V. Bruce J. Tolentino
The Saga of Rice Sector Reform in the Philippines
October 27, 2020
In 2011, The Asia Foundation published Built on Dreams, Grounded in Reality: Economic Policy Reform in the Philippines, a collection of case studies that document policy and institutional reform in various sectors in the Philippines. The book included Chapter 7 – Stymied Reforms in Rice Marketing in the Philippines, 1980-2009. The chapter told how… Read more
An Afghan Wedding: Tradition Melds with Bling
July 27, 2011
Blog
Last week I was a guest at a modern Afghan wedding – the wedding of the younger brother of one of my colleagues. Summer is the season for weddings in Afghanistan. The ceremony was held in one of the very large “wedding palaces” that line a highway just outside Kabul’s central district.
Measuring President Corazon Aquino’s Presidency
August 5, 2009
Blog
In early 1992, toward the end of the administration of President Corazon Aquino, I participated in a Cabinet meeting where the discussion focused on her administration’s achievements and failings. Discussion was lively, and at times heated. There was much detailed argumentation on vision, strategy, programs, policy reforms, and delivery. President… Read more
In Laos: Land-linked, not Land-locked
August 27, 2008
Blog
With its GDP growing at an average of 6-7% annually since 2000, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is a country on the move. Not very fast when compared to its rapidly-burgeoning neighbors China and Vietnam, but fast when compared to its historically languid pace. In meeting after meeting with senior Government officials and representat… Read more