Author: Michael Angelo Cortez, DBA
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War and ESG: A Reflection
For years, my research has examined the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance performance and corporate financial outcomes. The premise has been straightforward. Responsible governance, environmental stewardship, and social investment are not simply ethical preferences. They are strategic drivers of long term value creation. Yet every time war erupts somewhere in the world, I find…
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2026 AFSG Scholars
Congratulations to the 2026 Scholars of the Alvero Family Scholarship Grant It is with deep gratitude and pride that we announce the 2026 Scholars of the Alvero Family Scholarship Grant: Ashira M. SingsonLibongao Elementary School Ibarra Alexa P. SabaytonKananga Central School Xian Yohan Leigh CaberosHiloctogan Elementary School Today, we celebrate more than academic achievement. We…
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Alvero Family Scholarship Grant 2026
The Alvero Family Scholarship Grant was opened to graduating Grade 6 students from the following partner schools: • Hiloctogan Elementary School• Kananga Central School• Libongao Elementary School• Visares Elementary School Scholarship Objective The primary objective of the Alvero Family Scholarship Grant was to provide meaningful educational assistance to deserving and academically promising students who demonstrate…
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Academic lectures & Research Engagements 2025
In 2025, I was invited to deliver a series of academic lectures across institutions in the Philippines and the United States, unified by a shared emphasis on strengthening research culture, advancing ESG and sustainability scholarship, and preparing future leaders for an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy. Across business schools, teacher education programs, and academic research forums,…
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When You Lock Eyes During An Exam
When You Lock Eyes Mid-Exam There’s a universal moment of panic every student cheater fears: the Eye Contact. It starts with a quick glance. They check if I’m watching. I am. They try to look casual, but suddenly their body stiffens. Their pupils dilate like a deer caught in the headlights of a ten-wheeler truck…
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Empowering Rural Schools: More Laptops for Libongao Elementary and Beyond
Closing the Digital Gap in Philippine Public Schools In many rural communities in the Philippines, children still grow up without regular access to computers. This lack of access limits their ability to learn essential digital skills that are now as important as reading and writing. At Libongao Elementary School in Leyte, the situation is changing.…
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Opening Doors for Inclusive Education in Southern Leyte
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, to dream, and to thrive. Yet in many communities, the simple tools and opportunities that make learning possible remain out of reach. My vision for inclusive education is built on the belief that no child should be left behind simply because of where they live or the resources…
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I Am Not Afraid of Artificial Intelligence
Nope, I’m not afraid of AI. Not one bit. By the time it fully takes over the world, if it ever does, I’ll probably be retired, enjoying slow mornings, sipping my coffee, and tending to my small garden while humming 80s New Wave hits. But here’s the thing: I’m not worried about me. I’m worried…
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Do You Read The Recommendations and Further Research?
Well I do. If you’re like most people skimming through research articles, you probably head straight to the abstract, maybe the conclusion, and then glance at the tables. But for me? I gravitate toward the last part that most people skip: Recommendations and Further Research. That small, often overlooked section tucked at the end of…
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The Habits That Shaped My World
Inspired reflections from the lens of a sensei, mentor, and lifelong learner. When I first encountered Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People during my MBA years, I read it like a textbook,highlighting sections, memorizing definitions, and moving on to the next required reading. But decades later, I’ve come to realize something: I…