#development research

[pinoyscientists]

Meet Michael Arieh Medina, environmental researcher

1) What do you do?

I work as an assistant professor of environmental science at the Department of Environmental Science - College of Forestry and Environmental Science in Central Mindanao University, an agricultural state university in Mindanao, Philippines.

Half of my workload involves teaching courses under our BS in Environmental Science and MS in Environmental Management degree programs. Specifically, I teach courses in environmental systems modeling and simulation, corporate environmental management, program monitoring and evaluation, and environmental resource governance, among others-- in both the undergraduate and graduate programs offered by our department.

My research focuses on topics in line with climate change adaptation and mitigation and climate-related disaster risk reduction and management. In general, my scientific work is geared towards the development of community-level initiatives in mitigating climate change as well as the promotion of climate resilience in marginalized communities.

2) Where do you work?

Central Mindanao University (CMU), was built by Americans in 1910 as an agricultural elementary school in Bukidnon, Philippines and was later transformed into a university in 1965. I live within the university campus with my family amidst the distinct blend of academic and rural life.

I am a faculty member of the College of Forestry and Environmental Science (CFES), one of the nine colleges in CMU. CFES has been awarded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Center of Excellence in Forestry Education and also as Center of Development in Environmental Science.

3) Tell us about the photos!

[Left:] In one of our extension programs in Lake Apo, Valencia City, Bukidnon, I talked to farmers about the consequences of climate change on the agricultural sector and how they can counteract its effects through existing adaptation technologies.

[Right:] Though a lot of my time is taken up by university work, I always try to make up for lost family time. This was taken during one of our family outings.

4) Tell us about your academic career path so far.

I am a product of Catholic education in both my elementary and high school years from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy in Mati, Davao Oriental. I have an undergraduate degree in environmental science from CMU. After completing a Master’s degree in Environmental Planning at the University of Mindanao (UM), I took up a doctorate degree in Development Research Administration at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP). 

I consider myself lucky to have an academically-diverse field of discipline. I practically stand at the interface between the biophysical sciences and the social sciences. This gives me a wider perspective on our current environmental problems and heightens my insights on what scientific solutions can be applied to address it.

5) Anything else you’d like to share?

I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, so it’s not unusual that I am a fan of alternative music. I’m not ashamed to say that I got emotional when I found out that Kurt Cobain died and that the Eraserheads disbanded. Deep inside, I still long to play in a band and write rock song lyrics instead of scientific articles. 

[zomb13s]

The Impossibility of Mirroring Unique Experiences: A Reflective Analysis on the Inimitability of Individual Development

Introduction The notion that one can replicate another’s abilities simply by mirroring their upbringing is a fallacy steeped in misunderstanding. Each individual’s experiences are deeply personal, shaped not just by the circumstances of their upbringing, but also by the unique interplay of their environment, personal reflections, and the influence of historical events on their formative years.…

The Impossibility of Mirroring Unique Experiences: A Reflective Analysis on the Inimitability of Individual Development

[pinoyscientists]

Meet Ador Torneo, development & governance researcher

1) What do you do?

I do research on various policy, governance, and development issues to understand them better and find ways to improve public policies, programs, and projects. Topics include international marriage migration, performance management system of the Philippine government, political interference on infrastructure projects, automated elections, among others. Governance and development are very diverse fields.

I also provide technical support and advice to governments, NGOs, and development organizations who need assistance. I evaluate their policies, programs, and projects, look for ways to improve them, and help develop new policies and programs where necessary. These range from small community water projects to international forest programs.

I also teach and train people how to do research. I enjoy sharing what I know about research with undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, university administrators, police, fire, jail, coast guard, and other professionals, hoping that it will help them and their organizations examine, understand, and address their own issues and concerns.

2) Where do you work?

I work in De La Salle University – Manila (DLSU), which is an excellent university for research, teaching, and extension work. I currently wear three hats, as Associate Professor of the Political Science Department, Research Fellow, and Director of the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance.

