Past and present BSP governors grace first on-site Economic Briefing since 2019

The Ateneo Eagle Watch Economic Briefing returned on-site at the Makati Sports Club on 28 September 2023—its first in-person event since the pandemic lockdowns.

Organized by the Ateneo Center for Continuing Education (CCE) in partnership with the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development (ACERD) and co-presented by First Metro Securities, this year’s Economic Briefing featured key industry leaders—including two Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governors and Ateneo alumni—and economists for an afternoon of discussions about the current state of the Philippine economy.

This year, with the Economic Briefing’s return to in-person gatherings, current Governor of the BSP, Eli M Remolona Jr was the event’s keynote speaker. Gov Remolona’s talk centered on what economies, banks, and businesses can learn and glean from past crises. He also talked about how to build resilience through Philippine banks’ strengths and a deeper corporate bond market. 

Amando M Tetangco Jr, former Governor of the BSP and Chairman of the Board of ACERD, is also an alumnus of Ateneo, and delivered the opening remarks alongside Gonzalo G Ordoñez, President, First Metro Securities. Gov Tetangco provided an update on the growth of the country’s economy in the last eight quarters, since 2021, covering the pandemic years. 

He added: “Our Eagle Watch senior research fellows will attempt to make greater sense of what is happening around us. Dr Luis F Dumlao will look particularly at inflation, interest rates, and foreign exchange rates.” Dr Dumlao also talked about geo-economic fragmentation and de-globalization in his address. 

Dr Cielito Habito presented an assessment of the country’s recent performance through his PiTiK test, as well as a look at export revival and opportunities. 

In his remarks, Mr Ordoñez of First Metro Securities said: “Alongside Gov Tetangco, we are honored to welcome our new BSP governor, Honorable Eli Remolona. Gov Remolona, your appointment comes at a pivotal moment for our nation and we eagerly anticipate your wisdom and vision.

The afternoon concluded with an open forum among the resource persons, moderated by Ser Percival K Peña-Reyes, Director of ACERD.