The Philippine APEC Study Center Network (PASCN), under the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), continues to solidify its role as the country’s premiere hub for APEC-related academic collaboration. Established under Administrative Order No. 303 in 1996, it serves as the focal point for APEC-related research and collaboration in the Philippines.
PASCN continues to advance its mission of fostering research and knowledge exchange among Philippine higher education institutions by formalizing partnerships with key network members.
A series of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2024 strengthened PASCN’s commitment to enhancing research collaboration on Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) agendas. These collaborations aim to advance research initiatives, capacity-building programs, and policy advocacy efforts across diverse academic disciplines.
The network is now gearing up for further expansion. Partnerships were formalized with four institutions in 2024 and more are lined up in 2025. Ateneo de Manila University hosted the first MOU signing in Quezon City, followed by Silliman University in Dumaguete City. The University of Asia and the Pacific and the Asian Institute of Management capped the year with a joint MOU signing in Makati City.
PASCN is set to sustain the momentum of collaboration by signing new MOUs in 2025 with academic institutions across the Philippines, including the University of San Carlos, De La Salle University in Manila, Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan), the University of the Philippines System, Central Luzon State University, and the Mindanao State University System.
These partnerships will reinforce PASCN’s presence across the country, strengthening its capacity to address regional and national development challenges through research and collaboration.
Alongside the MOU signings, roadshows are conducted to bring programs closer to network members. These feature discussions on PASCN’s four main initiatives: the Research Program, which generates studies on APEC and Asia-Pacific economies; the Thesis and Dissertation Assistance Program, which supports graduate students conducting research on APEC-related issues; the Information Dissemination and Publications Program, which organizes conferences and workshops to share research findings; and the Technical Assistance Program, which provides expert support on trade and economic matters.
PASCN has supported research on APEC-related issues and promoted cooperation among academic institutions in the Philippines since its establishment. Through its growing network, it will continue to serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and policy innovation, aligned with both national development priorities and APEC’s long-term objectives.
Learn more about PASCN at https://pascn.pids.gov.ph. ###