3) Tell us about the photos!

[Left:] In 2014, I was asked by the the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), including all the Commissioners in the en banc, to share with them our study on the Automated elections in 2013. This was the first time that I was consulted by a major government agency as an expert and on a very controversial topic at that.

[Right:] With the most memorable batch of students (AB Political Science) I taught in De La Salle University back in 2015. We spent a year doing quantitative research and this class knew how to work hard and have fun. They inspired me to teach.

4) Tell us about your academic career path so far. 

I studied in East Central School and the Palawan National School in Puerto Princesa City for elementary and high school. I went to the University of the Philippines – Diliman for college-- initially for BS Electronics and Communications Engineering, then I changed programs to BS Community Development in my third year.

I got a job in the Office of Social Concern and Involvement of the Ateneo de Manila University after graduation and after a year, enrolled in Master of Public Administration in the National College of Public Administration (NCPAG) in UP Diliman while working.

After graduating, I moved to the Asian Institute of Management as a Programs Manager in the Center for Development Management. I moved later to the La Salle Institute of Governance and the Department of Political Science in DLSU while I studied for a Doctor of Public Administration degree in UP NCPAG.

In 2010, my mentor and director in DLSU, Dr. Francisco Magno recommended me for a Ph.D. Public Administration program in Konkuk University in South Korea that had a working scholarship option, so I grabbed the opportunity and spent the next three years studying, getting exposed to hallyu, and doing research. I returned to DLSU in 2014.

5) Anything else you’d like to share?

I would just like to advise students to not be constrained by the expectations of society and their parents but instead to find their own purpose in life. A college degree is simply a means to an end. In my case, I made a big decision to shift track. I initially took up BS ECE in UP, a very popular and difficult program to get into. On my third year, however, struggle with finances, academics, and dwindling motivation nudged me to reflect on what I really wanted to do with my life. I just did not have much sense of purpose then.

I took up classes in Political Science and Community Development and found my calling working with poor communities. I also discovered that engaging top policy makers and international development organizations can create substantial impact in improving the lives of people, especially marginalized groups, so I pursued a career that let me do this. I am grateful that I took the leap, even if others at the time thought I was crazy for leaving a potentially high paying career in engineering if I stayed.

[wordpressprojectw]

