The 62nd Annual Meeting and Conference of the Philippine Economic Society (PES), held on 7-8 November 2024, at Novotel Hotel in Quezon City, gathered economists, policymakers, industry leaders, the academe, and representatives from local governments and civil society organizations. Under the theme “Traversing Innovative Pathways for Economic Resilience, Inclusion, and Localization in the Philippines,” this year’s conference offered an in-depth exploration of solutions to pressing national economic challenges and fostered collaboration among stakeholders dedicated to building a more resilient and inclusive economy.
The Department of Economics of Xavier Univrsity - Ateneo de Cagayan attended the conference with a delegation of 26 students and three faculty members, who eagerly joined the event’s enriching lineup of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and breakout sessions. Through these sessions, the conference created a platform for participants to exchange insights, share best practices, and co-create innovative approaches to economic development. Sessions delved into various topics, including empowering local governance, promoting innovative public-private partnerships (PPPs) with local government units (LGUs), enhancing infrastructure and capital investments, implementing structural changes, transforming key systems, leveraging digitalization, and developing sectoral industrial policies.
One of the major highlights for the Xavier Ateneo students was the opportunity to connect with economists, policymakers, industry practitioners, and peers from other institutions across the country. These interactions allowed them to gain insights into professional pathways, explore the current landscape of economic research and policy, and build valuable connections that could support their academic journeys and future careers. By engaging directly with experts and leaders from diverse fields, the students broadened their perspectives on how economic policies and innovations are shaped and implemented.
Xavier Ateneo Economics’ active participation in the PES conference demonstrates the department’s commitment to fostering a holistic education that extends beyond traditional classroom learning. Events like the PES conference empower students to deepen their understanding of economic resilience, inclusion, and localization and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to address complex economic issues. By engaging in national-level discourse, these future economists are better prepared to contribute meaningfully to the nation's development. The department’s dedication to experiential learning reaffirms its mission to cultivate forward-thinking economists who are passionate about contributing to the Philippines' progress and addressing socioeconomic challenges in innovative and impactful ways.
Complementing this national-level engagement, the Department of Economics also resumed its annual educational tour, a tradition paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the tour took students to key economic and historical sites across the Philippines, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Baguio City, the Malacañang Heritage Mansions, Clark Economic Zone, and Bonifacio Global City (BGC). These visits provided firsthand insights into the real-world application of economic principles, from monetary policy and sustainable tourism to regional development and urban planning. Students explored the intricate connections between these sectors and observed how economic theories inform practical initiatives, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice.
Through participation in the PES conference and the educational tour, Xavier Ateneo Economics continues to champion a multidimensional approach to education, fostering critical thinking and experiential learning. These initiatives exemplify the department’s dedication to equipping its students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of economic development and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.