Ateneo Department of Economics and ACERD at the 61st PES Annual Meeting and Conference
09 Nov 2023
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 Ateneo Contingent at the PES 61st Annual Meeting and Conference](/sites/default/files/inline-images/viber_image_2023-11-09_14-34-52-254.jpg)
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.
![Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuano delivering the Opening Remarks](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Opening%20Remarks_Dean%20Randy%20Tuano-min.jpg)
![Hon. Arsenio M. Balisacan delivering the Keynote Address](/sites/default/files/inline-images/viber_image_2023-11-08_13-26-07-685.jpg)
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.
![(From L-R) Mr. Coco Alcuaz, Dr. Ndiame Diop, Dr. Cielito F. Habito, and Ms. Ma. Theresa D. Marcial](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Plenary%20Session%20I_1-min.jpeg)
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.
![(From L-R) Mr. Jeric C. Briones, Mr. Tristan A. Canare, Mr. Benjamin E. Radoc Jr., Mr. Geoffrey Ducanes, Dr. Rosalina Palanca-Tan, and Dr. Ser Percival Peña Reyes](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Session%20A2_Group%20Panel-min.jpeg)
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.
![(From L-R) Mr. Cymon Kayle Lubangco, Mr. Leonardo A. Lanzona Jr., Ms. Maribel Daño-Luna, Mr. Gerard Gracius Y. Pascua](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Session%20B2_Group%20Panel-min.jpg)
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.
![(From L-R) Mr. Roberto Martin Nolan Galang, Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago, Mr. Karl Robert L. Jandoc, Dr. Geoffrey Ducanes](/sites/default/files/inline-images/viber_image_2023-11-09_14-47-37-938.jpg)
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.
![(From L-R) Dr. Alvin P. Ang, Ms. Estella Dhel Villamiel, Mr. Mark Angeles](/sites/default/files/inline-images/viber_image_2023-11-08_15-22-23-668.jpg)
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.”
![Dr. Ser Percival Peña-Reyes answering questions at the stratbase session on Advancing the Philippine Manufacturing Sector for National Prosperity](/sites/default/files/inline-images/viber_image_2023-11-08_14-41-50-827.jpg)
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:
Cost and Quality of Higher Education and the Career Outcomes of College Graduates: The Philippine Case |
Dr. Geoffrey Ducanes | Ateneo de Manila University Edita Tan |UP Sarah Lynne Daway-Ducanes | NEDA Lance Patrick Pangilinan | Ateneo de Manila University Karol Mark Yee | EDCOM |
Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to Analyze Financial Literacy, Financial Stress, and Financial Behavior on the State of Indebtedness of Public School Teachers in Select Regions in the Philippines |
Jeric C. Briones | Ateneo de Manila University Dr. Joselito T. Sescon Elvira de Lara-Tuprio Genesis Kelly S. Lontoc Dr. Ser Percival K. Peña Reyes Gillian Orielle D. Ang Ma. Ysabella P. Gaviño Julien Nicolas L. Salud |
Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between E-Government and ICT Development and Financial Inclusion |
Benjamin E. Radoc, JR. | Ateneo de Manila University Tristan A. Canare | BSP Faith Christian Q. Cacnio | BSP |
Households’ Preferences for Alternative Renewable Energy Technologies: An Attribute-based Choice Experiment Survey in Metro Manila, Philippines |
Dr. Rosalina Palanca-Tan | Ateneo de Manila University Daniel Del Barrio Alvarez | Tokyo University Gem B. Castillano | Economy and Environment Program Philippines Mary Ruth S. Palanca | UE Nelson Matthew S. Tan | Harvard University Dino S. Saplala | Ateneo de Manila University |
The Effects of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership on Philippine Employment and Earnings: A Computable General Equilibrium Approach |
Leonardo A. Lanzona, JR. | Ateneo de Manila University Philip Arnold Tuano | Ateneo de Manila University and Ateneo School of Government Rolly Czar Joseph T. Castillo | Ateneo de Manila University and Labor Education and Research Network Cymon Kayle Lubangco | Ateneo de Manila University and BSP Gerald Gracius Y. Pascua | Ateneo de Manila University Julian Thomas B. Alvarez | Ateneo de Manila University |
Digital Services Trade Liberalization in the Philippines under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement |
Gerard Gracius Y. Pascua | Ateneo de Manila University |
The Rise of Online Labor Platforms in ASEAN: Implications on Post-pandemic Recovery and Structural Transformation |
Leonardo A. Lanzona, JR. | Ateneo de Manila University Gerard Gracius Y. Pascua | Ateneo de Manila University |
Scaling Up MSMES: Do Competition and Industrial Policies Matter? |
Majah-Leah V. Ravago | Ateneo de Manila University Maribel Daño-Luna | University of Sydney Juan Felipe M. Coronel | UPD Arsenio M. Balisacan | NEDA |
The Structure, Conduct, and Performance of Competition Agencies in Asia |
Majah-Leah V. Ravago | Ateneo de Manila University James A. Roumasset | University of Hawaii Arsenio M. Balisacan | NEDA J. Kathleen Magadia | ADB |
The Impact of Competition on Poverty and Equality: The Philippine Case using a Microsimulation Method |
Karl Robert L. Jandoc | UP School of Economics Geoffrey M. Ducanes | Ateneo de Manila University Irene Jo E. Arzadon | UP School of Economics |
An Effective Regulatory Environment to Foster Domestic Market Competition in Asia |
Roberto Martin Nolan Galang | Ateneo de Manila University Graciela Miralles Murciego | The World Bank Group |
Empowering Domestic-Oriented Enterprises |
Dr. Ser Percival Peña-Reyes | Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development |
Investment Market Outlook and Stock Picks |
Mark Angeles | First Metro Securities Research Estella Dhel Villamiel | First Metro Securities Research |