Yuchengco Center

Yuchengco Center The Yuchengco Center is a non-stock, non-profit think tank hosted by De La Salle University.

54th Anniversary of the Declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines54 years ago, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. signed...
21/09/2026

54th Anniversary of the Declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines

54 years ago, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. signed Proclamation No. 1081 declaring Martial Law over the entire Philippines.

It is worth remembering the contributions of those who pushed back when the democratic space was threatened and curtailed. Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco is listed in the Bantayog ng mga Bayani for standing in solidarity; through "his quiet involvement, in the form of valuable moral and material assistance, gave hope" to those who wanted to restore democracy. (https://bantayogngmgabayani.org/bayani/yuchengco-alfonso/)

In her paper titled “Participatory Democracy in a Time of Democratic Backsliding, Populism, and Polarization”, Yuchengco Center President Dr. Cleo Anne Calimbahin underscores that a restored democracy needs active citizen participation, even when the political environment is not ideal: "Sustained citizen engagement between elections, access to information, consultation, and shared decision-making even as structural barriers such as electoralism, patronage politics and inequality limit meaningful participation."

Below are some materials about Philippine democracy from faculty and Fellows affiliated with The Yuchengco Center:

Calimbahin, C. A. (2026, January). Participatory democracy in a time of democratic backsliding, populism, and polarization. Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia. https://th.boell.org/en/2026/02/14/participatory-democracy

Kasuya, Y., & Calimbahin, C. A. A. (2024). Democratic backsliding in the Philippines: Are voters becoming illiberal? Asian Journal of Comparative Politics, 9(1), 121-132. https://doi.org/10.1177/20578911221136263

Julio Teehankee and Cleo Calimbahin. (2020). Mapping the Philippines' Defective Democracy. Asian Affairs: An American Review. DOI: 10.1080/00927678.2019.1702801

Borja, A. L. A., Torneo, A. R., & Hecita, I. J. R. (2024). Challenges to Democratization from the Perspective of Political Inaction: Insights into Political Disempowerment and Citizenship in the Philippines. Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, 44(1), 3–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/18681034241239060

The enumerated readings highlight the significance of participating in the democratic process as a means of contributing to society, instilling hope, and paving the way towards a brighter future.

Learn more about the Yuchengco Center here:
https://old.dlsu.edu.ph/research/research-centers/yuchengco-center/

Reflections on the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections 2026The Yuchengco Center presents this policy brief by Mr. Kebart ...
19/09/2026

Reflections on the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections 2026

The Yuchengco Center presents this policy brief by Mr. Kebart Licayan, a PhD candidate of the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University detailing a succinct policy brief regarding the recent Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections 2026.

Dr. Kevin Agojo, a Yuchengco Center Research Fellow, introduces this article with this preface:
“The first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections represent a significant milestone in the region’s pursuit of enduring peace and development. The cases of election-related violence and other irregularities warrant serious attention. Still, these should not overshadow the substantial gains achieved through decades of peace-building efforts. Despite these challenges, the elections signal a hopeful trajectory toward a stronger Bangsamoro – one built on democratic participation and institutional governance rather than on armed struggle to achieve political objectives.”

Access the policy brief through this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eNaBwfzYogdSfNPEStiF-GPtVs5JthbL/view?usp=sharing

Note: The views expressed by the author(s) of this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the Yuchengco Center, De La Salle University or the Yuchengco Group of Companies.

Learn more about the Yuchengco Center here:
https://old.dlsu.edu.ph/research/research-centers/yuchengco-center/

NATIONAL HEROES’ DAYThe Yuchengco Center commemorates the honorable sacrifices made by our great heroes. Pursuant to Pro...
31/08/2026

NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY

The Yuchengco Center commemorates the honorable sacrifices made by our great heroes. Pursuant to Proclamation No. 1006, s. 2025, declaring August 31, 2026 a regular holiday in observance of National Heroes’ Day, the Yuchengco Center will be closed today. Regular operations will continue tomorrow, September 1, 2026.

‘Southeast Asia’s Diverse Political Terrains: Challenges of Democracy and Development through the Prism of Time’ Symposi...
27/08/2026

‘Southeast Asia’s Diverse Political Terrains: Challenges of Democracy and Development through the Prism of Time’ Symposium Panel 2

Last July 17, 2026, The Yuchengco Center with the University of the Philippines Cebu held a symposium with the theme; ‘Southeast Asia’s Diverse Political Terrains: Challenges of Democracy and Development through the Prism of Time’.

The second panel that presented in the symposium included, Dr. Azmil Tayeb an Associate Professor of Political Science in the School of Social Sciences at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Penang who presented ‘Mapping Far-Right Islamism in Malaysia’ about Islamism in Malaysia’s electoral politics.

Dr. Eunsook Jung, Assistant Dean in the College of Letters and Science at the University of Wisconsin Madison, discussed ‘Weaponizing Gender: Islamic Populism in Indonesia,’ alongside promoting family ideology based on heteronormativity.

Finally, Dr. Ardeth Maung Thawnghmung, Chair and Professor of the Department of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, discussed ‘Emerging forms of territorial control and governance in post-coup Myanmar’. Dr. Thawnghmung emphasized on the level of governance in various regions in Myanmar that is now fractured by conflict and violence.

