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Walkability Summit
Walkability Summit
The Walkability Summit successfully brought together leaders, advocates, and thinkers on October 2–3, 2025, at Ateneo de Manila University to address the daily struggle of walking in Metro Manila.
The summit, organized by the Ateneo de Manila School of Humanities, the Dr. Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences, the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, Blue Mobility, and the Move As One Coalition, aimed to reimagine our cities as spaces built for people, prioritizing walking as the most democratic form of mobility.
Integrating perspectives from the humanities, social sciences, and the arts, discussions covered vital themes, including:
Creating greener, cooler sidewalks to combat extreme heat.
Improving accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Establishing safe routes around schools and health centers.
Ensuring seamless links between walking and public transport.
Prioritizing women’s safety in public spaces.
Unlocking the health, economic, and tourism benefits of walkable cities.
The event symbolically opened with a unifying walk from UP to Ateneo, emphasizing the coalition's call that charting a path toward walkable cities begins with the simple act of taking one step together.
2025 Leong Institute Fellows Forum
2025 Leong Institute Fellows Forum
The Ricardo Leong Institute for Global and Area Studies of the Dr. Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences hosted the 2025 Leong Institute Fellows Forum on October 9, 2025 at the Leong Hall Auditorium.
The forum featured the recipients of the 2024 Leong Institute Global Area Studies Research Award and the 2024 Leong Institute Lectures in Philippine Studies Award. Through these Awards, the Leong Institute supports the University's agenda on translocality, in particular, the strengthening of geographical expertise among its faculty and staff.
Dr. Dennis B. Batangan of the Institute of Philippine Culture and the Ateneo Initiative for Southeast Asian Studies conducted his research at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP), Vietnam National University Hanoi, and the EPI Northern Region Communicable Disease Control Department, Thailand.
Dr. Charlie Samuya Veric of the Literary and Cultural Studies Program delivered a lecture at Brown University, hosted by the Brown University Southeast Asian Studies Initiative and the Brown University Filipino Alliance, USA.
Abstracts:
Pagtataya sa Kalusugan: Benchmarking for a Philippine Foresight Study Methodology
Dennis B. Batangan, MD, MSc.
Leong Institute Global Area Studies Research Fellow
As a methodological study, this RLIGAS Research Fellowship conducted benchmarking activities with foresight study methodologies in South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. The Philippines’ Ambisyon Natin 2040 and Pagtanaw 2050 were referenced as well in piloting an emerging foresight methodology using an electronic Delphi Survey platform. The 2022 National Health Demographic Survey (NDHS) major health issues were framed as Delphi survey questions with indicators in identifying possible health interventions and its realization through WHO’s health system building blocks. Thirteen (13) Delphi survey respondents using the eDelphi platform assessed the urgency of each major issue as an anticipated health need and evaluated the importance, awareness, and realization of identified possible health interventions. The research process and results of the pilot study will be presented in this public lecture.
The American Colonial Origins of Filipinization
Charlie Samuya Veric, PhD
Leong Institute Lectures in Philippine Studies Fellow
The lecture reconstructs how Filipinization as a colonial policy became the basis of postcolonial identity. Contrary to conventional wisdom, I argue that decolonization did not take place after colonization. Rather, Filipino decolonization evolved with US colonialism. The story of how Filipinization came to be is, in short, the yet untold story of the strange but successful American experiment with a new form of governmentality in the 20th century: Imperialism without imperialists. Looking at American colonial policies following the successful occupation of the Philippines in 1898, I will reconstruct the twin rise of US colonialism and Filipino decolonization, demonstrating how the former became the enabling context for the emergence of the latter. Using historiographical methods in American Studies and Philippine Studies, as well as archival documents and newspaper accounts, I will track the emergence of Filipinization and shed light on its development as a colonial policy and, later, as a political thought from 1898 to 1946 when the US granted independence to the Philippines. Contained in this evolution—wherein Filipinization, independence, and decolonization bled into each other—was the dual development of the colonial US into a neocolonial power, and of the colonized Philippines into a postcolonial nation.
