Three researchers from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (XU) have been awarded research grants from the Philippine APEC Study Center Network (PASCN), highlighting the university’s growing contribution to policy-oriented research in the Asia-Pacific region.
PASCN administers research funding programs that support studies aligned with the priorities of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Among these programs are the PASCN Research Grant Program, which supports policy-oriented research addressing key issues affecting APEC member economies, and the Thesis and Dissertation Assistance Program (TDAP), which provides financial support to graduate students whose theses and dissertations contribute to policy research relevant to regional economic cooperation and development.
Xavier University is one of the 11 member institutions of the PASCN, a national research network hosted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). The network links universities and research institutions across the Philippines to conduct studies and policy dialogues related to APEC priorities and regional economic integration.
Xavier University Grantees
Among this year’s recipients is Ruby Jane B Rivera, Chairperson of the Department of History and International Studies at Xavier University. Rivera received support under the PASCN Research Program for her study titled “Aligning the Philippine Foreign Policy with APEC’s Putrajaya Vision 2040: Feminist Foreign Policy for Filipino Women Migrants.” The project, conducted in collaboration with Jean Clarisse T. Carlos of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, examines how Philippine foreign policy can incorporate feminist perspectives to better address the rights and welfare of Filipino women migrants within the Asia-Pacific region.
Also receiving support under the TDAP is Jhon Louie B Sabal, Assistant Professor and former Chairperson of the Department of Economics at Xavier University. Sabal’s research, “Greedflation in the Philippine Rice Market,” forms part of his PhD Economics dissertation at Ateneo de Manila University. The study investigates pricing behavior and inflation dynamics in the Philippine rice market, contributing to ongoing policy discussions on food prices and inflation.
Completing the group of awardees is Denmichael Neil C Estillore, a Master of Arts in Economics student at Xavier University. His TDAP-supported study, “Exploring the Role of Innovation and Resiliency in Fiscal Performance: Evidence from Philippine Cities using the CMCI Framework,” analyzes how innovation and resilience influence the fiscal performance of Philippine cities using the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index framework.
Continuing Momentum from Previous PASCN Projects
The latest grants build on the strong engagement of Xavier University with PASCN-funded research initiatives. Last year, the university recorded two successful PASCN-supported projects.
One was a TDAP grant awarded to Francis Albert Almocera, an MS Agricultural Economics student and faculty member of the College of Agriculture at Xavier University. Mentored by Glenda T Orlanes, Almocera completed the study “Value Chain Analysis of Coconut Sugar and Farmer's Market Inclusion Funding Program.” The project marked the first TDAP grant received by the university.
The university also received a PASCN Research Grant awarded to Jerelyn B Medalla, Glenda T Orlanes, Ereca Ampoloqui, and Precious Dane Tagas for their study titled “A Comprehensive Economic Analysis of the Coffee Value Chain in Region 10.” The research examined the economic structure and opportunities within the regional coffee industry, contributing to discussions on agricultural value chains and rural development. Read full paper: https://www.pids.gov.ph/publication/policy-notes/strengthening-the-coffee-value-chain-in-northern-mindanao
Special Grants and Collaborative Engagements
Beyond research grants, Xavier University also participated in several PASCN-supported initiatives and partnerships.
Among these was a book chapter contribution on the “Carbon Town Model” authored by Ruby Jane B Rivera, Jhon Louie B Sabal, Jefferson T Vallente, and Fr Mars P Tan, SJ. The work explored local approaches to sustainability and climate-responsive development.
In addition, a Policy Leadership Workshop on Cultural and Women-led MSMEs was organized in collaboration with the Xavier University Department of Economics and the Office of the Vice-President for Social Development, strengthening dialogue on inclusive entrepreneurship and community-based economic development.
Strengthening Policy Research in the Region
With these new research grants and sustained collaborations, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan continues to strengthen its role within the Philippine APEC Study Center Network as a key contributor to policy research that informs national and regional development. By supporting studies on economic policy, governance, regional integration, and inclusive growth, PASCN enables scholars and students to generate evidence-based insights that can guide public policy and development strategies in the Philippines and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The recognition of Xavier University researchers reflects the university’s growing commitment to advancing impactful scholarship that bridges academic research with real-world policy challenges.