development, promote environmental stewardship, and contribute to the progress of Mindanao—and congratulates the students, wishing them success as they embark on the next chapter of their professional journey.

Photos by Karylle Rose Dumanjug

14/12/2025

Cagayan de Oro — 11-12 December: Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan hosted Workshops 2 and 3 of the Policy Leadership Workshop Series: Strengthening Cultural MSMEs through Inclusive and Gender-Sensitive Policy Innovation, organized through the Department of Economics and the Office of the Vice-President for Social Development.

The series began with Workshop 1 at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) in Quezon City, exploring gender, culture, and MSMEs while highlighting policy gaps and lived experiences. Workshops 2 and 3, hosted by Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, focused on inclusive policy frameworks, gender-responsive tools, best practices, and strengthening MSME capacity and resilience. The series will conclude with Workshop 4 at Central Luzon State University (CLSU), validating national policy proposals and formalizing stakeholder commitments.

The workshops opened with remarks from Engr. Dexter S. Lo, Vice-President for Social Development, who emphasized the roles of culture, women empowerment, and digitalization in enabling MSMEs. Fr. Mars P. Tan, SJ, President of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, highlighted the critical role of MSMEs in the Philippine economy, especially in Northern Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro, and showcased Xavier University’s programs supporting inclusive and sustainable MSME growth.

The workshops were facilitated by Dr. Karenina Romualdo, Vice President for Business Affairs of CLSU, and Mr. Jhon Louie B. Sabal, Chairperson of the Department of Economics of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan and Xavier University’s representative to the Philippine APEC Study Center Network (PASCN). Support was provided by Dr. Francis Mark A. Quimba, Director of PASCN, and Ms. Jean Clarisse T. Carlos, Lead Coordinator of the workshop.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuano, President of Philippine Institute For Development Studies, acknowledged the collaboration of CLSU, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, PIDS, and Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), highlighting the strong partnerships driving inclusive and sustainable development for cultural MSMEs.

12/12/2025

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲

The Local Government of Don Carlos officially unveils its new Tourism Logo and Slogan—‘𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼.’ This initiative of 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮. 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 “𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗮” 𝗢𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘀-𝗣𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼, 𝗖𝗣𝗔, marks a significant step in strengthening our local identity and promoting Don Carlos’ unique charm.

This tourism branding is guided by an approved ordinance authored by 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗢. 𝗣𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺. with the support of the Sangguniang Bayan Members headed by 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗿. 𝗦𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗼 “𝗟𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘆” 𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗼, 𝗝𝗿. Their collective leadership underscores our commitment to culture, progress, and community pride.

Complementing our Municipal Slogan 𝗔𝘆𝗼𝘀! 𝗗𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼𝘀 this milestone reflects who we are and where we aspire to be.

𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀: Co-produced through the Department of Economics and the Department of Development Communication of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan. Partnership overseen by Mr. Jhon Louie B. Sabal, Tourism Plan Consultant and Chairperson, Department of Economics, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.

Layout produced through the service-learning output of BS Development Communication students.

𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁:: Abdul Rahman B. Mamutuk.

12/12/2025

Guided by Mr Jhon Louie B Sabal, Chairperson of the Department of Economics at Xavier Ateneo and Technical Consultant of the Don Carlos Tourism Master Plan, the students applied their classroom learning to real-world development work through the University’s Service- Learning Framework. This approach allows students to immerse in partner communities, apply their academic skills, and create outputs that address actual societal needs.

As part of their Economics of Development course, students are introduced to modules on tourism, poverty reduction, and urban development as key tools for advancing local progress. Under Module 1, they explore how tourism serves as an effective development strategy—not only by attracting visitors, but by cultivating local delicacies and products, enhancing community skills, supporting livelihood initiatives, and promoting employment generation.

Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan is a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit University forming leaders of character for the needs of Mindanao, the Philippines, and Asia-Pacific.

