People Economics

The People Economics Litmus Test: Economic Platforms For Whom?
February 8, 2022
As the presidential election campaign kicks off, what economic platforms do the candidates have to offer?

Green beginnings
September 1, 2021
As relocatees, struggling families, church groups and as disabled persons, these communities are determined to grow food in the backyard or in shared lots regardless of size. This will not only bring food to the table. In time and with due perseverance, selling and sharing of produce may be possible.

A People’s Green New Deal? A look at PH labor
June 15, 2021
Dr. Max Ajl’s book A People’s Green New Deal presents socialist proposals on addressing climate change that are indeed doable and inspiring. In Chapter 5, he leaves us analytical notes on labor, planning and construction for an eco-socialist future, and industry and manufacturing, among others. These get us thinking about our own context in order to contribute to the operationalization of a people’s Green New Deal.

To reap what was not sown?
April 4, 2021
This is a crucial time to rethink our entire strategy for reaping the demographic dividend. While things are bleak from where things stand at present, the experience of our neighbors tells us that a demographic dividend is possible given the right set of policy choices.

Expansionary fiscal stance more urgent than ever
January 28, 2021
The economy is not just hindered by quarantine restrictions. It is also stifled by the unprecedented loss of informal sector livelihoods and enterprise closures which has contracted household incomes, wiped out savings, and collapsed aggregate demand. These have to be directly addressed.

Crisis upon crisis: 2021 Yearstarter Birdtalk highlights
January 23, 2021
It is important that the government acknowledge the enormity of the public health and economic crisis. This is necessary for the vital shift in attitude from business-as-usual to undertaking urgent COVID-19 response and long-term reforms.

Gaining ground vs disaster vulnerability
January 3, 2021
No matter how bad things were last year, civic action kept our hopes high

2020 Yearender: Economic lessons from Jose Rizal
December 30, 2020
The worst economic collapse in Philippine history and in Southeast Asia is mainly due to the government’s stumbling pandemic response and lackluster economic measures in 2020. If, again, there is more bluster than action in 2021 then real recovery will be much farther away than it should be.