Mr
Manuel Samonte
Manuel Alberto Y. Samonte is a graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations with specialization in East and Southeast Asian Studies, graduating cum laude. He is currently pursuing the Master of International Development Practice at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, with a focus on justice and governance, crisis management, and peace and security. He previously served at the Department of National Defense under the Office for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs. In this role, he contributed to the negotiation of key bilateral defense agreements, including the Philippines–Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement and the proposed Philippines–Canada Status of Visiting Forces Agreement. He also supported bilateral security initiatives with partners such as the Republic of Korea, Australia, Japan, and the United States.
He remains passionate about regional cooperation, peacebuilding, and the youth’s role in diplomacy.
Manuel's research focuses on development justice and state-led interventions in the context of post-disaster recovery in the Philippines. He is currently examining how housing and resettlement programs following Typhoon Haiyan have affected displaced communities in Tacloban City. Using the Capabilities Approach and the Human Rights-Based Approach, Manuel's work explores how national policies can better uphold dignity, participation, and security in climate-vulnerable settings. Manuel is particularly interested in the gaps between policy frameworks and lived experience, and how these can be addressed through participatory and inclusive development practices. Separately, Manuel maintains a strong interest in Philippine defense and foreign policy. During his service at the Department of National Defense, he contributed to bilateral security initiatives and supported the negotiation of key agreements with partners such as Japan, Canada, and the Republic of Korea. These experiences have deepened Manuel's understanding of defense diplomacy and its role in advancing regional cooperation, maritime security, and long-term peacebuilding. Through both fields, Manuel aims to support a more just and human-centered approach to development and diplomacy.