Manila – The Institute for Labor Studies’ John Emmanuel B. Villanueva, Acting Chief of the Employment Research Division, won the 2nd prize in the Young Researchers Competition for his presentation titled, “Political Dynasties and Human Development Investments: Evidence of Linkage from Rizal Province, Philippines.”

Mr. Villanueva presented his Master of Public Administration (MPA) thesis on political dynasties during the “Spatial Dimension of Sustainable Development” Session of the 13th World Congress of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI) held on 28 May 2021.

The RSAI Young Researchers Prize aims to showcase the research of young scholars in regional science through paper presentation and in-depth discussion organized at the Regional Science Association World Congress. Upon acceptance, competing papers were presented in the RSAI Young Researchers Sessions, where the young scientists were provided with time to present and receive feedback as each paper was assigned to a discussant, and the sessions chaired by senior researchers.

The RSAI Young Researchers Prize Jury consists of 5 members appointed by the Local Organizing Committee in consultation with the RSAI Executive.

The RSAI is an umbrella organization comprised of 4 supraregional organizations: North American Regional Science Council (NARSC), European Regional Science Association (ERSA), Latin American and Caribbean Regional Science Associations (LACRSA), and Pacific Regional Science Conference Organization (PRSCO).