The Department of Economics at Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan embarked on an enriching educational tour in Manila from 5 to 8 November 2024. As part of this dynamic learning experience, 26 AB Economics students, accompanied by three faculty members, visited various institutions across the city. Among the highlights of the tour was a special visit to the Ateneo de Manila University in Loyola Heights, Quezon City, where students had the rare opportunity to engage with prominent academics and leaders in the field of economics.
Highlighting the visit was a warm welcome from Fr Roberto Yap, SJ, President of ADMU and former President of XU. An economist himself, Fr Yap shared with the students the three foundational economic principles—opportunity costs, trade-offs, and diminishing marginal returns—emphasizing their relevance beyond the classroom. With practical examples, he illustrated how these concepts inform daily decision-making, fostering a deeper understanding of the ways economics shapes everyday choices.
The visit also featured a series of insightful lectures from distinguished ADMU faculty and administrators. Dr Philip Arnold Tuano, Dean of the School of Government, gave a talk on the intersection of governance and economic development, highlighting how public policy influences economic outcomes. Dr Noel De Guzman, Acting Chairperson of the ADMU Economics Department, provided a comprehensive overview of the department’s research and academic initiatives, offering students a glimpse into the rigorous curriculum and vibrant intellectual culture at ADMU. Lastly, Dr Francis Navarro, Director of University Archives, offered a captivating glimpse into the university's historical preservation initiatives, highlighting ADMU’s dedication to safeguarding its rich heritage and legacy.
Beyond lectures, this visit fostered a deeper connection between the two Jesuit universities, strengthening the shared Ignatian values of social justice, academic excellence, and service to others. The trip also provided Xavier Ateneo students a rare glimpse into the workings of a premier academic institution in the Philippines and exposed them to ADMU’s diverse academic culture and the unique contributions its faculty make to society.
For the students, this tour was far more than an academic endeavor; it was a transformative experience that broadened their perspectives on economics and strengthened their commitment to making a meaningful impact. The visit to ADMU reinforced the shared values of Ignatian education—excellence, social responsibility, and service to others—that unite these two Jesuit institutions. As they return to Cagayan de Oro, these young economists carry forward a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration, ready to apply what they’ve learned to uplift their communities.