Elizabeth T. Urgel, Ph. D. and Philip Michael I. Paje

Abstract

The notion that the 21st century is the Pacific century connotes an increasing importance of the Asia-Pacific region in the global economy and international relations. As such, the region stands as a witness to the complexities, paradoxes, and other challenges emanating from the interactions and exchanges among peoples of diverse cultural, educational, religious, ethnic, geographical, and historical backgrounds. These existing diversities and knowledge gaps stand as a barrier in the pursuit of collaborative resolutions and cooperative ventures toward peace and development. Studies designed to mitigate the challenges accruing from diversity and distinctions among interacting actors could pave the way for promoting more meaningful understanding, appreciation, and cooperation. The humanistic approach to area studies as applied in Asia-Pacific Studies (APS) is the University of Asia and the Pacific’s contribution toward this end. Enlightened by liberal education, the APS area studies which highlights the commonality among actors as dignified human persons and downplaying their sociocultural distinctions makes a great difference.