Tagpuan Office Blessing
Tagpuan Office Blessing
Tagpuan: Center for Dialogue, Research, and Collaboration has a new home at the 2nd Floor of the Old Communication Building.
To mark this milestone and renew its commitment to bridging cultural divides, Tagpuan hosted an Office Blessing rite and Salu-salo on Friday, October 10.
Tagpuan is a key component of the Lux-in-Domino Strategic Plan 2030 goals, working toward effective intervention and thought leadership to minimize misinformation and polarization. The Center is designed to produce knowledge, take action, and design solutions to societal divisions. Its core objective is to raise the capacity of Ateneo de Manila and its stakeholders to facilitate dialogue that can convene critically important conversations to find common ground and influence internal and external communities. Ultimately, Tagpuan is envisioned to help advance Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti/Culture of Encounter
Guests arrived starting at 2:30 PM for the blessing rite, which took place from 2:45 PM to 3:15 PM. Following the blessing, attendees celebrated with simple snacks and fellowship until 4:30 PM. Tagpuan remains dedicated to fostering a culture of encounter through meaningful conversations and collaborations in its new location.
In case you missed it
In case you missed it
Global TEMPEST Project on Typhoon Economic Impact
Global TEMPEST Project on Typhoon Economic Impact
How do typhoons impact firms, workers, and the broader economy in the Philippines? This is the central question of TEMPEST, a global research initiative investigating the effects of these powerful climate shocks on disaster-prone economies. The project examines business disruption, strategic adaptation, and worker security to understand what factors make some firms more resilient than others.
Representing Ateneo de Manila University as an external partner is Dr. Maire Carroline Magante of the School of Social Sciences. She joins a collaborative team led by Oslo Business School, with partners from BI Norwegian Business School, The World Bank, and the University of the Philippines.
Funded by the Research Council of Norway, the project recently held a workshop at Ateneo. By combining firm-level data and policy insights, TEMPEST aims to generate evidence to help build more responsive and inclusive disaster policies for businesses and the people who depend on them.
"The Sociology of Crisis and Care: Navigating Tensions, Charting Alternatives.
"The Sociology of Crisis and Care: Navigating Tensions, Charting Alternatives.
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology would like to congratulate our faculty, undergraduate and graduate students who participated in "The Sociology of Crisis and Care: Navigating Tensions, Charting Alternatives."held at Ateneo de Davao University from October 1 to 3, 2025.We are proud of our students and faculty for their invaluable contributions to the knowledge and practices of care in various contexts of crises and social change.We also highlight that this conference marks the first public presentation of the initial version of the Philippine Sociology Roadmap 2040, made in collaboration by the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)
Navigating the News in an Evolving Information Age
American journalist and professor Gary Kebbel led the session, offering attendees a deep dive into the dynamic U.S. media landscape and the critical importance of technology in connecting newsrooms with their audiences. Kebbel shared insights shaped by his decades of experience in both digital and print journalism, having held influential positions such as Night Graphics Editor at USA TODAY, Home Page Editor at Washington Post.com, and Director of AOL News. He is also the founder of the MobileMe&You Annual Conference.
Navigating the News in an Evolving Information Age
American journalist and professor Gary Kebbel led the session, offering attendees a deep dive into the dynamic U.S. media landscape and the critical importance of technology in connecting newsrooms with their audiences. Kebbel shared insights shaped by his decades of experience in both digital and print journalism, having held influential positions such as Night Graphics Editor at USA TODAY, Home Page Editor at Washington Post.com, and Director of AOL News. He is also the founder of the MobileMe&You Annual Conference.
The lecture, which ran from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, was conducted in a hybrid format, welcoming participants onsite at the Communication Studio, 3/F Social Sciences Building, and online via Zoom, providing valuable guidance on how to responsibly consume and process news in the current complex information environment.
