For his research and other scholarly work in the field of economics particularly development economics, which have resulted in a number of internationally renowned publications focusing on poverty, economic inequality, and agricultural and rural development. These have substantially improved the understanding of the nature, causes and consequences of poverty and inequality in the Philippines, and the critical role of agricultural and rural development in a nation’s well-being. Moreover, his research has become an important reference for other development researchers in and outside the Philippines, as well as multilateral development organizations. For his burning passion to make research relevant to policymakers and for policies to be informed by research coupled with high leadership qualities, consequently inspiring and enabling him to initiate the establishment of groups, forums, and institutions that bridge academic and policy work as well as play a pivotal role in their sustainability, effectiveness, and impact.
Birthdate: 8 November 1957
Educational Background:
- B.S. Agriculture - Mariano Marcos State Univeristy 1979
- M.S. Agricultural Economics - University of the Philippines Los Baños 1982
- PhD. Economics - Univeristy of Hawaii, Manoa 1985
Research Interest:
- Poverty
- Inequality
- Food Security
- Agricultural and Rural Development
- Globalization
- Political Economy of Policy Reforms
Honors and Awards Received:
- 1980 - Graduate Fellowship - German Foundation for International Developemnt (DSE) and S
- 1985 - Research Fellowship - East-West Center, Hawaii
- 1986 - Research Fellowship - University of Maryland, USA
- 1987 - Research Fellowship - Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Developemnt
- 1991 - Sir John Crawford Award - Australian Agricultural Economics Society, Australia
- 1992 - Outstanding Young Scientist, National Academy of Science and Technology
- 1993 - UP President Award for Outstanding Publication - University of the Philippines
- 1995 - Gawad Chanselor (Chancellor Award:Outstanding Researcher) - Univeristyof the Philippines Diliman
- 1995 - Outstanding Publication Award - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 1995 - Visiting Fellow - Australian National University
- 1999 - Gawi Award (for Professional Achievement) - Philippine Agricultural Economics and Development Association
- 2000 - International Publication Award - University of the Philippines
- 2003 - International Publication Award - University of the Philippines
- 2004 - Most Distinguished Alumnus - Mariano Marcos State University
- 2004 - Agri-Credit Achievement Medallion - Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corporation
- 2004 - International Publication Awards (6 Awards) - University of the Philippines
- 2005 - Most Outstanding Alumnus - East-West Center Alumni Association Philippines
- 2005 - International Publication Awards (2 Awards) - University of the Philippines
- 2006 - Distinguished Alumnus Award - University of the Philippines Los Baños Alumni Association