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Political Scientist | Public Intellectual | Economic Policy Advocat
Professor Alexander R. Magno is one of the Philippines’ most established political scientists and public intellectuals, with decades of work spanning political analysis, economic policy, governance, institutional reform, public affairs, and national development.
A long-time member of the University of the Philippines academic community, Magno has taught political science and contributed extensively to the study of Philippine institutions, political economy, democracy, governance, and public policy. He also previously served as Executive Director of the UP Third World Studies Center, one of the university’s major interdisciplinary research institutions focused on politics, development, and social change.
His career has consistently crossed the boundaries of academe, government, policy advocacy, and media. He has served as a consultant and adviser to various government institutions and has participated in policy discussions involving economic reform, trade, finance, governance, and constitutional change. Earlier in his career, he also served as an adviser to the Philippine government in meetings involving the International Monetary Fund and World Bank and worked as a consultant with the United Nations University.
Professor Magno is also closely associated with the Foundation for Economic Freedom, a respected Philippine policy organization advocating market-oriented reforms, stronger institutions, competition, investment, and sound economic policy. He is one of the organization’s founding fellows and continues to be listed among its trustees, reflecting his long-standing involvement in debates surrounding economic reform and national competitiveness.
Beyond academe and policy, Magno has become familiar to generations of Filipinos through his work as a commentator and columnist. Since 2003, he has written the “First Person” column for The Philippine STAR, offering analysis on economics, politics, governance, public institutions, international developments, and the decisions affecting the country’s future. His column remains active in 2026, giving him a continuing platform from which to interpret fast-moving political and economic developments.
What makes Professor Magno particularly relevant to Cebu Economic Forum 4.0 is his ability to connect politics with economics.
Economic growth does not occur independently of institutions. Investment confidence is influenced by policy credibility, governance, infrastructure, fiscal conditions, political stability, regulation, global developments, and the quality of public decision-making.
His perspective therefore helps move the Forum beyond individual investment projects and toward a more fundamental question:
At Cebu Economic Forum 4.0, Professor Magno will deliver:
His keynote will examine the broader economic, political, and institutional forces shaping the Philippines and the Visayas—and what those forces could mean for Cebu’s future competitiveness, investment prospects, and development.
For Cebu, the challenge is not simply to grow.
It is to understand where the country and region are heading, what risks are emerging, where opportunities are opening, and how Cebu can position itself accordingly.
Keynote Address: State of the Economy and State of the Region
September 8, 2026 | 10:45 AM
Cebu Economic Forum 4.0
