Dr. Amatong Tackles Philippine Fiscal Policies

Former Finance Secretary Dr. Juanita D. Amatong was the resource person during the Fiscal Policy Seminar held at the College of Business Administration – MBA Presentation Room on September 30.

The seminar, which was free and open to the public, gathered students enrolled in the Masters of Business Administration program and Banking undergraduate subjects.

Her lecture focused on the dynamics between the Central Bank and the Philippine government in its fiscal and monetary decisions. She spoke with expertise refined through her many years of experience working with prestigious financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Currently, Dr. Amatong is also a member of the Monetary Board of the Philippines, the policy-making body of the Central Bank.

In her discussion, she explained the effects the 2015 ASEAN Economic Integration will have on the economic decisions and policies that will be pursued by government. She also nuanced a bit on the controversy behind the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). If used properly, Dr. Amatong shared, DAP and PDAF can aid in the economic stability, growth and development of the country.

Dr. Amatong obtained her business degree from Silliman University and postgraduate degree from Syracuse University in New York. Prior to her entry in the government service, she worked as an associate professor in the University from 1959 to 1960 and also served as the immediate past Board of Trustees Chair of Silliman.