- UP Economists Support Reproductive Health Bill
The following is the position paper of faculty members of the UP School of Economics regarding House Bill No. 17 also known as the Reproductive Health Bill.
The population issue has long been dead and buried in developed and most developing countries, including historically Catholic countries. That it continues to be debated heatedly in our country merely testifies to the lack of progress in policy and action. Caught between a hard Church and a soft State are the overwhelming majority of Filipinos who affirm the importance of helping women and couples control the size of their families and the need for government to give budgetary support for modern FP methods.
Renewed impetus to the debate has been given by the public and political interest in the pending bill (HB No. 17) on “Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood and Population Development” (RH Bill, for short). Unfortunately, serious discussion has been hampered by the lack of reliable information and the proclivity of some parties in the debate to use epithets that label the bill as “pro-abortion”, “anti-life”, and “immoral”.
There are a few aspects of the bill to which some groups have expressed strong objections, which we can understand.
But the main thrust of the bill – “enabl(ing) couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children and to have the information and means to carry out their decisions” – is something we strongly and unequivocally support.
In what follows, we explain why.
(You can download the paper in full here).
(Updated: August 14, 2008 | Posted: August 12, 2008)
- The Philippines: Fiscal Behavior in Recent History
The Philippine national government experienced large and unsustainable budget deficits in the 1980s. After a brief period of near balanced budget in the mid-1990s, large budget deficits have reemerged in recent years. But unlike the heavy fiscal imbalances in the early 1980s which were caused by large investment in public infrastructure and low tax effort, the return of large fiscal deficits in recent years was accompanied by falling tax effort and underspending for education, health and public infrastructure. With deficits rising and investment in human capital and public infrastructure deteriorating, an appropriate question is: what has caused the poor fiscal performance of the Philippines in recent years? Is it the result of unfortunate events, macroeconomic shocks or misdirected fiscal policy?
Philippine National Bank Professor of Economics Benjamin E. Diokno discussed the results of his research on the country's fiscal behavior during the 2nd Ayala Corporation-UPSE Economic Forum held last July 11, 2008 at the School of Economics Auditorium.
Download the paper here and the lecture slides here.
(Updated: July 14, 2008 | Posted: July 14, 2008)
- UPSEAA scholarships for Econ majors
The U.P. School of Economics Alumni Association (UPSEAA) will soon be offering financial support to selected undergraduate and graduate students of the UP School of Economics.
The UPSEAA Scholarship Program aims to assist the UPSE in producing a growing number of world-class professional economists, or leaders in other professions who are knowledgeable in economics – all of whom could play key roles in the country’s development in the long run.
Read here for details.
(Updated: June 16, 2008 | Posted: June 16, 2008)
- Philippine GDP Growth After the Asian Financial Crisis: Resilient Economy or Weak Statistical System?
According to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.3% in 2007, the highest in 31 years. If this economic data was correctly measured, why is it that many indicators and data sets are at odds with this supposedly high economic growth?
UP School of Economics Professor Felipe M. Medalla and PhD Candidate Karl Robert L. Jandoc tackle this issue in a discussion paper entitled "Philippine GDP Growth After the Asian Financial Crisis: Resilient Economy or Weak Statistical System?" Click here to read the full paper.
(Updated: June 04, 2008 | Posted: June 04, 2008)
- UPSE Dean talks on secular morality
 As part of the UP Centennial Lecture Series, UP School of Economics Dean Emmanuel S. de Dios delivered a lecture on "Secular Morality and the University" on May 7, 2008 at the UP NISMED auditorium.
Dean de Dios' talk addressed the need to cultivate the idea of a secular morality in UP and the university's role in in the promotion of the non-sectarian principles of social justice and equality in Philippine society. Citing concepts from economics philosophers Adam Smith and David Hume as well as recent findings in behavioral game theory, de Dios discussed the need for UP to inculcate among its students a value system based on the principles of social responsibility, social contract, and nationalism.
For those who missed Dean de Dios' lecture, you can now view it online at http://dilc.upd.edu.ph/streaming/dedios.html.
You can download the text version (in PDF) here.
(Updated: May 28, 2008 | Posted: May 07, 2008)
- UPSE Dean to graduates: Put honour before excellence
UP School of Economics Dean Emmanuel S. de Dios exhorted the UPSE graduates to put honor before excellence and uphold the ideals of the University.
In his welcome remarks delivered during UPSE's recognition day for the 2008 graduating students, Dean de Dios reminded everyone that "those who conceived of the ideals of this University were truly wise when they did not reduce the University’s ideal to Excellence above all. Nor did they say Honour through excellence, nor even Excellence and honour. Rather they placed honour before excellence."
