Victor Andres “Dindo” C. Manhit
Since he founded The Stratbase Group and the Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies in 2004, Victor Andres “Dindo” C. Manhit has provided top-level strategic analysis and thought leadership on global issues in the Philippines. He has identified investment and business opportunities, gathered critical intelligence to overcome regulatory challenges, and developed deep relationships in key departments and agencies. With his extensive experience, he continues to advise the private sector and the diplomatic community on the interplay between business and government and the impact of legislative, regulatory, and geopolitics on their strategies.
As a public policy analyst and strategist, Professor Manhit thinks beyond politics for his political risk assessments, and draws on a combination of backward- looking, fact-based, data-driven analytics with forward-looking thinking, and strategic policy options. He believes that policy research and analysis should be undertaken in an independent, strategic, and pragmatic manner in order to contribute to the geopolitical debate and, in the process, effectively influence domestic and regional policy. He has provided strategic analysis at this time of great global challenges and the importance of the influence of a globalized society in nation- states.
Concurrently, he is Philippine Country Head of BowerGroupAsia (BGA), a leading strategic advisory firm specializing in the Asia-Pacific. He was a former Chair and retired Associate Professor of the Political Science Department of De La Salle University, Manila, and has authored numerous commentaries and papers on geopolitical issues, governance, and political reforms. He specializes in Strategic Studies and Management, International Politics, and Public Policy Analysis. He also regularly contributes articles and columns to leading newspapers in the Philippines, such as Philippine Daily Inquirer and BusinessWorld.
He is a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Multi-Sector Governance Council and was appointed to be the Chair of the Cybersecurity Committee. In the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), he serves as the Chair of the Committee on Investment Policy and Promotion.
His field of specialization has led him to pursue active involvement in legislation, bureaucratic work, and civil society advocacy. Among the government positions he has held include Undersecretary for External Affairs and Special Concerns of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports and Deputy Secretary for Administration and Financial Services of the Philippine Senate. Meanwhile, his legislative experience encompasses the 8th, the 9th, 10th, and the 12th Congress as Chief of Staff of the late Senate President Edgardo J. Angara and senior policy research adviser in key Senate Committees, such as Education, Agriculture, Economic Affairs, Social Justice and Electoral Reforms, and Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Laws.
After his stint in government, he became involved with different consortiums and networks of civil society groups. His civil society initiatives range from governance reform to environmental stewardship, as Lead Convenor of citizen-led initiative, Democracy Watch Philippines, and Convenor of pro-industry group, Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST).
Internationally, he sits as Vice-Chair of the Advisory Board to the international non-government organization We Protect our Seas – WPS. The trans-Pacific effort underlines the critical linkage of economic ties between the U.S. and the Philippines as a foundation for enduring security relations through research and programs. He is also a Board Member of the Global Advisory Board of the European Values Center for Security Policy.
He is also an advisor to the Board of Asia Society Philippines, which aims to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding, and bridge differences across the Philippines, Asia, and the United States. He was appointed as one of the ASEAN Regional Forum Experts and Eminent Persons (ARF-EEP) by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
He is a Fellow of the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), an organization dedicated to advancing economic and political liberty and other market-oriented reforms, and a member of both the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the Philippines’ leading organization committed to promoting management excellence for nation-building and the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), dedicated to the professionalization of Philippine corporate directorship and an active member of its Strategy Execution Pathway (StEP) Committee. As a member and adviser of the Board of the Philippine Trade Foundation (Phils, Inc.), Professor Manhit contributes to the crafting of initiatives geared to attract investments and promoting balanced trade.
Professor Manhit obtained his master’s degree in Public Administration and Bachelor’s Degree in Philippine Studies (Major in Political Science and History) from the University of the Philippines. He is also a member of Phi Gamma Mu International Honors’ Society Beta Chapter.