2025 Asian Women Journalists for Media Freedom Regional Conference
2025 Asian Women Journalists for Media Freedom Regional Conference
On August 7, ACFJ hosted the 2025 Asian Women Journalists for Media Freedom Regional Conference, bringing together media leaders from across Asia — including Pia Ranada, Gretchen Ho, Jofelle Tesorio, Atty. Emerlynne Gil (TrustLaw), CHR Chair Richard Palpal-latoc, PCW Chair Ermelita Valdeavilla, and other trailblazing journalists.
65 Years of Formation: A Look Back at the Psychology Department’s Journey
65 Years of Formation: A Look Back at the Psychology Department’s Journey
The Psychology Department proudly hosted its first-ever Undergraduate Alumni Homecoming on September 20, 2025, in celebration of our 65th year. Singson Hall was filled with heartfelt conversations, shared stories, and laughter as graduates reconnected and reminisced about their time on the Loyola Campus.
From recent alumni to those who graduated decades ago, it was a beautiful gathering of renewed bonds and shared milestones. Thank you to everyone who came home and made the event a resounding success! Here are some highlights from our memorable afternoon.
On September 10, 2025, the Ateneo Chinese Studies Program (CSP), in partnership with the Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies, Ricardo Leong Institute for Global and Area Studies, and the Department of Development Studies, hosted the symposium “Philippines–China Relations at 50: A Symposium on Questions, Answers, and Ways Forward.”
CSP Director Sidney Christopher Bata opened the event, which commemorated 50 years of diplomatic relations. Faculty Aaron S. Medina led the invocation. The discussion featured Jovino Miroy (Dept. of Philosophy) advocating for “social friendship,” and Wilfredo Torres III (Dept. of Sociology and Anthropology) stressing cultural appreciation. Fr. Aristotle Dy (President of Ateneo de Naga) discussed the historical Jesuit legacy in China, while Lucio Pitlo III (CSP) surveyed the current diplomatic landscape. Jed Rabena (UP Asian Center) served as Arbiter, Harveen Jhendall Ang (CSP) hosted, and Erwin Guile Dizon (Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies) delivered the closing remarks.
Last 16 September, we were pleased to have in our company Clifford Robin Li on the topic of navigating one's Chinese Filipino identity in the United States.
In his lecture, Li, a proud Chinoy, detailed his fierce struggle to find identity in a heavily multi-ethnic country. This journey, for him, has been nothing short of an adventure that still continues to this very day.
K-Traditional Dance Lecture-Workshop
K-Traditional Dance Lecture-Workshop
The Ateneo Korean Studies Program thanks the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines for bringing the insightful K-Traditional Dance Lecture-Workshop last August 5.
Students enthusiastically embraced the session, learning the graceful and elegant movements of traditional Korean dance. While the steps weren't exactly "Chungha style," participants deeply connected with the rhythm and tradition. It was a successful day that fostered an appreciation for K-culture, blending education, movement, and fun.
TOPIK IBT Hosting
TOPIK IBT Hosting
The Ateneo Korean Studies Program, operating under the Dr. Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences (SOSS), successfully hosted the 8th Test of Proficiency in Korean Internet-based Test (TOPIK IBT) in the Philippines on September 13, 2025.
The globally recognized language assessment—which evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills—drew examinees from across the country to the Rizal Library within the Loyola Heights campus. TOPIK I was administered in the morning, followed by TOPIK II in the afternoon.
Crucial technical support was provided by IT personnel from the Office of the Vice President for Digital Information and Technology Services (OVP-DITS), ensuring stable connectivity and the integrity of the computer systems throughout the examination.
Ateneo de Manila University serves as the exclusive testing center authorized by the NIIED of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Education to conduct the TOPIK IBT in the Philippines. Test results are scheduled for release on the TOPIK website on October 2.
On the Horizon
On the Horizon
In celebration of 𝐉𝐒𝐏 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝐊𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢 架け橋,
The Ateneo Japanese Studies Program of the Dr. Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences is hosting exciting events organized by various JPN classes in partnership with JICC of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, and Japan-related student organizations, Hinomoto and Touyou no Shinju.
Dates: October 20 to 24, 2025
Venue: Loyola Height campus
Visit https://bit.ly/JSPWeek2025 or scan the QR code for JSP Week 2025 schedule of activities and registration.
This event is open to Ateneo students, alumni, teaching and non-teaching staff.
Join us in discovering various aspects of Japanese culture!
Applications still open for aspiring young content creators of Indian and Korean heritage in Metro Manila. We’d love to work with you to showcase the rich cultural diversity of our shared community! Be part of a fully-funded training camp hosted by the Migrant Influencers Collab Project at Goldsmiths, University of London (The MIC Project) in partnership with the Ateneo de Manila University Asian Center for Journalism (ACFJ) and the University of the Philippines Korea Research Center (UPKRC), where you’ll learn from established content creators and collaborate across cultures.
Access the link to the application forms here until October 10:
https://bit.ly/Application-MICProject
I-access ang Taglish na bersyon dito:
Reading List
Reading List
New Consumers in the Global South
No Longer Poor, Not Yet Middle Class
Anna Cristina Pertierra , Rosana Pinheiro-Machado , Tingting Liu , Czarina Saloma
and Ahtziri Molina
The book presents a wide-ranging exploration of new consumer cultures of the former urban poor across four different cities: Guangzhou, Metro Manila, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro. It aims to reorient current discussions about consumer culture and economic development, bringing explorations of the cultural dimensions of globalization and the economy to a transregional scale. In doing so, the book contributes to interdisciplinary discussions of culture and globalisation by documenting the rise and importance of some of the world’s largest and fastest growing groups of consumers
Populist Leaders
Populist Leaders
By Ronald A. Pernia, Rogelio Alicor L. Panao
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
Why do some populist leaders in Southeast Asia face impeachment and ousting, while others get re-elected, serve their full terms, and even earn the record highest approval ratings in their country's post-authoritarian political landscape? In this chapter, we argue that populist leaders strategically align or adjust their personalism to match the public's materialist and collectivist preferences. In so doing, citizens reward them with increased electoral and political support. However, in the pursuit of these objectives, autocratic tendencies may arise. Ultimately, the political fate of populist leaders hinges on their choices to oppose or align with the “Establishment” i.e., mainstream political forces.
Pinheiro-Machado, R., Rivera, M. P., Alves da Silva, W. G., Ray, R. G., Frid, M., & de Souza, J. M. (2025). Flexible work, rigid politics: Platformization, aspirations, and the making of the authoritariat in the global south. Dialogues on Digital Society, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/29768640251379552
This article examines the intersection of flexible digital labor and rigid authoritarian politics in the Global South. Based on ethnographies in Brazil, India, and the Philippines, it introduces the concept of the authoritariat to describe segments of the working class drawn to reactionary populism through a combination of economic precarity and aspirational desire. Major digital labor platforms, as ideological technologies, enable a bifurcation that recenters the individual and fosters a perceived detachment from politics, thereby deepening the abyss between labor and political life. As platform work and digital entrepreneurship reshape notions of success, autonomy, and class identity, many workers come to embrace authoritarian leaders who promise order, moral certainty, and opportunity. The article argues that the emotional and economic logic of the digital economy play a key role in transforming political subjectivity. Far from passive victims or ideologically radicalized citizens, these individuals navigate a contradictory terrain of exclusion and self-worth.
Congratulations to Dr. Alvin Ang for co-authoring the book chapter, “Institutionalizing an Origin Country’s System to Assist Crisis-Affected Migrant Workers: The Case of the Philippines.” Featured in the Handbook of Research on Migration, COVID-19 and Cities, this chapter examines the institutional frameworks designed to support Filipino migrant workers during global crises.
