“ECONS” GO NATIONWIDE as the San Beda Economics Society (SBES), in partnership with the Junior Philippine Economics Society (JPES), hosted Equinomix, an annual economics event, by organizing a two-day event last November 10 and 25.
With the theme, “Navigating National and International Economic Challenges,” the two informative events focused on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) eco-political path to a sustainable economy and addressing socioeconomic disparities.
Day 1: Greening The Future
The first event on November 10 focused on the idea of “Greening the Future,” with Mr. Salvio Valenzuela Jr. M.A. econ, MDM, as their speaker, an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Practice Group Project Advisor at BKR Asia Pacific and the Chief of Staff at the Philippines Constructors Association.
Valenzuela shared his positive appreciation of San Beda University’s (SBU) initiative to be a Laudato Si’ school, saying that “We need to take part in all the environmental initiatives, I think this is a good move for San Beda. We need more programs that work on the protection and sustainability of the environment, in the future.”
Furthermore, he pointed out how sustainable development will only be achieved when there is a “greening growth” or a growth in our economic, environmental, and social factors. Mentioning that our environment is our natural capital, giving as an example the Philippines’ Rice Terraces.
As a former Bedan himself, the ESG Practice Group Project Advisor shared how he relates to students who are not as mindful of the environmental issues before.
“I’ve been there, and after a few years I just realized that it is one of the critical segments of the society, and this initiative should be implemented and the environment should be taken care of, we have to ensure that we use our resources thinking that the next generation will also use these resources,” he encouraged.
Jaca Luis Astudillo, the president of SBES, remarked how students must be taught the importance of environmental sustainability and its importance to nation-building. “Some may argue that it may be redundant or common sense but we believe that discussion is imperative on this matter to make it fresh and active on the perception of the students and listeners rather than an idea or concept that is in the back of everyone’s head,” he commented.
Day 2: Bayanihanomics
The next event of Equinomix 2023 was launched on November 25 at the Jonathan Sy Auditorium entitled, “Bayanihanomics: Sama-samang Pakikilahok para sa Matibay na Ekonomiya.” Delegates from different universities under the cluster of JPES, as well as different internal organizations, were invited.
Astudillo shared the vision of tackling socio-political issues in the country that they believe should be actively perceived and participated on by students. “All these seek to inform, remind, and enlighten people,” he remarked.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon served as the first speaker of the second day’s event. Her keynote presentation entitled, “Inclusive Growth in ASEAN: Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities”, discussed the state of ASEAN’s social economic affairs, while emphasizing the concept of a “Matatatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay” for the Philippines.
Usec. Edlillon pointed out that economic growth, alone, could sustain the Philippines. “Growth is simply making something bigger. Development makes something better–allowing one to reach their full potential,” Usec. Edillion shared. Moreover, she spoke of the different ways the country can achieve economic growth and development; seeking economic transformation for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society.
The President of the Rotary Club of Midtown Quezon City, Mr. Mark Jacinto served as the next keynote speaker for the day. Mr. Jacinto’s keynote presentation revolved around United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country, shedding light on the country’s current progress and priorities.
After the insightful and substantial presentation, JPES proceeded to its awarding ceremony, which they coined as Eqwitty 2023. Three total contests were held for all participating delegates for the event.
First was the Meme Contest, where willing participants were tasked to create memes relating to their program or their experience as an economics student. Next, the Editorial Cartooning Contest, and last, a Position Paper Contest. Willing Ekonomista artists and writers made either editorial cartoons or position papers, sparking conversations about the economic landscape.
With Equinomix 2023 coming to a close, future Ekonomistas have widened their horizons. From the speakers’ keynote presentations about environmental sustainability, ASEAN Socio-Economics, the Philippines’ action and progress towards the SDGs, and break rooms, spawning discussions and raising awareness in the youth of today.
As such, Astudillo then concluded how “Discussion creates ideas, and ideas promote discussion, thus creating a cycle of awareness. With awareness, people will tend to consider the importance of environmental sustainability.”
(With D.S. Elijah de Castro)
ERRATUM: In the printed version of this article in the November-December 2023 Regular Issue, Astudillo’s surname was spelled as Estudillo. The editors deeply regret the error.