De La Salle University–Dasmariñas (DLSUD) has been elected as chair of the Philippine Academic Consortium for Latin American Studies (PACLAS), with Provost Dr. George Francisco assuming the chairmanship role and leading the consortium until 2028.
The leadership transition marks a new chapter for PACLAS as chairmanship shifts from the University of Asia and the Pacific to DLSU-D, highlighting the University’s growing role in international academic leadership and area studies.
Founded in 2002, PACLAS is an initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) under the Forum for East Asia–Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC). The consortium serves as a national network committed to strengthening political, economic, and cultural engagement between the Philippines and Latin America through academic collaboration.
As chair, DLSU-D will lead efforts to advance collaborative research, specialized academic programs, and cultural exchanges that deepen understanding of shared histories and contemporary connections between the two regions.
PACLAS is composed of member institutions including Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, University of the East, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and the University of Asia and the Pacific.
This new phase builds on the momentum of the February 2025 international conference, “Fiestas and Festivals in the Philippines and Latin America,” successfully hosted at the DLSU-D campus.
