“Revolutionizing Education Financing: The Potential of Human Capital Contracts in the Philippines” wins Best BS Legal Management Thesis for SY 2024-2025

The Department of Marketing and Law proudly awards the Best Thesis for BS Legal Management to Julianne Zhen C Asadon, Sara Julia L Gatdula, Terena Ines L Neri, Samantha S Protacio, and Gavin Rain B Tan for their exceptional work entitled “Revolutionizing Education Financing: The Potential of Human Capital Contracts in the Philippines”.

Under the mentorship of Atty Rhett Gaerlan, the group tackled a longstanding challenge in the Philippine education sector regarding the accessibility and affordability of higher education. The thesis introduces and assesses Human Capital Contracts (HCCs) as a novel financing alternative that reframes educational funding not as a traditional loan, but as a form of securities investment, with the goal of democratizing access to tertiary education. The group developed a comprehensive legal and management framework that outlines how HCCs can be structured, regulated, and implemented within the Philippine context.  

The group successfully defended their thesis on 21 April 2025, in front of a distinguished panel that included the Dean of the John Gokongwei School of Management, Dr Roberto Martin N Galang PhD, alongside Atty Eugene T Kaw, Department Chair for Law & Marketing, both of whom provided invaluable insights and commendation for the group’s rigorous analysis and bold approach. This year, twenty-three Legal Management thesis groups presented and defended their thesis, each showcasing diverse, interdisciplinary solutions to pressing legal, business, and policy issues in Philippine society. After a competitive and thorough evaluation process, the group was selected for the Best Thesis distinction for their research’s originality, depth, and potential for real-world application.

Notably, the thesis has implications not only for national education reform but also for Ateneo de Manila University itself. As the university continues to seek sustainable ways to expand scholarship offerings and support financially disadvantaged students, the Human Capital Contract model presents 
an alternative avenue worth exploring, one that aligns with Ateneo’s mission to promote access to quality education and social equity.  

More than just the end of an academic requirement, the thesis defense day stood as a celebration of intellectual leadership and civic-minded scholarship. The recognition of this thesis signals the Department’s continued commitment to shaping graduates who are not only competent professionals, but also visionary thinkers prepared to take on the complex challenges of our time.