Learn more about the Yuchengco Center here:
https://old.dlsu.edu.ph/research/research-centers/yuchengco-center/

‘Southeast Asia’s Diverse Political Terrains: Challenges of Democracy and Development through the Prism of Time’ Symposi...
24/08/2026

‘Southeast Asia’s Diverse Political Terrains: Challenges of Democracy and Development through the Prism of Time’ Symposium Panel 1

Last July 17, 2026, The Yuchengco Center with the University of the Philippines Cebu held a symposium with the theme; ‘Southeast Asia’s Diverse Political Terrains: Challenges of Democracy and Development through the Prism of Time’.

In the first panel of the symposium, Dr. Prajak Kongkirati, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Political Science from Thammasat University discussed ‘The Vulnerability of Family Power: Historical and Institutional Perspectives on Thai Political Dynasties’. Dr. Kongkirati presented Thailand’s entrenched political dynasty system within its political structures.

In the same panel, Dr. Cleo Calimbahin, Professor of Political Science at the De La Salle University Department of Political Science and Development Studies, presented ‘Challenges to Urban Governance in the Philippines: Dynastic Resilience, Adaptation and Fragmentation’ with an emphasis on the cities of Manila and Makati. Dr. Calimbahin provided an analysis of two cities steep in dynastic rivalries affecting urban governance.

Dr. Weena Gera a Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs at the University of the Philippines Cebu held a presentation about the ‘Challenges to Urban Governance in the Philippines: Mayoral Political Machines and Particularistic Politics’ specifically addressing Cebu City. Dr. Gera discussed the city’s history on dynastic local governance from the barangay level to mayor and its implications on development and governance.

Learn more about the Yuchengco Center here:
https://old.dlsu.edu.ph/research/research-centers/yuchengco-center/

Did Philippine democracy begin earlier than we think?The Yuchengco Center hosted an online lecture with Dr. Ruth de Llob...
20/08/2026

Did Philippine democracy begin earlier than we think?

The Yuchengco Center hosted an online lecture with Dr. Ruth de Llobet of New York University Shanghai, who explored the origins of Philippine democracy.

In her lecture, “The Forgotten Origins of Philippine Democracy: Liberalism, Empire, and Citizenship from the Constitution of 1812 to American Rule,” Dr. de Llobet traced democratic ideas and practices in the Philippines as early as 1812 highlighting experiences of equality before the law, rights, representation, and political participation.

With more than 100 participants from across the Philippines, the discussion invited audiences to rethink the country's democratic history and expand our democratic imagination today.

Through conversations such as these, the Yuchengco Center continues to promote deeper understanding of the institutions and ideas that shape Philippine society.

‘Southeast Asia’s Diverse Political Terrains: Challenges of Democracy and Development through the Prism of Time’ Symposi...
18/08/2026

‘Southeast Asia’s Diverse Political Terrains: Challenges of Democracy and Development through the Prism of Time’ Symposium

Last July 17, 2026, The Yuchengco Center with the University of the Philippines-Cebu held a symposium with the theme; ‘Southeast Asia’s Diverse Political Terrains: Challenges of Democracy and Development through the Prism of Time’ focused on generating critical insights and ideas on contemporary issues facing Southeast Asia.

Yuchengco Center President and Professor of Political Science at De La Salle University Dr. Cleo Anne Calimbahin delivered the opening remarks. With the Philippines hosting the ASEAN this year, her remarks centered on the importance of engaging Southeast Asia area studies experts as the region faces multiple political and social issues. The first panel was delivered by Dr. Prajak Kongkirati, Dr. Cleo Calimbahin and Dr. Weena Gera focusing on political dynasties in Thailand and the Philippines. The second panel which centered around governance in topics of electoral politics and ideologies in Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar which were discussed by Dr. Azmil Tayeb, Dr. Eunsook Jung and Dr. Ardeth Maung Thawnghmung.

Professor Emeritus Paul Hutchcroft presented the closing keynote address showcasing the Philippines’ historical consistency of its juridical borders. The contemporary importance of this includes an appreciation of the Philippine archipelago as having a long-standing border that no other Southeast Asian nation can assert.

The symposium was attended by government officials, faculty and students from different universities in and around Cebu.

Learn more about the Yuchengco Center here:
https://old.dlsu.edu.ph/research/research-centers/yuchengco-center/

Thank you, University of the Philippines Cebu, for partnering with us in mounting the symposium, "Southeast Asia’s Diver...
04/08/2026

Thank you, University of the Philippines Cebu, for partnering with us in mounting the symposium, "Southeast Asia’s Diverse Political Terrains: Challenges of Democracy and Development through the Prism of Time," held last July 17, 2026, at the Performing Arts Hall. The symposium was organized through UP Cebu’s Political Science and Public Affairs Program under the College of Social Sciences.

Photo credit: UP Cebu website

The Yuchengco Center is honored and would like to extend its gratitude to Senator the Honorable Foreign Minister Penny W...
23/07/2026

The Yuchengco Center is honored and would like to extend its gratitude to Senator the Honorable Foreign Minister Penny Wong for her insightful and timely speech during the event at De La Salle University earlier today.

Learn more about the Yuchengco Center here:
https://old.dlsu.edu.ph/research/research-centers/yuchengco-center/

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