2024 Philippines Update: Beyond Geo-Politics: The Philippines in the New Marcos Era

Philippines Update Conference proceedings
Luka Vertessy & ANU Philippines Institute

The 2024 Philippines Update Conference (Oct 30-31) offered a thought-provoking exploration of the Philippines in the Marcos administration, with a focus on critical domestic and foreign policy shifts. Against the backdrop of strengthened ties between Australia and the Philippines, experts analyzed the implications of renewed Western alliances, territorial assertiveness, and evolving economic priorities, particularly in infrastructure and green energy.

With key themes including community resilience, oligarchic politics, and climate adaptation, the conference highlighted the complexities and challenges faced by the Philippines today. This gathering brought together leading voices to provide invaluable insights into the political, economic, and social transformations shaping the Philippines in a pivotal era. Highlights included a powerful keynote by esteemed journalist Marites D. Vitug on her book, "Unrequited Love: Duterte’s China Embrace."

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all speakers, chairs, discussants, and attendees—especially those who traveled from afar—to contribute to these crucial conversations. Your expertise and engagement added immense value, deepening our understanding of the political, economic, and social shifts shaping the Philippines today.

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Day 1 - Political Update - The Marcos Jr. administration: From populism to reformism?

Speaker: Carmel Abao, Ateneo de Manila University

Discussant: Cleo Calimbahin, ANU/DLSU

Chair: Björn Dressel, ANU

Day 1 - Economic Update - Shaky recovery, misplaced priorities

Speaker: Jan Carlo B. Punongbayan, University of the Philippines

Discussant and Chair: Alfredo Paloyo, University of Wollongong

Day 1 - Social and Environmental Update - Departures and continuities in Philippine environmental trajectories

Speaker: Kristian Karlo Saguin, University of the Philippines

Discussant: Emerson Sanchez, ANU

Chair: Maria Tanyag, ANU

Day 1 - Keynote Speech - Unrequited Love: Duterte's China Embrace

Speaker: Marites VitugRappler

Discussant & Chair: Cleo Calimbahin, ANU/DLSU

Day 2 - Memory, Community and Activism

Speakers: Jocelyn Martin, University Catholique de l’Ouest; Michael Pante, Ateneo de Manila University and Soliman Santos, independent scholar

Chair and Discussant: Nicole Curato, University of Canberra

Day 2 - The Changing Nature of Oligarchic Politics

Speakers: Cristina Bonoan, University of the Philippines; Antoinette Raquiza, University of the Philippines and Marianne Juco, University of the Philippines

Chair and Discussant:  Paul Hutchcroft, ANU

Day 2 - Economic Resilience and Inclusive Growth

Speakers: Joseph Capuno; Maria Socorro Gochoco-Bautista, University of the Philippines and Fermin Adriano, University of the Philippines

Chair and Discussant: Michael Cabalfin, ANU

Day 2 - New Challenges & Critical Issues Ahead

Speakers: Acram Latiph, Mindanao State University; Justin See, University of Melbourne; Weena Gera, University of the Philippines and Earvin Cabalquinto; Monash University

Chair and Discussant: Steven Rood, Social Weather Stations

Attachments