Under the leadership of Dr. Cielito F. Habito, the Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) continues to advance its mission of promoting evidence-based knowledge on agriculture, food systems, and rural development in Asia. Drawing on Dr. Habito's extensive experience in economic policy and sustainable development, AJAD strengthens its role as a regional platform for scholarly exchange and practical insights that inform policy and innovation in the agriculture sector.
Dr. Cielito F. Habito
Editor, Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD)
Photo by Makati Business ClubDr. Cielito F. Habito is the second Editor of AJAD in its 20-year history. A distinguished economist, educator, and policy leader, Dr. Habito has combined an illustrious career in government, academia, business, and civil society.
He served as chief economist and planner in the Cabinet of Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos from 1992 to 1998 as Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning heading the National Economic and Development Authority. He has since been an active adviser and consultant to national, regional, and multilateral organizations, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Japan International Cooperation Agency, often focusing on economic cooperation and sustainable development across Asia. He also chaired the Board of Governors of the Jakarta-based Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and is a Board Director in several corporations.
Before serving in government, Dr. Habito was Professor and Chair of the Department of Economics at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Subsequently he served as Professor of Economics and Director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development (ACERD) at the Ateneo de Manila University. He continues in active advisory and advocacy roles for evidence-based policymaking as Chairman of Brain Trust, Inc., a consultancy think tank he co-founded, and humanitarian and human development work as Chairman of Operation Compassion Philippines.
He earned his PhD and MA in Economics from Harvard University, Master of Economics (major in Agricultural Economics) from the University of New England (Australia), and BS in Agriculture (Ag Econ), summa cum laude from UPLB.
A respected public intellectual, Dr. Habito is widely read through his long-running "No Free Lunch" column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. His research and commentaries focus on agricultural and rural development, inclusive growth, good governance, and sustainable economic policy in Asia.