After noting how some bright graduates from the University had nonetheless brought ruin to the country, de Dios noted: "There have been thousands of honourable men and women who have left these halls who have not been regarded as particularly outstanding or distinguished in the conventional academic sense but who have in their own quiet way made sound and lasting contributions to the nation, to society, and to their own families. I venture to say I would prefer the latter as fitter and nobler examples of UP's achievement."
(For the full text of the speech, click here.)
This year's graduating batch of 129 has produced four summa cum laude, 18 magna cum laude, 47 cum laude, and 56 Dean’s Listers.
UPSE also produced three PhDs in Economics, 17 MA in Economics, and nine Masters in Development Economics.
Ms. Robina Gokongwei-Pe was the Guest of Honor. Her speech drew a laconic but instructive picture of the world the graduates would face outside the University, using Ms. Gokongwei-Pe's own experiences, interspersed with witty references to economic concepts. Ms. Gokongwei's speech was well-appreciated and applauded by the graduates.
(Read her speech here.)
Ms. Marian Panganiban, a summa cum laude graduate, delivered the speech in behalf of her batch. (Read her speech here.)
Click here for more pictures.
(Updated: May 07, 2008 | Posted: May 06, 2008)
- Nobel Laureate Professor Douglass North Graces UP Centennial Celebration
Dr. Douglass C. North, 1993 Nobel Prize in Economics winner, delivered the sixth of the University of the Philippines (UP) Centennial Lecture Series at the UP School of Economics on March 15, 2008. Faculty members and students from various universities in Metro Manila, guests from government and private sectors, and UPSE alumni filled the UPSE Auditorium to hear the Nobel Laureate speak on “Why Institutions Matter.”
North visited the country on March 12-16, 2008. Aside from the Centennial Lecture, he also spoke at UP Los Baños on March 13, and at the Manila Peninsula in Makati on March 14. PLDT-Smart Foundation, Center for National and Policy Strategy (CNaPS), Philippine Economic Society, and the Ronald Coase Institute co-sponsored the luncheon at Manila Peninsula.
Former UPSE Dean Raul V. Fabella wrote an article on Prof. North’s talk which was published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
(Updated: March 25, 2008 | Posted: March 25, 2008)
- UPSE Librarian is Gawad Chanselor Awardee
Ms. Rosali receives the plaque of recognition from UPD Chancellor Sergio Cao while Ms. Salvacion Arlante (extreme left), University Librarian, UPSE Dean Emmanuel De Dios (2nd from left), and Vice Chancellor for Research and Development Luis Sison (extreme right) look on.
Ms. Rosemarie G. Rosali, Head Librarian of the UP School of Economics, was awarded the 2008 Gawad Chanselor Para sa Natatanging REPS (Professional Staff) last February 28, 2008.
The Gawad Chanselor was conferred to Ms. Rosali in recognition of her spearheading the modernization of the UPSE Library especially in creating a comprehensive bibliography and systematic classification of economics references which benefited not only the School but also other academic institutions.
(Updated: March 04, 2008 | Posted: March 04, 2008)
- “Poverty: Facts, Theories, and Remedies: A Centennial Conversation”
UP economists explain poverty, propose counter-measures
Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc, UP Newsletter
Three distinguished professors from the UP School of Economics (UPSE) gave definitive answers to the country’s pressing economic questions during the recent lecture in the UP Centennial Lecture Series. A centerpiece activity of the UP System, the third lecture of the UP Centennial Series held last January 31 at the Nismed Auditorium in UP Diliman was once again packed to the rafters.
Click here for the full story.
Download the lectures below.
- Poverty Reduction: What We Know and Don’t - by Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan (Text | Slides)
- Why the Poor Remain Poor - by Dr. Dante B. Canlas (Text | Slides)
- Openness and Governance: Do They Matter? - by Dr. Raul V. Fabella (Text | Slides)
(Updated: February 05, 2008 | Posted: February 05, 2008)
- PhP 1M Donation for UPSE
Mr. Enrico Cruz (third from left), Managing Director and Chief Country Officer of Deutsche Bank AG, Manila Branch, hands over a PhP 1M check to UP School of Economics Dean, Dr. Emmanuel de Dios (third from right). Deutsche Bank, a leading global investment bank, made the donation to the School for the renovation of Seminar Room 303 at the UPSE main building.
Also in photo are (from left to right) Mr. Rhoneil Fajardo of Deutsche Bank,
Mr. Jack Teotico, President of UPSE Alumni Association, Dr. Raul Fabella,
Professor and former Dean of UPSE, and Mr. Romy Bernardo, Chairman of UPSEAA.
Renovation will begin before the summer break in March up to May 2008. It will be completed before major events commemorating the centennial of the University of the Philippines including the UPSE Alumni Homecoming on 9 August 2008.
