Ateneo Graduate School of Business Cebu campus reopens

CEBU CITY -- The Ateneo Graduate School of Business (AGSB) reopened its Cebu campus today, October 11 at the Cebu Holdings Center, Ayala Business Park, Cebu City with a renewed commitment to forming ethical and effective leaders for the region’s business community.

Louie Montalbo, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of Ateneo Graduate School of Business said that the AGSB institution is unique in having satellite campuses outside Metro Manila, distinguishing them from other related universities.  He emphasizes the importance of extending their reach to different parts of the country to fulfill its mission of creating professional and ethical business leaders.

“AGSB’s presence in Cebu is described as strategic and deliberate, recognizing the significance of the city and the region in Asian business development.  The campus in Cebu has been situated in the business park for years, indicating a long-term commitment to the region,” Montalbo added.

Shannen Tan, Campus Director of AGSB Cebu, in her message at the reopening and blessing event today said, AGSB’s educational philosophy centers on application. Students, many of them entrepreneurs and corporate managers, engage in projects and assignments that mirror the challenges they may face in their own organizations.

“We want to develop leaders who are not only good managers but also ethical in their approach.  That’s the heart of our Jesuit education—leadership grounded in values.  Our practice-oriented approach makes learning more relevant compared to traditional, purely research-driven programs,” Tan explained.

Tan said that the AGSB Cebu is backed by the prestige of the Ateneo brand and a strong Jesuit tradition.  AGSB Cebu offers a graduate program that blends academic rigor with real-world relevance—designed for professionals who want to lead with both competence and conscience.

The Cebu campus reopened in 2024 after a pandemic-related closure and now operates under a hybrid model—50 percent onsite and 50 percent online, including asynchronous activities that allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule. The facility includes two classrooms that can each accommodate 30 students and a conference room for smaller group sessions, Tan recalled.

AGSB offers two MBA program tracks: Ateneo-Regis MBA, which can be finished in two to three years depending on the student’s pace, and the MBA Standard, typically completed in three to four years.

Jet Magsaysay, Dean of AGSB said that the school also continues to introduce relevant electives. Data Science has recently joined the lineup, alongside courses in project management, brand strategy, and investment management. These offerings reflect the school’s commitment to preparing graduates for today’s fast-evolving business landscape.

“To keep its curriculum aligned with industry needs, AGSB has anchored the curriculum on three cornerstones: responsible business, digital business, and leadership skills for the 4th Industrial Revolution,” Magsaysay added.

AGSB Cebu also welcomes partnerships with local companies. Firms that enroll at least ten employees can form a cohort, allowing participants to complete the program together. While tuition discounts aren’t offered, cohort members are exempt from annual tuition increases—a benefit that adds long-term value for institutional partners.

Students also gain access to AGSB’s national network, with campuses in Rockwell, Clark, Sta. Rosa, Iloilo, and Cebu. This broad reach fosters connections across industries and regions, often leading to future business collaborations.  With its values-driven mission, practical curriculum, and strong national presence, AGSB Cebu positions itself as a smart choice for professionals ready to lead with purpose in a changing world, Magsaysay said.

Ateneo Graduate School of Business – Cebu is now accepting applications for MBA Regis Term 1 and MBA Standard First Trimester, School Year 2025–2026.  Classes start this September 2025 and deadline of Applications is on August 1, 2025.  For inquiries and application assistance, visit Ateneo GSB Cebu on Facebook or email cebu.gsb@ateneo.edu. (Photos: MBCNewman)