The UP School of Economics (UPSE) hosted the launch and book signing of Twin Plagues: How Duterte and COVID-19 Wrecked the Philippine Economy by Jan Carlo B. Punongbayan, UPSE Associate Professor, on September 4, 2026, at the UPSE Auditorium, with the Philippine Center for Economic Development (PCED) extending its support for the event.

Despite the rainy weather, the book launch drew members of the academic community and other guests who attended the discussion and book signing. Participants also availed themselves of copies of the book, reflecting interest in its examination of Philippine economic developments during the Duterte administration and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The book examines the performance of the Philippine economy during this period, with attention to public policy and the broader economic and institutional factors that shaped the country’s trajectory. The discussion provided an academic forum for examining recent Philippine economic developments and their implications for economic policy and development.

The event also provided an opportunity for members of the academic community to engage with the author and discuss the economic and policy issues examined in the book. The participation and support of the UPSE community and PCED underscored the School’s continuing role in fostering academic discussions on Philippine economic policy and development.

The book launch relates to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through its focus on economic performance, disruption, recovery, and sustainable economic development. Its examination of public policy and institutional responses also relates to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, while its discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic provides a broader connection to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

The event concluded with a book signing, providing participants an opportunity to engage directly with the author and obtain copies of the newly launched work.