BIZ BUZZ: Wanted: New BSP deputy governor

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is in need of a new deputy governor.

The successful applicant will lead the monetary and economics sector of the central monetary authority. The position is currently occupied by Francisco Dakila Jr., who is rumored to be retiring soon.

And Dakila will leave big shoes to fill.

The new deputy governor will lead the BSP’s operations and activities related to monetary policy formulation, implementation and assessment.

Dakila’s successor will also oversee and exercise supervision over economic research and statistics; international monetary affairs and surveillance; and loans and credit.

If you have 15 years of relevant experience and a master’s degree, you have until Jan. 20 to join the race. —Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral

Ex-journo is new AG

Meanwhile, the BSP recently named a new assistant governor.

We’re talking about Maria Margarita Debuque-Gonzales, who now heads the central bank’s Research Academy, which was established in 2021 to help strengthen the analytical capacity and research presence of the BSP.

Gonzales took over the position last Dec. 18, a promotion from her previous role of principal researcher.

Recall that Governor Eli Remolona Jr., who had long encouraged Gonzales to apply even when he wasn’t BSP governor yet (but was already part of the Monetary Board), had described Gonzales as a “good writer” and a “good economist.”

Before joining the BSP, she was a senior research fellow at state-run think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

Gonzales is a homegrown talent from the University of the Philippines (UP), where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology, master’s degree in economics and PhD in economics.

Monetary economics, financial economics, macroeconomics and development are her areas of research expertise.

Before joining PIDS, she was an associate professor at the UP School of Economics, where she helmed the financial and international economics committee and the UnionBank Center for Financial and Monetary Economics. She also previously worked at GlobalSource Partners, together with now Monetary Board member Romeo Bernardo.

Best of all, Gonzales started out as a business journalist. She used to write special reports and feature articles about the economy and financial markets for this paper, and has won for us a number of prestigious journalism awards. —Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral

Panlilio maps out MAP focus in 2025

New Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) president Al Panlilio wants the distinguished business group to not only focus on innovating but also on sustainability and youth development.

On Thursday, the Maya Bank chair was inducted into the position during the 77th inaugural meeting of MAP.

Panlilio unveiled that the group’s theme for the year is “management excellence for a progressive Philippines.”

“We will continue advancing environmental, social and governance principles and fostering shared prosperity as a key strategic thrust for the year. By integrating sustainable practices, promoting ethical leadership and driving inclusive growth, we aim to create long-term value for MAP members and all other stakeholders,” he said.

“On investing in the youth, we will continue the campaign against malnutrition and child stunting and we will continue advocating for government and private sector to pursue relevant education, health and wellness programs, particularly for the youth,” he added.

The former president of PLDT Inc. also presented the top concerns of its members this year: corruption, education, economy, ease of doing business, climate change, cybersecurity and working with local government units. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad 

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