UA&P, Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines forge partnership to advance thought leadership on PH economy

The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) and Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines, the Philippine member firm of the global PricewaterhouseCoopers network, have strengthened the ties between academia and industry with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 8, 2026, paving the way for deeper collaboration in research, executive education, and thought leadership on the Philippine economy and key industry sectors.

The agreement formalizes a shared commitment to bridge academic research and industry practice by combining UA&P's expertise in business economics with PwC Philippines' extensive experience across industries.

Under the partnership, the two institutions will collaborate on research publications, white papers, and other knowledge resources, while jointly organizing economic briefings, roundtable discussions, seminars, webinars, conferences, and other learning initiatives for business leaders, policymakers, and the wider community.

The MOU was signed by UA&P President Atty. John Philip R. Yeung and Dr. Victor A. Abola, Program Director of the University's Strategic Business Economics Program (SBEP), together with PwC Philippines Chairman and Senior Partner Roderick M. Danao and Assurance and Academe Development Partner Lois Gregorio-Abad.

UA&P President Atty. John Philip R. Yeung (2nd from right) and Dr. Victor A. Abola (rightmost), Program Director of the University's Strategic Business Economics Program (SBEP), together with PwC Philippines Chairman and Senior Partner Roderick M. Danao (2nd from left) and Assurance and Academe Development Partner Lois Gregorio-Abad.

Dr. Peter Lee U, Dean of the School of Economics (SEC), noted that PwC Philippines has long been among the organizations that have entrusted the professional development of their executives to UA&P's Strategic Business Economics Program (SBEP).

“UA&P is home to arguably the best business economics school in the country. We owe much of this reputation to our long association with partners like PwC who have entrusted the development of many of their executives to SBEP, as well as given us the opportunity to work with them in developing Philippine business through our business economics analysis and expertise. We look forward to many more years of partnership with PwC through this MOU."

For his part, SBEP Director Dr. Victor Abola highlighted the broader purpose of the collaboration.

“We are honored to partner with one of the world's largest auditing firms, PwC (Isla Lipana, locally), in offering short seminars for thought leaders, including top executives and policymakers. This alliance is based on shared values—Christian values and integrity, professional excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the common good."

The signatories with representatives from UA&P and PwC Philippines (standing): Pam Gregorio, Human Capital, Inclusion, and Diversity Leader; Trissy Rogacion, Deals and Corporate Finance Partner; Brando Cabalsi, Tax Partner; Dr. Fe Gladys Golo, UA&P Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs; Ms. Viory Janeo, Vice Dean of the School of Economics and University Secretary; Ms. Alonica Salazar, Program Manager of SBEP; Dr. Peter Lee U, Dean of the UA&P School of Economics; and Mr. Marco Agonia, faculty member of SEC.

The collaboration reinforces UA&P's mission of serving society through relevant scholarship and meaningful engagement with industry. By bringing together academic rigor and professional practice, the University and PwC Philippines aim to contribute evidence-based insights that support informed decision-making and promote sustainable national development.#