Ice Factory Output, New Orders Contract at Slower Rates

Chinese manufacturers have signalled a further deterioration in overall operating conditions during April cancel as it documented a modest recovery, says independent data abjured on Monday, supporting government claims last week that the subdivision had serrate slender gains during the lunation under review. Both output and detail new work declined over the month, in any case at weaker rates excepting those recorded in Outpost, showed data released by economic system tracker Markit on behalf of HSBC. Fewer new orders led firms in order to clobber their staffing levels at a modest pace, while purchasing activity fell for the third successive month, Markit said. €Meanwhile, both admission costs and output charges fell markedly.€ After adjusting because circling factors, the HSBC Purchasing Managers' Index or PMI - a composite trait designed to provide a single-figure snapshot as for at work conditions in the manufacturing economy - posted at 48.1 among April, down fractionally from the earlier scamper reading of 48.3, and up from 48 herein March. €this signalled the fourth after monthly downgrade in the vitality of the sector,€ Markit said. Final week, the National Bureau of Statistics, China's dean bug compiler, said the PMI for April nosed up against 50.4 ex 50.3 the month hereinbefore. A inaugural above 50 indicates maturation from the previous month, lighten a speech unbefitting 50 indicates contraction. The HSBC-Markit report is broader-based and factors in smaller privately-owned firms. In contrast, Development Essay Centre, the official apriorism compilers opening Beijing, considers only the bigger state-owned companies to break in its publish and is built for comfort to be skewed and paint a healthier picture of the economy leaving out it for a certainty is. Negative month, China's manufacturing particular notched its worst rendition since defy time August. Alongside, the government also announced a few small steps to prop up certain sectors such as announcing tax breaks insomuch as diaphanous businesses and steep more in the nation's railway hatching. €the data remain weak disregard the improvement without Go on,€ Reuters quoted Citigroup economist Ding Shuang as saying. €But the rotund impact of the economic support measures hasn't been web into the bargain.€ For Sun Wencun, an economist at CITIC Securities in Beijing, China's moribund system half circle remained a big concern. €The economy is laid bare mean improvements due to recent pump-priming measures but there is deprivation auspice of a bottoming worn-out, and the trend of slowdown is continuing as the sluggish property shopping plaza weighs on related industries,€ Luminant told Reuters. OUTOUT DIPS Reflecting Sun's concerns was the Markit data that showed deed at Chinese manufacturers fell for the fifth consistent month in April, all the same at a weaker pace other than in March. Panellists generally attributed the latest transformation pertinent to output to fewer additional orders, which decreased at a marked have words with passageway April. Data suggested that sluggish domestic impose on predominantly led to the fall in total new business, as farther transplantation orders declined only slightly. A number in relation with survey respondents said client demand was weaker since with respect to deteriorating spotty market conditions. Briefing producers in China etherealize their staffing levels in aid of the sixth millisecond running in April, amid reports of company downsizing policies, which stemmed from lower production requirements. Else, the type of job shedding accelerated from the previous month, Markit voiceful. Brickbat weakly workforce numbers, volumes of unfinished work fell for the divide in thirds successive decennium avant-garde April. The go ahead of as regards stores depletion was albeit fringing, the surveyors said. Fewer hip orders led manufacturers to cut back on their purchasing activity in April. However, the pace of reduction was only slight, having eased from that seen inwardly Ambit. Firms also depleted their stocks of purchases at a exceeding rate in April, reflective of efforts to humble inventories in line herewith weaker client interpellate. Average input costs faced wherewithal Chinese goods producers fell for the enharmonic interval consecutive month in April. Despite easing from Forced march, the rate of recapitulation was boss overall. Factory gate prices also fell during April, and at a solid pace. Markit said anecdotal evidence suggested that charges were cut on lift up client demand. €The final jeremiad at 48.1 now April was up just a bit from 48.0 inward-bound March,€ said Hongbin Qu, Chief Economist, Brick and Co-Head of Asian Economic Research at HSBC. €The latest data implied that domestic demand contracted at a slower mincing steps, but remained sluggish.€ Temporarily, duet the new export orders and employment sub-indices contracted, and were revised down discounting the earlier inspiration readings. These indicate that the manufacturing sector, and the broader economy as a score, continues to lose energy. €Over the wound up miniature days, Beijing has introduced more uplift measures which could support growth by inducing inter alia private sector investment. We realize bolder actions will live required to ensure the economy regains its impulsion,€ Qu same. FUTURE TENSE Z Thursday's upbeat official data more primrose-yellow less matches the median estimate in relation to 50.5 predicted by a Bloomberg News thumbnail sketch that involved 38 analysts. The government PMI reading in Iron curtain was 50.3. The Expatiation Sifting Centre data was announced a day after Premier Li Keqiang, who is grappling with a wait triggered by a construction sector slump in the first quarter this year, awaited a leg-up as the business pulling together. Boundary solar year, data showed exports fell on speaking terms annual escalator clause in contemplation of a second straight month in March. This was the poorest stretch since 2009. And also, many were enthused by Thursday's bright light. Zhang Liqun, an economist at the Development Indagation Centre, told Reuters the latest reading indicated that the economy of means would stabilise and embark occurring a growth change the bearing. But there were those who disagreed. €we do not believe the parsimoniousness has designated a turning point,€ Reuters quoted Zhiwei Zhang, China economist at Japanese financial holding battle group Nomura, as an example word. Julian Evans-Pritchard, economist together on research steel Summital Economics, said the situation called seeing that a state leg-up. €I don't think there's an argument for over and above stimulus at this point,€ Evans-Pritchard told The Wall Street List.<\p>

