Ateneo Department of Economics and ACERD at the 61st PES Annual Meeting and Conference

Members of the Ateneo Department of Economics and the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development (ACERD) attended the 61st Annual Meeting and Conference of the Philippine Economic Society (PES), held on 7 to 8 November 2023, at Novotel Manilam Araneta City. The event, themed "Transforming the Philippine Economy for a Prosperous, Resilient, and Inclusive Society," was a platform for sharing research insights and fostering discussions on the nation's economic future.

The conference aspired to be a catalyst for inspiring stakeholders to actively engage in collaborative efforts toward establishing a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive society. Throughout the event, various strategies contributing to a transformed, dynamic, vibrant, and resilient Philippine economy were discussed, addressing the structural challenges faced by the Philippines and exploring necessary policy and programmatic alternatives crucial for progress.

The conference opened with inspiring remarks delivered by Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuano, President of the PES and Dean of the Ateneo School of Government. His words set the tone for two days of thoughtful discussions, policy exploration, and economic discourse. Additionally, Hon. Arsenio M. Balisacan, current National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, delivered the keynote address. 

One of the esteemed panelists for Plenary Session I, titled "Transforming the Philippine Economy for a Prosperous, Resilient, and Inclusive Society," was Dr. Cielito F. Habito, Professor of Economics and Former President of the PES (Year 2002). His contributions added depth and insight to the overarching theme.

The Department of Economics faculty members presented their research in various sessions, covering a wide range of economic topics. Here is a glimpse of some of the insightful presentations.

Session A2 delved into three critical aspects of the Philippine economy - education, financial inclusion, and renewable energy. The presentations explored the cost and quality of higher education, financial literacy and behavior among public school teachers, the relationship between e-government services and financial inclusion, and households' preferences for renewable energy technologies in Metro Manila. These topics are fundamental to building a prosperous and inclusive society, as they directly impact education, economic well-being, and sustainable energy choices.

Session B2 examined the implications of megaregional trade agreements and new trade trends on the Philippine economy. The presentations assessed the effects of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on employment and earnings, digital services trade liberalization under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), and the rise of online labor platforms in ASEAN. These discussions provided valuable insights into how the Philippines can navigate evolving trade dynamics for economic growth and resilience.

Session B4 revolved around the critical topic of competition policy and its role in fostering economic development in Asia. The presentations examined the structure, conduct, and performance of competition agencies in Asia, as well as effective regulatory environments to promote domestic market competition. These discussions are essential for creating a competitive economic landscape that encourages innovation, efficiency, and growth.

In Session D5, the focus shifted to the investment market outlook and stock picks. The presentation, in partnership with First Metro Securities Research, offered valuable insights into investment opportunities and market forecasts. This session provided attendees with information on potential investment avenues, assisting in making informed financial decisions in the dynamic economic landscape.

Dr. Ser Percival Peña-Reyes, Director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development, also participated in the Stratbase Session on Advancing the Philippine Manufacturing Sector for National Prosperity by presenting his paper on “Empowering Domestic-Oriented Enterprises.”

In addition to the faculty, various alumni and students from the Department also made their presence felt at the conference. Their contributions, along with the research presented, reinforced the Philippines' dedication to fostering economic growth, collaboration, and informed policymaking.

The Ateneo Department of Economics and ACERD's active participation and substantial contributions to the 61st PES Annual Meeting and Conference underscore their commitment to shaping the nation's economic landscape and advancing economic discourse in the Philippines. Photos from the workshop can be found here.

Presentations at the Conference included: