In the Philippines, earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and volcanic eruptions strike with alarming regularity. Yet, they continue to cause billions of pesos in damages each year due to unpreparedness and the lack of cohesive plans.
This reality lies at the heart of ECONVERGENCE 2026, the 21st edition of the UPLB Economics Society’s flagship inter-high school economic convention. Centered on the theme “The Cost of Calamities: Unpacking the Economics of Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction in the Philippines,” the event examines disasters as economic events that disrupt markets, threaten livelihoods, and influence development outcomes nationwide. It challenges students to look beyond immediate damage and consider how policy, planning, and collective action can mitigate recurring losses.
Scheduled for January 17–18, 2026, at the NCAS Auditorium of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, the convention will bring together 16 high schools from across the Philippines to participate in discussions and activities that place youth at the forefront of the conversation.
More than a competition or seminar, ECONVERGENCE 2026 serves as a platform for students, educators, and stakeholders to ignite dialogue, exchange ideas, and spark meaningful ECONversations about building a more resilient and informed Philippines.