Congratulations to Dr. Leonardo A. Lanzona, who served as the principal editor for the Millennial Asia Special Issue, "The Philippine Development Crisis: Learning from East Asian Countries." This Scopus-indexed volume brings together insightful analyses of the nation's development challenges, drawing valuable lessons from the experiences of its East Asian neighbor
We are proud to announce the latest work from Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago, titled “Towards a Sustainable Public Transport: Finding a Niche to Build Electric Vehicle Industry.” Her research explores key strategies and opportunities for developing a sustainable public transport system and fostering a local electric vehicle industry.
Congratulations to Dr. Benjamin Radoc on his co-authored article, “Communicating Policy Change Strategically: A Literature Review.” Using the Philippines' Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program as a case study, the article reviews evidence-based communication approaches that are crucial for shaping policy outcomes and encouraging public support
Congratulations to Jeremiah Estela Magoncia and Michelle Camille Correa on the publication of their book chapters in "Changing Cultural Landscapes of South Korea"!
Published by Palgrave Macmillan (2025) as part of the "Asia Pacific Cultures, Communities and Landscapes" series, this volume explores contemporary shifts in South Korean culture.
Their insightful chapters include:
“Being San/Dara: Self-Presentation and Flexible Citizenship Among Korean Diasporic Celebrities in the Philippines” by Michelle Camille Correa (Curtin University / Ateneo de Manila University)
Baka Naman Pwede
Baka Naman Pwede
In celebration of its 65th anniversary, the Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC) held a special retrospective episode of its program, "Baka Naman Pwede?," last September 18, 2025.
The episode looked back on the IPC's milestone anniversary, celebrating its legacy of meaningful research and collaboration in advancing inclusive change. Hosted by Dr. Niño Leviste, the discussion featured former directors Dr. Melissa Lao and Mr. Joey Sescon. Through personal recollections and insights, they explored how the institute's past has shaped its present and continues to carve out its future.
"Baka Naman Pwede?" is IPC’s knowledge dissemination initiative, offering a culturally sensitive and evidence-based analysis of contemporary social issues from a multidisciplinary social sciences perspective.
Catch the RenewHealth team Wellness Wednesdays every second Wednesday of the month from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM!
Where to tune in:
Radio: 87.9 FM (around Ateneo)
Online Audio: zeno.fm/radio/rk879fm
On September 6, 2025, ACFJ brought together 27 Eastern Visayas journalists at the Summit Hotel Tacloban for the workshop Staying Smart, Staying Safe: AI and Digital Security for Journalists. From exploring how AI is reshaping the newsroom to practicing digital safety skills, participants gained insights to help them stay secure and thrive in today’s evolving media environment. This workshop was made possible by IMS (International Media Support) and PLDT & Smart Communities .
Journalism faculty members from the Department of Communication, Dr Rosita G Leong School of Social Sciences of Ateneo de Manila University share their origin stories and initial exposure to the discipline and call of journalism.
Hosted and produced by Pia Hontiveros
Directed by Glen Lopez
Special thanks to: Tina Barbin, Chito de la Vega, Paterno Esmaquel II, Chay Hofileña, John Nery & Veejay Villafranca
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Originally conceived as a primer/ invitation for students on why they should consider Journalism as an undergraduate track, and as video celebrating World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2025, this conversation takes on a deeper meaning in the light of recent discussions on journalistic responsibility over interviews that may surface or bring to the fore ethical issues on wealth generation and accountability over public funds.
This editor's note reflects on the evolving role and responsibilities of journalism today, prompted by recent debates in August 2025 over journalistic ethics, wealth, and public accountability.
The series poses a critical question for our time: What differentiates a journalist from a social media content creator? As journalists turn to online platforms, it explores whether their fundamental duty to probe for accountability ends where the license to simply entertain begins.
Framed within the larger crisis of news industry sustainability and declining public trust, this conversation doesn't claim to have all the answers. Instead, it serves as a timely call for journalists and citizens alike to pause and reflect on the most fundamental question: In an age of endless content, what is journalism's true purpose?
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