Ateneo Economics Department honors the best undergraduate research in economics for SY 2023-24

In a celebration of academic excellence, the Best Undergraduate Thesis in Economics Showcase and Awarding Ceremony for the school year 2023-2024 has culminated, highlighting the exceptional work of budding economists. Hosted by the Department of Economics, the event spotlighted groundbreaking research shedding light on pressing socio-economic issues.

The pinnacle of the ceremony was the announcement of the winners, whose meticulous research and insightful analyses stood out among their peers. Taking the coveted first place were Claudio A. Armengol and Erin Ysobelle L. Muhi, both from the 4th year AB Economics program. Their thesis titled "Beyond Closed Doors: Unveiling the Socioeconomic Triggers of Intimate Partner Violence against Women" delved into a critical yet often overlooked aspect of gender-based violence, providing valuable insights for policymakers and advocates.

Securing the second spot were Samuel Franklin T. Gomez and Bryon Angelo A. Ng with their thesis titled "The Return on Investment in Education for Filipino Women: Revisiting Gender Gaps in Opportunity in the Philippine Labor Market." Their research shed light on the economic implications of education for Filipino women, highlighting the importance of addressing gender disparities in the workforce.

Lance Patrick C. Pangilinan and Maria Francesca P. Firmalo clinched the third spot with their thesis "Foreign Aid and Savings Nexus: A Meta-Review," offering a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between foreign aid and savings, with implications for economic development strategies.

Additionally, special recognition was bestowed upon Jeff Nathan E. Mearns, Mico Lorenzo L. Minerva, John Andrew A. Alsol, and Zed Tristan L. Dy for their outstanding research contributions.

Mearns and Minerva were acknowledged for their thesis titled "Determinants Of A Filipino Youth’s Engagement In The Creative Economy," which explored the factors influencing youth participation in the creative sector, crucial for harnessing the nation's creative potential.

Alsol and Dy's thesis titled "Balancing Act: Controlling Child Quantity-Quality Trade-off in Philippine Households with Educational and Health Social Programs" garnered praise for its examination of policies aimed at striking a balance between the quantity and quality of children in Filipino households, addressing socio-economic challenges at the grassroots level.

The success of these research endeavors wouldn't have been possible without the guidance and support of dedicated thesis advisers. Dr. Maire Carroline Magante, Dr. Edsel L. Beja Jr., and Dr. Rosalina P. Tan were acknowledged for their invaluable mentorship, nurturing the academic growth of the students.

Furthermore, the Selection Committee comprising Dr. Geoffrey Ducanes, Dr. Cristina Bautista, and Ms. Marilou Perez was commended for their meticulous evaluation of the theses, ensuring fairness and integrity in the selection process.

The Best Undergraduate Thesis in Economics Showcase and Awarding Ceremony not only celebrates academic achievements but also underscores the importance of research in addressing complex socio-economic challenges. As these budding economists embark on their future endeavors, their impactful research serves as a testament to the transformative power of economics in shaping a better tomorrow.

See more photos from the event HERE.