The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) is a private university in the Philippines. It traces its beginnings to the Center for Research and Communication (CRC), which was established in 1967 as a private think-tank that conducted economic and social research and offered graduate courses in economics. The spiritual and doctrinal formation given in the University is entrusted to Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Catholic Church. The University is made up of a college offering liberal arts courses as core curriculum, five schools of varied specializations and an institute focusing on political economy, development and international relations. A Board of Trustees, chaired by Dr. Placido Mapa, takes care of the UA&P Foundation, Inc. Under it is the Management Committee, presided by University President Jose Maria Mariano, which is the University’s governing body. It was formed to steer the University in the path set out for it. It makes sure that all plans, activities and projects undertaken advance the mission, goals and values of the University.