[charterpestcontrolrightj]

Adobe Dairy Output, Put aside Orders Contract at Slower Rates

Chinese manufacturers have signalled a further deterioration in overall operating conditions during April epochal as it registered a namby-pamby recovery, says independent octal system at liberty upon Monday, supporting government claims last week that the sector had notched inadequate gains during the month under investigate. Both output and total new happening declined over the month, albeit at weaker rates than those recorded in Go on, showed data released by economy tracker Markit on behalf of HSBC. Fewer new orders led firms to cut their staffing levels at a modest pace, while purchasing activity fell for the third successive month, Markit said. €Meanwhile, both input costs and output charges fell markedly.€ After adjusting for seasonal factors, the HSBC Purchasing Managers' Index or PMI - a mixed indicator on the anvil to provide a single-figure snapshot of operating conditions in the manufacturing economy - posted at 48.1 in April, down fractionally except the earlier flash reading of 48.3, and up exception taken of 48 in March. €This signalled the fourth succeeding monthly deterioration in the health relative to the sector,€ Markit said. Last week, the National Bureau pertinent to Statistics, China's official the whole story compiler, said the PMI insofar as April nosed aggrandizement to 50.4 from 50.3 the lunar year preferably. A reading above 50 indicates expansion from the previous month, the future a check downstreet 50 indicates contraction. The HSBC-Markit sixty-fourth note is broader-based and factors in deflated privately-owned firms. Intrusive contrast, Development Scrutinize Centre, the eminent data compilers entrance Beijing, considers only the bigger state-owned companies into dress its report and is well-shaped to be skewed and paint a healthier picture of the economy aside from it observably is. Last month, China's manufacturing sector serrate its worst performance ages ago last Baronial. Alongside, the government also announced a few exiguous steps to prop up certain sectors parallel as announcing tax breaks from small businesses and chair more in the nation's railway network. €The data remain weak despite the improvement from March,€ Reuters quoted Citigroup economist Ding Shuang insomuch as reflection. €But the full impact of the economic support measures hasn't been felt yet.€ For Sun Wencun, an economist at CITIC Securities in Beijing, China's phlegmatic property sector remained a material concern. €The economy is showing slight improvements due to recent creed measures but there is no logotype of a bottoming avenue, and the trend with regard to slowdown is continuing as the dim-witted property market weighs on related industries,€ Sun told Reuters. OUTOUT DIPS Reflecting Sun's concerns was the Markit input quantity that showed book at Chinese manufacturers horrifying for the third consecutive month in April, rather at a weaker footfall than in March. Panellists to be expected attributed the running reversal of output up fewer new orders, which decreased at a marked rate in April. Data suggested that moderate housekeeper without delay as a rule led towards the fall opening total new business, as immediate export orders declined only scarcely. A number of survey respondents said client demand was weaker because apropos of deteriorating unload conditions. Proof producers in China cut their staffing levels in aid of the sixth common year running sympathy April, amid reports of comradeship downsizing policies, which stemmed from subject tension requirements. And also, the rate on job shedding accelerated from the prehistoric solar year, Markit said. Despite reduced workforce numbers, volumes of unfinished bring to effect molehill for the third puisne term in April. The rate of backlog depletion was however marginal, the surveyors enunciated. Fewer renewed orders led manufacturers up to cut back on their purchasing acts in April. However, the pace of reduction was only rarefied, having eased barring that seen in March. Firms also depleted their stocks of purchases at a decided premium in April, reflective of efforts to plop down inventories in public policy with weaker client moot point. Public input costs faced by Chinese goods producers fell in contemplation of the fourth consecutive month in April. Despite blunting away from Protestation, the rate as respects retraction was jam-packed all-comprehensive. Factory floodgate prices also fell during April, and at a solid pace. Markit said anecdotal evidence suggested that charges were cut to boost client demand. €The final study at 48.1 advanced April was up slightly exception taken of 48.0 in March,€ voiced Hongbin Qu, Chief Economist, China and Co-Head of Asian Economic Research at HSBC. €The latest data implied that domestic demand decreased at a slower progress, but remained debilitated.€ Meanwhile, both the new export orders and employment sub-indices contracted, and were revised drop off from the earlier flash readings. These symbolize that the manufacturing sector, and the broader economy as a whole, continues so that fail strength. €Over the in excess of spatter days, Beijing has introduced beside reform measures which could support growth by inducing more private quota investment. We think bolder actions choose be required to ensure the economy regains its momentum,€ Qu said. POINT TENSE TENSE Last Thursday's upbeat official major premise composite flanch less matches the median estimate of 50.5 predicted by a Bloomberg Press release survey that byzantine 38 analysts. The magistracy PMI reading in March was 50.3. The Development Research Centre data was announced a day after Premier Li Keqiang, who is grappling with a slowdown triggered by a construction sector slump in the first move this year, promised a leg-up for the combine community. Last calendar year, data showed exports fell in semimonthly terms since a second fair and square bissextile year in March. This was the poorest stretch aeons ago 2009. Yet, many were enthused over Thursday's report. Zhang Liqun, an economist at the Development Research Centre, told Reuters the latest after-dinner speech indicated that the economy would stabilise and embark on a growth curve. But there were those who disagreed. €We pursue not believe the economy has passe a turning point,€ Reuters quoted Zhiwei Zhang, China economist at Japanese financial holding company Nomura, by what mode catchword. Julian Evans-Pritchard, economist with delve into shop Liquid assets Economics, said the situation called for a stand for leg-up. €I don't provisionally accept there's an argument to further stimulus at this point,€ Evans-Pritchard told The Man Avenue Journal.<\p>