11/12/2025

ORO PRICE MONITORING COUNCIL SETS 2026 PLANS

“The meeting also highlighted the presentation of the 'Pakigsayod Project' by the Xavier University Economics Department. This initiative aims to empower communities by promoting informed and responsible consumerism”

11/12/2025

📌 4th Quarter Meeting of the Cagayan de Oro City Price Coordinating Council
📅 December 11, 2025
📍 Hammerson Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City

The Cagayan de Oro City Price Coordinating Council successfully convened its 4th Quarter Meeting, with almost all member-agencies represented, making it a well-attended and productive session to close the year.

The council reviewed its key accomplishments and approved the 2026 Plans, Activities, and Programs, focusing on stronger market monitoring, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and consumer welfare initiatives across the city.

During the meeting:
📌 The Xavier University Economics Department presented their proposed Pakigsayod Project, a community-based initiative aimed at providing consumer education and surfacing issues and concerns at the barangay level. The team sought the council’s support for implementing the project in select communities.

📌 The Agriculture Productivity Office also presented their Centralized Agricultural Information System for Cagayan de Oro City, a program designed to improve agricultural data visibility, support better decision-making, and strengthen the city’s food supply and pricing strategies.

The council likewise adopted several important resolutions, including:
✔️ Requesting the Department of Agriculture to address and issue a statement on the rising prices of essential agricultural goods—specifically rice and red onions—and to recommend measures to address the price surge and related concerns.
✔️ Requesting DOH/FDA to intensify price monitoring on medicines and conduct joint monitoring activities with the CDOCPCC.
✔️ Revisiting community-based programs such as Bantay Presyo sa Barangay and the Consumer Welfare Desks for possible implementation.
✔️ Integrating Pakigsayod findings into future policy discussions.

The meeting concluded in a festive Christmas mood with an exchange of gifts and Christmas messages from the following:
1️⃣ Councilor Christopher George Q. Goking, Chair, City Council Committee on Trade and Commerce
2️⃣ Councilor Maximo T. Rodriguez III, Chair, City Council Committee on Consumer Protection
3️⃣ Dir. Jesusa M. Abear, Provincial Director, DTI – Misamis Oriental
4️⃣ Atty. Jose Edgardo Uy, Co-Chair, CDOCPCC

09/12/2025

🌿 Xavier Ateneo Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Low-Carbon Initiatives 🌿

Today, Xavier Ateneo brought together key stakeholders for a roundtable discussion on advancing low-carbon development—a vital pathway toward a more sustainable Cagayan de Oro and region.

As one of the 11 member institutions of the Philippine APEC Study Center Network (PASCN), Xavier Ateneo is co-writing the upcoming 30th Anniversary Book, which includes a chapter on the Low Carbon Town Model using Cagayan de Oro City as a case study. This book will also be reproduced as a policy note to inform policy recommendations in support of local and national climate action.

The event was co-organized with the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the country’s primary government think tank.

Representatives from the City Government of CDO, DENR, DOST, DICT, CEPALCO, energy producers, private sector, and academe participated in today’s collaborative dialogue.

The program opened with remarks from Fr. Mars P. Tan, SJ, President of Xavier Ateneo, followed by the rationale presentation of Engr. Dexter S. Lo, VP for Social Development.

Key insights included:

📘 Low Carbon Town Model in the APEC Region – Ms. Ruby Jane B. Rivera, Chair, Department of History and International Studies

⚡ Carbon Capture and Renewables in the Energy Sector – Engr. Jefferson R. Vallente Jr., Assistant Dean, College of Engineering

Additional contributions came from Project Lunhaw of the CDO LGU and First Gen Corporation, showcasing how urban green spaces and corporate sustainability programs help reduce carbon emissions.

The roundtable was moderated by Mr. Jhon Louie B. Sabal, Chairperson of the Department of Economics and Xavier Ateneo’s representative to PASCN.

Together, we take meaningful steps toward a greener, low-carbon future for Cagayan de Oro and the region. 🌏✨

Photos by Adlai Manuel E Ong