Wednesday, October 15, 2025

CAEc Faculty Meeting last October 15, 2025

Key Takeaways from CAEc Faculty Online Meeting

Administrative Updates

Third quarter accomplishment report submissions are due Friday for the town hall meeting
CQPR deadline has been moved to October 27
Noland is tasked with preparing a PowerPoint presentation showing percentage of accomplishments
Budget utilization report needs to be updated
Faculty Club membership has changed due to some members leaving

Wellness Program Planning

Elizabeth presented a proposal for faculty and staff badminton sessions
Sessions will be held every Friday starting end of October
Budget of 20,000 allocated (15K for venue, 5K for snacks and drinks)
Format includes warm-up, games, and cooldown activities
Need to secure shuttlecocks and equipment
Activity will be attached to WFP for budget allocation

Tra Vinh Meeting Preparation

Meeting scheduled for tomorrow from 9-11 AM
Elizabeth to prepare presentation about CAEC programs
Jennifer will host and provide opening remarks
Presentation will focus on internationalization efforts
Need to prepare for discussion on potential collaboration

Student Collaboration Projects

Planning for economics-related student activities
Students will collaborate on econometrics methods and review articles
Activities will include both synchronous and asynchronous sessions
Students need to provide evidence of teamwork (screenshots, collaborative work)

2026 Regional Convention Planning

USEP will host the 2026 JPES Regional Convention and MinFECOS Festival
Event will bring together approximately 700 participants from various universities
Three-day program focusing on academic competitions, sports, and cultural activities
David and Bautista to draft an integrated activity design by next week
Need to coordinate with RB and Justin to finalize plans
Justin to include the regional convention in LC action plan for 2026
Noland to assist with booking facilities

Student Organization Coordination

Discussion about integrating JPES and MinFECOS events
Concerns about National Council approval for separate MinFECOS organization
Need for better coordination between Local Council, ACONS, and JPES
Challenges with student participation and registration fees
Discussion about implementing membership fees for academic organizations

Event Logistics Considerations

Need for external facilitators for competitions to avoid bias
Budget proposal of approximately 100K for honorariums, judges, facilitators
Concerns about accommodating Muslim participants (halal food requirements)
Challenges with booking university facilities for events
Need to coordinate with university administration for approvals

Quick recap

The meeting covered various operational updates including team member attendance and preparations for upcoming submissions and reports. The group discussed plans for student wellness programs, international conferences, and economics-related activities, with specific focus on badminton sessions and academic competitions. The conversation ended with discussions about organizing regional conventions and festivals, addressing budget allocations, and implementing membership fees for academic organizations.

Next steps

Summary

Team Attendance and Training Updates

The meeting participants discussed the status of various team members, noting that some were absent or engaged in other activities. They mentioned a training session related to PRDP and discussed the need for a roll call. Rizamae inquired about the absence of certain team members, including Balubayan, and asked for updates on their whereabouts.

Quarterly Reports and Program Planning

The meeting focused on updates and preparations for upcoming submissions and meetings. Staff members discussed the third quarter report and accomplishment submissions due on Friday, which will be reviewed during the town hall meeting. They also addressed the need to prepare a PowerPoint presentation with percentage accomplishments and financial utilization reports. The group reviewed requirements for a student wellness program and planned for a meeting with students to revive a festival for next year. Dr. Jennifer Hinlo inquired about formal submission procedures for research indicators, and it was clarified that email confirmation of submission is sufficient.

Badminton Wellness Program Planning

The meeting discussed the planning and budgeting for a wellness program involving badminton activities. Elizabeth presented a proposal for a weekly badminton session, including a warm-up, games, and a cooldown, with a budget of 20,000 for snacks and drinks. The group agreed to start the program by the end of October, with sessions held every Friday. They also discussed the need to secure shuttlecocks and other equipment, with Jennifer suggesting to attach the activity to the WFP for budget allocation.

International Conference Planning Meeting

The meeting focused on planning an upcoming international conference, with discussions about the schedule, participants, and presentation topics. Jennifer and Rupert coordinated the agenda, including opening remarks, sessions on internationalization, and a main event featuring presentations by Shawn and others. They also discussed the need for a call for papers and the formation of committees to review submissions and handle logistics. Elizabeth was tasked with preparing an outline for her presentation, focusing on the use of nationalization and related topics.

Econometrics Student Collaboration Project

The meeting focused on planning an economics-related activity for students. Jennifer suggested that students could work together on econometrics methods, review articles, and present their findings. The activity would be conducted over several weeks, with students meeting both synchronously and asynchronously to collaborate. Rupert agreed to this approach and mentioned that the activity would be part of a longer-term project. The group also discussed the need for students to provide evidence of their teamwork, such as screenshots of meetings or collaborative work.

Festival Planning and Activities Update

The meeting discussed preparations for an upcoming festival and inter-school activities, including a debate competition and a showcase of student knowledge. Participants agreed to adjust the topics and activities based on the current situation, considering mental health and logistical challenges. They also talked about previous events and the need for better facilities. The group decided to proceed with online activities and discussed the possibility of introducing new games or events.

2026 JPES Regional Convention Plans

The meeting discussed plans for the 2026 JPES Regional Convention and MinFECOS Festival, which will be hosted by USEP. The event aims to bring together 700 participants, including students and alumni from various universities in Mindanao, for a three-day program focusing on academic competitions, sports, and cultural activities. The convention will feature events such as debates, policy discussions, innovation pitching, and sports competitions, with the goal of promoting collaboration, critical thinking, and unity among young economists in the region. The local council and ACONS will collaborate to organize the event, with ACONS leading the academic competitions and the local council handling the social and cultural activities.

Minfikos Integration with Regional Convention

The meeting discussed the planning and integration of the Minfikos event with the upcoming regional convention in Mindanao. David and Samantha provided updates on the current status of registered schools and challenges in reaching out to potential participants. USeP_Rupert emphasized the need for an integrated activity design that includes both JPES and Minfikos events, suggesting a name change to "2026 Regional Convention in Mindanao Festival." The group also addressed issues with the National Council's approval and the need to establish a separate page for Minfikos. Bautista inquired about the composition of Minfikos officers, and USeP_Rupert clarified that representatives would be selected from the president's office and faculty.

Event Planning and Council Integration

The meeting focused on organizing an upcoming event, with discussions on integrating economic organizations, selecting representatives, and addressing tensions with the national council. David explained their plan to establish regional councils starting in 2023 and suggested forming an annual events committee. Samantha raised concerns about facilitators from USEP potentially being biased, and the group discussed the need for external facilitators for certain competitions like debates. The participants also touched on budgetary proposals, event planning, and the involvement of faculty members in organizing activities.

Student Engagement and Budget Planning

The meeting discussed concerns about student participation and budget allocation for an upcoming event. Justin raised issues about low student involvement in previous activities and difficulties with registration fees, while Rupert suggested exploring new mechanisms to encourage participation. The group also talked about the need for a general assembly and potential collaboration with local government. They agreed to prepare for next year's activities, including possible meetings with mayors and addressing financial concerns.

Academic Fees and Convention Planning

The meeting discussed the implementation of membership fees for academic organizations, with concerns about the bureaucratic process and student sensitivity to costs. The group also addressed the planning and budgeting for an upcoming regional convention, including venue bookings and activity designs. David presented a budget proposal of 100K for the event, which includes honorariums for speakers, judges, facilitators, and talent. The team agreed to revise the activity design based on suggestions and coordinate with RB and Justin for finalization.

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