The Department of Finance (DOF) onboarded a new talent from the Sy-led China Banking Corp. to lead the unit responsible for analyzing emerging economic issues and developments.
Domini S. Velasquez, the former chief economist of Chinabank, is set to join the DOF this week to head the Office of the Chief Economist (OCE).
This appointment comes as Finance Undersecretary Zeno Ronald R. Abenoja bids farewell to his temporary role at the DOF to resume his position at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Established in 2013, the OCE functions under the Office of the Secretary as a specialized unit dedicated to provide early warning and response measures aimed at anticipating and addressing the country’s economic vulnerabilities.
Velasquez is no newcomer to government service, having served the National Economic and Development Authority before she assumed the position of chief economist at Chinabank in September 2021.
In addition to her work at NEDA, Velasquez also held positions at the BSP Investor Relations Office and Citibank’s public sector risk unit.
She also served as a short-term consultant at the Asian Development Bank’s Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department.
Velasquez completed her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at Ateneo de Manila University.
She earned a master’s degree in Public Policy specializing in economic policy from the National University of Singapore, and a second master’s degree in International Migration and Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.