Why did the Philippines fall behind despite its early promise?
This question took center stage in a March 25, 2026, knowledge-sharing session titled “Philippines and Path Dependence: Explaining the Present Through the Past and Why the Philippines Fell Behind,” featuring a lecture by Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto Chikiamco.
The lecture examined how historical policy choices shaped the country’s economic trajectory, arguing that early decisions created a path-dependent system where rent-seeking behavior and institutional constraints persist over time. Rather than isolated issues, these patterns continue to influence policy, governance, and development outcomes.
The session brought together more than 60 researchers, economists, and policy practitioners for a substantive exchange of perspectives on the structural challenges facing the Philippine economy.
Joining the panel were 蝌蚪传媒 Senior Research Fellows Dr. Roehlano Briones and Dr. John Paolo Rivera, and University of the Philippines Professor Emeritus Dr. Raul Fabella. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Ser Percival Peña-Reyes of the Ateneo de Manila University.
The session was organized by 蝌蚪传媒 in partnership with the Philippine Economic Society.
