Velasco Taken On as New SDRC Ph.D. Research Apprentice

Mark Anthony M. Velasco, a Ph.D. in Development Studies candidate at DLSU-Manila, has been hired as the first Ph.D. Research Apprentice at the Social Development Research Center. He obtained both his Master’s degree in Political Economy with specialization in International Relations and Development, and his undergraduate degree in Humanities majoring in Political Economy, from the University of Asia and the Pacific. His current research areas include human and social development, institutions and development, and Southeast Asian studies.

At SDRC, Mr. Velasco is part of the research team for the DLSU Challenge Grant project of      Dr. Alvin Culaba entitled “Micro-Hydro Project in Barangay Mataragan, Malibcong, Abra: An Impact Assessment”. The project seeks to conduct an assessment of the impact of the technology transfer of the MHCP system to an un-electrified barangay in Abra. The study is also crucial in that it seeks to determine whether such technology can be replicated in other communities for socio-economic sustainability and inclusive development.

Mr. Velasco’s contributions have been published in the Asian Journal of Business and Governance, the Asian Journal of Public Policy, Luz y Saber (the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Research Journal), and the Junior Philippine Journal of Public Administration. He is currently a member of the academe and socio-civic organizations for professional practice.