Winnie Monsod Filipino host, economist, professor and writer Date of Birth: 29.07.1940 Country: Philippines

1. Early Life and Education
2. Academic and Professional Career
3. Government and Public Service
4. Advocacy and Media
5. International Affiliations
6. Personal Life

Early Life and Education

Solita Collas-Monsod, affectionately known as Winnie Monsod, was born on July 29, 1940, in Manila, Philippines. She graduated with honors in 1959 from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. In 1962, she earned a Master's in Arts (Economics) from the University of Pennsylvania and completed all doctoral requirements but dissertation in 1963.

Academic and Professional Career

Monsod joined the Economics Department at the University of the Philippines in 1963 and served as a Professor. In 2005, she was considered for the presidency of the University of the Philippine System. She was named Professor Emeritus of the university in 2010. Her viral lecture on Introduction to Macroeconomics in October 2010 garnered immense attention online.

Government and Public Service

From 1986 to 1989, Monsod served as Secretary of the Cabinet for Socio-Economic Planning under President Corazon Aquino. She concurrently held the position of Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the 2001 general elections, Monsod ran for the Philippine Senate but was unsuccessful. In 2005, she criticized President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo over allegations of graft, corruption, and election fraud.

Advocacy and Media

Monsod co-hosted the defunct debate show 'Debate with Mare and Pare' and contributed a weekly analytical segment to the 'News on Q' program on QTV. She also wrote a fortnightly column for the 'Philippine Daily Inquirer.'

International Affiliations

Monsod was a member of the United Nations Committee for Development Planning (UNCDP) from 1987 to 2000 and served on the Board of Trustees of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) from January 1996. She was also a member of the advisory board for the 1993 Human Development Report and a consultant for the South Centre from 1991 to 1995.

Personal Life

Winnie Monsod is married to former Philippine Commission on Elections Chairman Christian S. Monsod.