(Updated: January 25, 2008 | Posted: January 25, 2008)
- UPSE Holds Forum on NEDA's Role in RP's Development Projects
Six former National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Directors-General (from left, Gerardo P. Sicat, Solita C. Monsod, Cayetano W. Paderanga, Jr., Cielito F. Habito, Felipe M. Medalla, and Dante B. Canlas) discussed and clarified the agency's mandate and responsibilities in the country's development strategy and policy in a public forum entitled "What Really is NEDA's Role in RP's Development Projects?" held at the UP School of Economics (UPSE) Auditorium last October 5, 2007.
Five of the six panelists are professors and active faculty members of the UPSE.
As part of the Program in Development Economics (PDE) Lecture Series, this forum was deemed timely in the context of the ZTE-NBN controversy, and useful for future discussions of similar prospective projects and issues.
Joining the forum were officers and staff of the NEDA, Congress, other government agencies, faculty and students. Current NEDA Acting Director-General Augusto Santos and former NEDA Director- General Romulo Neri were also invited but both declined due to prior engagements.
Read here the coverage of the event by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.
(Updated: October 14, 2007 | Posted: October 08, 2007)
- PHILIPPINE ECONOMY & CULTURE
- Read The Philippine Economic Mystery by University of Maryland Professor Robert H. Nelson.
Other short pieces on the same topic can be browsed here.
Prof. Nelson was a Visiting Professor at the UP School of Economics.
- Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Juan Mercado discussed Prof. Nelson's papers in separate articles (Tough riddle and Divergent paths).
- Read Manila Standard Today columnist Antonio C. Abaya's reaction to Prof. Nelson's paper.
- Readers' reactions to Abaya's column can be browsed here.
- Reactions to Mercado's column can be browsed here.
(Updated: September 11, 2007 | Posted: September 11, 2007)
- The NBN Controversy
Here is the paper authored by Prof. Raul V. Fabella and Prof. Emmanuel S. de Dios entitled Lacking a Backbone: The controversy over the “National Broadband Network” and Cyber-education projects. This version of the working paper corrects some minor errors of the one posted earlier.
Download a PDF copy here.
(Updated: August 09, 2007 | Posted: August 07, 2007)
- FORUM ON PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
Read / Download the following documents:
(Updated: June 13, 2007 | Posted: June 12, 2005)
- FISCAL POLICY WATCH
 (by Benjamin E. Diokno, Feb 2007)
(by Michael M. Alba, Jan 2007)
Download the following: (as of March 28, 2005)
- Condensed Version:
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- Full Text:
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Download the following: (as of August 2004)
- Executive Summary:
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- Full Text:
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[ authored by Emmanuel S. de Dios, Benjamin E. Diokno, Emmanuel F. Esguerra, Raul V. Fabella, Ma. Socorro Gochoco-Bautista, Felipe M. Medalla, Solita C. Monsod, Ernesto M. Pernia, Renato E. Reside, Jr., Gerardo P. Sicat, and Edita A. Tan. ]
See also the following related documents:
- by Prof. Benjamin E. Diokno (Posted: 03-30-2005)
- by Prof. Solita "Winnie" Collas-Monsod (Posted: 11-02-2004)
- (Posted: 10-29-2004)
- by
Rep. Joey S. Salceda [Powerpoint presentation:
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| Full Paper:
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] (Posted: 09-17-2004)
- by Prof. Benjamin Diokno (Posted: August 2004)
- ()
by Prof. Felipe Medalla (Posted: August 2004)
- by Prof. Cayetano Paderanga, Jr. (Posted: August 2004)
(Updated: June 12, 2007 | Posted: August 31, 2004)
- FORUM ON POPULATION AND POVERTY
Download the following: (as of December 2004)
- Executive Summary:
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- Full Text:
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[ authored by Ruperto P. Alonzo, Arsenio M. Balisacan, Dante B. Canlas, Joseph J. Capuno, Ramon L. Clarete, Rolando A. Danao, Emmanuel S. de Dios, Benjamin E. Diokno, Emmanuel F. Esguerra, Raul V. Fabella, Ma. Socorro Gochoco-Bautista, Aleli P. Kraft, Felipe M. Medalla, Nimfa F. Mendoza, Solita C. Monsod, Cayetano W. Paderanga, Jr., Ernesto M. Pernia, Stella A. Quimbo, Gerardo P. Sicat, Orville C. Solon, Edita A. Tan, Gwendolyn R. Tecson. ]
See also the following related documents:
- by Prof. Ernesto M. Pernia (Posted: 01-24-2005)
- by Rep. Edcel C. Lagman (Posted: 12-10-2004)
- - A bill creating a Reproductive Health And Population Management Council for the implementation of an integrated policy on reproductive health relative to sustainable human development and population management, and for other purposes by Rep. Edcel C. Lagman (Posted: 12-10-2004)
- by Prof. Dennis S. Mapa of the UP School of Statistics and Prof. Arsenio M. Balisacan of the UP School of Economics (Posted: 12-10-2004)
(Updated: January 28, 2005 | Posted: December 09, 2004)
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