MAJAH-LEAH VILLAR RAVAGO, PhD
President and CEO
Development Academy of the Philippines
Majah-Leah V. Ravago, PhD, the distinguished 10th President of the Development Academy of the Philippines, is an economist celebrated for her unwavering dedication to tackling real-world challenges, particularly in emerging nations like the Philippines. With a diverse professional background, she has spearheaded multimillion-dollar energy projects funded by the United States Agency for International Development and spearheaded policy research in collaboration with the Philippine House of Representatives.
She has extensive experience as a policy advisor to government officials at NEDA, DOE, PCC, DTI, and the Committees on Energy in the Senate and House of Representatives. She also serves as a policy and research consultant for the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), ADB Institute, and USAID, among other development agencies.
As an Associate Professor at the Ateneo de Manila University’s Department of Economics, Dr. Ravago is known for her results-oriented approach, contributing significantly to international journals and co-editing four books. Her expertise spans energy economics, competition policy, economics of natural disasters, and development economics.
Dr. Ravago’s academic journey encompasses a BS in Business Economics and an MA in Economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Hawai’i, Manoa, earned under the prestigious East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship Program. She has been recognized with notable accolades, including the Outstanding Young Scientist in Economics award from the National Academy of Science and Technology in 2016 and the One UP Faculty Grant Award in Economics for Outstanding Research and Public Service at UP Diliman in 2016.
Dr. Ravago’s global outlook has been enriched by fellowships and scholarships, including a Visiting Fellowship at Waseda University and participation in the US-Philippines Alliance Fellowship program in Washington, DC, funded by the US Embassy in the Philippines in partnership with the East-West Center. She is a Research Fellow at the Research Institute for Environmental Economics and Management at the Waseda University in Japan. Her scholarly endeavors are further enhanced by research and travel grants, allowing her to explore new avenues of inquiry and share insights on a global stage. In 2011, Dr. Ravago’s intellectual prowess was acknowledged with the prestigious Burnham O. Campbell Dissertation Award at the University of Hawai’i, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey. Fueled by an unyielding drive for growth, she has undergone transformative experiences as a SEARCA PhD Research Scholar and an East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellow, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.
A profound commitment to education and mentorship lies at the core of Dr. Ravago’s academic journey. As an esteemed faculty member at the Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines, she imparts her knowledge and expertise to countless students, fostering a deeper understanding of economics and its real-world applications.
Dr. Ravago’s impact extends beyond academia into the professional sphere, actively contributing to various societies and organizations. Her leadership roles in the Philippine Economic Society and membership in the Federation of ASEAN Economic Associations, the East-West Center Alumni Association, and the Social Weather Stations underscore her expertise. Serving as President of the Philippine Economic Society in 2018 further attests to her commitment to shaping economic discourse in the country.
In her multifaceted role as a researcher, mentor, and leader, Dr. Ravago exemplifies the transformative power of education, mentorship, and collaborative engagement in shaping the future of economics and beyond. Her active participation in international and national conferences, seminars, and workshops showcases the breadth of her scholarly contributions and commitment to addressing critical issues in economics
and sustainable economic development.