Maria Claudette Guevara-Hizon
Maria Claudette Guevara-Hizon is the Executive Director of the Stratbase Institute, where she is responsible for overseeing the administrative operations and contributing to the strategic planning and execution of the organization’s objectives. She is in charge of approving project timelines, plans, and implementation, as well as reviewing contracts and partnership agreements for compliance. She was the Deputy Executive Director for Programs of the Institute since 2014 where she was in charge of the implementation of the Institute’s projects and activities. She executed the Institute’s programs and administration, and maintained relationships with associates and networks. She coordinated with third-party authors and non-resident fellows for publications, and contributed articles on elections and governance.
Claudette also serves as the Director of Administration of the Stratbase Group where she is in charge of identifying areas for process improvement and implementing efficiency measures to enhance overall operations. Prior this, she was the Director of Accounts for Stratbase where she ensured the delivery of work for clients. She managed strategic grassroots campaigns for Stratbase clients, identified opportunities, built teams, and engaged in strategic planning and execution of public affairs projects.
She was the Secretary-General of ADRi’s advocacy group, Democracy Watch Philippines, a citizen-led initiative that advocates for honest, fair and free elections, reforms to strengthen political party systems, and institutionalizing governance reforms through the principles of accountable government and transparency of decision-making.
She received her bachelor’s degree major in Political Science from De La Salle University – Manila in 2011. She took a course on Leadership of Change for Development Managers at the Asian Institute of Management on May 2017 and a course on Project Management from Ateneo De Manila University Continuing Center for Education in 2015. She was a delegate at the Southeast Asian Young Leaders Program of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Shangri-La Dialogue 2018.
In school, she was elected as a two-time Batch President of the College of Liberal Arts at the De La Salle University – Manila from 2008 to 2010 and Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson in Pasay City, Metro Manila. She was also the High School Student Council President from 2007-2008 at the St. Scholastica’s College-Manila.
Jaime Jimenez, Ph.D
Jaime M. Jimenez, Ph.D, is the Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Research and Head of the Editorial Board of the Stratbase Institute. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at De La Salle University in 1994, graduating with a Gold Medal for Academic Excellence.
In 1998, he received his MA in Philippine Studies at De La Salle University – Manila and earned his Doctorate degree in Southeast Asia Studies at the National University of Singapore in 2003.
He is former Vice Chair of the Political Science department at De La Salle University – Manila and is former Associate Professor II of the Faculty of Arts and Letters at the University of Sto. Tomas.
Mary Joyce Ilas-Reyes
Mary Joyce Reyes is the Deputy Executive Director for Strategic Engagements of the Stratbase Institute. She is in charge of strengthening stakeholder engagements and creating alliance-building plans for the Institute. More specifically, she develops and maintains the in-country and regional partnerships of the Institute, and establishes a sound and effective system and process of coordination between and among partners. She also contributes to developing opportunities that help strengthen the capacity of the Institute and its partners.
Joyce also serves as the Advocacy and Communications Director of the Stratbase Group. She is in charge of developing and implementing effective communication strategies for the company. She also concurrently serves as BowerGroupAsia’s Assistant Director for Advocacy and Communications, where she conceptualizes and implements effective communication strategies that are integral in advancing the interests of BGA clients in the Philippines. She also helps develop and facilitate advocacy campaigns and projects, particularly on governance, digital infrastructure, and transportation.
Joyce is also a Co-Convenor of ADRi’s advocacy group Democracy Watch Philippines, a citizen-led initiative that seeks to uphold democratic values through good governance initiatives and electoral reform. As a co-convenor, she develops and implements advocacy projects and communication strategies for the initiative. She also works on stakeholder engagements, and hosts and facilitates events for the group.
Joyce holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration, major in Public Policy, and a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communication, from the University of the Philippines – Diliman. She has written academic papers on political and electoral reforms, human rights, poverty, and governance. Joyce is also currently taking up a Postgraduate Certificate Course in Digital Marketing, where she is learning about key marketing principles, concepts, and tools, and how each can be applied to create value in a highly competitive digital marketplace.
