De La Salle University (DLSU) has become the first higher education institution in the country to establish a Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) Academic Hub following the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the two institutions.

The agreement, signed on 23 June at the PCC office in Quezon City, formally launched the PCC Academic Hubs Project, which aims to strengthen collaboration in competition law, economics, research, and policy development.

The partnership seeks to promote awareness of competition policy, support evidence-based research, and develop future experts in competition law and economics.

It will also include visiting research fellowships, faculty exchanges, academic activities involving students of the Carlos L. Tiu School of Economics (CLTSOE), and capacity-building programs for both institutions.

PCC Economics Office Director IV Carlos Juan Paolo L. Vega said the initiative aims to combine the expertise of the commission and the university to encourage innovation and expand research output.

Representing DLSU during the signing were Carlos L. Tiu School of Economics Dean Arlene B. Inocencio and Associate Dean Jason P. Alinsunurin.

Inocencio said the partnership reinforces the university's commitment to national development while helping train the next generation of Filipino economists.

The project will pilot academic offerings in competition policy and competition law beginning next academic year through 2029.

PCC Economics Office Economist V Edgardo Manuel M. Jopson said the academic hubs would help strengthen competition policy research and ensure that consumers benefit from a fair and competitive economy.

PCC Executive Director Kenneth V. Tanate said the partnership is expected to expand student engagement, policy dialogue, training, and knowledge-sharing activities that will benefit both the academic community and regulators.

The PCC Academic Hubs Project aims to foster collaboration between the commission and higher education institutions to promote research excellence and encourage greater academic interest in competition-related issues through policy innovation.