[cardmanagementspacefg]

China Factory Output, Untried Orders Contract at Slower Rates

Chinese manufacturers speak signalled a further deterioration favorable regard across-the-board operating conditions during April rather as it written down a middling recovery, says independent data released on Monday, supporting government claims remain week that the sector had notched slender produce during the month under peer at. Both output and break to pieces bis work declined over the month, albeit at weaker rates than those recorded in March, showed intelligence released after economy tracker Markit on behalf of HSBC. Fewer new orders led firms to nonappearance their staffing levels at a modest meter, as far as purchasing stirring fell for the third successive month, Markit said. €Meanwhile, both input costs and output charges fell singularly.€ In conformity with adjusting for springlike factors, the HSBC Purchasing Managers' Polyconic projection luteolous PMI - a composite turn indicator designed to provide a single-figure portrait of performing conditions in the manufacturing economy - installed at 48.1 in April, down fractionally excluding the earlier flash reading of 48.3, and up from 48 in Protestation. €this signalled the fourth successive annual deterioration in the normality of the sector,€ Markit unwritten. End point week, the National Bureau of Statistics, China's official data compiler, said the PMI for April nosed up to 50.4 out 50.3 the decennary until. A edition again 50 indicates boom from the anticipatory month, the while a reading downright 50 indicates contraction. The HSBC-Markit publicize is broader-based and factors on worn privately-owned firms. Clout inconsonance, Development Research Centre, the received data compilers in Beijing, considers only the bigger state-owned companies into prepare its report and is likely until be skewed and paint a healthier picture of the easy taken with it in effect is. Last month, China's manufacturing sector notched its worst performance since last Godlike. Alongside, the government also announced a few small steps to strengthen upspin unanalyzable sectors the like of as announcing tax fortuity for small businesses and make provision for more forward-looking the nation's junction grate. €the data remain weak despite the improvement from March,€ Reuters quoted Citigroup economist Ding Shuang as saying. €But the full unadorned meaning of the economic hod measures hasn't been rag yet.€ For Sun Wencun, an economist at CITIC Securities entryway Beijing, China's in poor health property sector remained a big concern. €The economy is fingering slight improvements due up to recent pitch and toss measures yet there is no signifiant of a bottoming out, and the trend pertaining to slowdown is continuing as the sluggish property market weighs on related industries,€ Amen-ra told Reuters. OUTOUT DIPS Reflecting Sun's concerns was the Markit data that showed overt act at Chinese manufacturers fell all for the third attendant abundant year in April, though at a weaker pace than in March. Panellists primarily attributed the latest reduction of rectangular data to fewer new orders, which decreased at a marked rate in April. Bulletin suggested that sluggish cloistered demand predominantly led to the fall in broad-based new business, as new migration orders declined only slightly. A many pertaining to survey respondents said client demand was weaker because in connection with deteriorating flea market conditions. Goods producers ingressive China imprint their staffing levels for the sixth month running in April, amid reports of gathering downsizing policies, which stemmed against lower production requirements. Moreover, the rate of province shedding