SEAMEO INNOTECH Joins ADB Panel on Strengthening Development in the Philippines

SEAMEO INNOTECH Center Director Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago participated as a panelist at the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) knowledge-sharing event, “Best Practices and Challenges in Development Projects in the Philippines,” held on February 24, 2025, at the ADB Headquarters in Manila. 

The event, organized by ADB’s Independent Evaluation Department (IED), brought together experts from government agencies, multilateral institutions, and development organizations to explore ways to improve the effectiveness of development projects in the country. Discussions focused on lessons from policy-based operations and the role of data-driven governance, capacity-building, and policy implementation in the Philippines’ transition to an upper middle-income economy. 

SEAMEO INNOTECH Center Director Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago shares insights on capacity-building and adaptive governance during the ADB panel discussion.

Dr. Ravago shared perspectives on the importance of capacity-building to equip policymakers, development practitioners, and local leaders with the skills and data-driven knowledge necessary for adaptive governance and effective policy implementation. Her insights reinforced the critical role of government, development partners, and civil society in driving effective policy implementation.  

She was joined by distinguished panelists, including DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, NEDA Undersecretary Joseph Capuno, ADB Philippines Country Director Pavit Ramachandran, and World Bank Operations Manager Dandan Chen. The discussion, moderated by Emmanuel Jimenez, Director General of ADB’s IED, explored critical themes such as local government engagement, social protection systems, private sector investment, and the sustainability of policy reforms. 

SEAMEO INNOTECH remains committed to enhancing development and strengthening policy effectiveness through research, capacity-building programs, and innovative learning solutions. By engaging in high-level discussions like this, SEAMEO INNOTECH continues to contribute to education-driven governance improvements, ensuring that policies and development programs remain responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with the evolving needs of the Philippines and the broader Southeast Asian region.