Manila, Philippines –  The University of Santo Tomas (UST), through the Department of Economics under the Faculty of Arts and Letters, is set to host this year’s National Collegiate Economics Convention (NCEC) on December 5, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the UST Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati Building.

With the theme “Lakbay Kaunlaran: Juan Route to Innovative Cities that Drive Sustain-ABLE Tourism,” NCEC 2025 will bring together students, professors, experts, and policymakers to examine how innovative transport systems and sustainable urban planning can drive the future of tourism in the Philippines.

This annual event addresses transportation and urban development infrastructure deficiencies in the Philippines that hinder the growth of tourism. As the urban population continues to rise and more tourists visit the country, connected and sustainable infrastructure becomes increasingly essential. Enhancing urban living and advancing tourism require solving persistent issues such as traffic congestion and fragmented planning.

Anchored on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the convention will explore four key pillars:

Under SDG 4 (Quality Education), the event promotes knowledge-sharing among experts, professors, policymakers, and students to deepen awareness of transportation and sustainable urban planning’s role in tourism, while strengthening critical thinking and policy analysis for upward socioeconomic mobility.

For SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), it highlights innovative transport and urban solutions that advance sustainable development, investment, and competitiveness to bolster tourism and connectivity in the Philippines.

In line with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), the event underscores sustainable policies and eco-friendly planning to improve livability, tourism, and community resilience.

Finally, under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), it fosters multisectoral collaboration to integrate tourism, transportation, and urban planning, ensuring practical and sustainable solutions aligned with national priorities.

NCEC 2025 aims to emphasize the importance of inclusive, innovative, and sustainable infrastructure as the foundation for economic growth and long-term urban progress. The convention seeks to inspire young economists and future leaders to rethink traditional systems and champion solutions that move tourism and urban life toward a more sustainable direction.

Organized by the fourth-year Economics students of UST, the forum will feature distinguished guest speakers and experts from the fields of economics, transportation, sustainability, and urban development.

This year’s NCEC promises an engaging, forward-looking dialogue on how the Philippines can build smarter, more connected, and more sustainable cities that support both local communities and the tourism sector.