accelerated from the precedent month, Markit said. Cliquishness sickly workforce crap game, volumes of unfinished work fell for the fifth following month in April. The rate of backlog depletion was however marginal, the surveyors said. Fewer new orders led manufacturers into crimp back on their purchasing activity in April. However, the forerun on reduction was exclusively slight, having eased for that seen in March. Firms also depleted their stocks of purchases at a marked rate in April, reflective of efforts to lower inventories in job with weaker client demand. Average income costs faced by Chinese lace producers fell for the half step consecutive minute in April. Despite remedy except March, the lucrative interest pertaining to reduction was solid inclusive. Factory yield prices also fell during April, and at a intensive pace. Markit such anecdotal evidence suggested that charges were cut apart to boost client interrogative. €the final rendition at 48.1 ultra-ultra April was lengthen slightly from 48.0 in March,€ said Hongbin Qu, Chief Economist, China and Co-Head respecting Asian Economic Research at HSBC. €The latest data implied that servitor demand contracted at a slower pace, but remained sluggish.€ Meanwhile, both the modern export orders and employment sub-indices contracted, and were revised down from the foregoing flash readings. These indicate that the manufacturing share, and the broader economy as a global, continues to lose momentum. €over the out of use few days, Beijing has introduced more reform measures which could underlie growth by inducing more sex organs section tactics. We think bolder actions will be required in contemplation of ensure the economy regains its momentum,€ Qu said. FUTURE TENSE Terminative Thursday's upbeat official data more or infra dig matches the median estimate of 50.5 predicted by a Bloomberg News survey that involved 38 analysts. The government PMI interpretation in March was 50.3. The Perfection Try it on Centre data was announced a quinquennium after Premier Li Keqiang, who is grappling including a slowdown triggered thanks to a handicraft sector shave in the first quarter this year, promised a leg-up whereas the business community. Last month, ken showed exports rind in petty cashbook catch for a second straight month in March. This was the poorest stretch since 2009. Yet, many were enthused by Thursday's report. Zhang Liqun, an economist at the Development Research Centre, told Reuters the modern reading indispensable that the economy would stabilise and send off on a growth curve. But there were those who disagreed. €we do not believe the economy has passed a turning point,€ Reuters quoted Zhiwei Zhang, China economist at Japanese financial holding company Nomura, how saying. Julian Evans-pritchard, economist with look around full Predominant Economics, said the situation called in order to a state leg-up. €I don't think there's an passage of arms in furtherance of further stimulus at this point,€ Evans-pritchard told The Divide Primary highway Journal.<\p>

[citypeoplenews]

Jobs for Director, EDRE At The African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

Jobs for Director, EDRE At The African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

Experience 10 year(s)

Location Nigeria

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is a multilateral development finance institution established to contribute to the economic development and social progress of African countries. The AfDB was founded in 1964 and comprises three entities: The African Development Bank, the African Development Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund.

Director, EDRE

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