Prior to joining the development sector, Joyce worked as a political journalist for more than a decade. She served as a news anchor and news correspondent for CNN Philippines, where she covered the Senate and the House of Representatives beats.
Venice Isabelle Rañosa
Venice Isabelle T. Rañosa is Research Director and member of the editorial board at Stratbase Institute, where she oversees research engagements across the institute’s various programs. She also leads in the writing of the Economic Snapshots, the institute’s quarterly review of the Philippine economy, and develops content for its flagship conferences that cover all major areas of focus.
In her larger role at the Stratbase Group, she heads research on global and local developments in political economy affecting the company’s clientele. She also concurrently serves as Director at BowerGroupAsia, a US-based strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Indo-Pacific, where she supports the Managing Director in overseeing the Philippine team’s operations.
With a focus on political economy in the Philippines, trade and investment, and sustainable development, she has authored articles and commentaries featured in the country’s major broadsheets.
Prior to joining Stratbase, she was a researcher at De La Salle University-Manila, where she undertook research on tax reform, infrastructure development, public financial management, governance reforms, and the circular economy. She co-authored a special study on crafting an extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy in the Philippines, published by the Stratbase Institute in 2018.
She received her master’s degree in Development Policy (2019) and her bachelor’s degree in International Studies major in European Studies (2017), with honors, from De La Salle University-Manila, and has a diploma in Spanish awarded by the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid, Spain. She obtained her high school education, with distinction, at St. Scholastica’s College-Manila. She earned her Career Service Professional government eligibility from the Civil Service Commission of the Philippines in 2017.
Dana Eunice Dinsay
Dana Eunice A. Dinsay is the Chief of Staff of the Stratbase Group. As Chief of Staff, she advises and supports the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Group. She also manages the organization’s daily operations by actively engaging with key stakeholders to identify existing issues and offer viable solutions. She serves as the liaison between the Group and its partners and clients.
Dana started as a Research Associate in Stratbase, with her research focusing on trade and investment. She continues to track macroeconomic trends and legislative movements as she provides analysis for clients in the trade and investment sector. Concurrently, she is also a part of the External Affairs Team, which is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with clients and partners.
She previously interned for both the European Chamber of Commerce (ECCP) and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (La Cámara). She was also briefly involved with a US-based software development company before moving to a Malaysian-based consultancy firm focused on creating social impact through design thinking. She also delved into management consultancy as she provided consultancy services to businesses around the Philippines, including a multinational company in the food and beverage sector.
Dana is currently taking her Master’s in Innovation and Business at the Asian Institute of Management. She received her bachelor’s degree in European Studies with a specialization in international business and economics from the Ateneo de Manila University.
Linar-Mae Orbista
Linar is a Program and Research Manager of the Stratbase Institute, where she specializes monitoring and engaging in high-level discussions on geopolitical and geo-economic developments in the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific. Her work focuses on delivering strategic insights and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to address critical issues shaping the nation’s policy landscape. Linar also tracks advancements in the energy sector, including the development of the country’s critical minerals industry, furthering the Institute’s mission to drive informed and impactful policy advocacy.
On top of her role at Stratbase, Linar serves the Secretary-General of the Institute’s advocacy group, CitizenWatch Philippines, a citizen-led initiative dedicated to defending the rights of Filipino consumers. Through this initiative, she leads efforts to promote affordable electricity, greater access to healthcare, and inclusive mobility in the transportation sector, ensuring that consumer welfare remains a priority in policy discussions. Concurrently, Linar tracks developments in the domain of energy, including the development of the country’s critical minerals industry.
Linar’s professional journey includes her tenure at the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), where she contributed to peace and development initiatives in the southern Philippines. a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting peace and development in the southern Philippines. She also served as a part-time research assistant for various organizations, including the Ateneo Leong Institute for Global and Area Studies, the Ateneo Institute of Philippine Culture, Human Security Advocates, and the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections. Her involvement in research projects on voter registration costs, climate security, and geopolitical risks underscores her commitment to evidence-based policy development.
Recognized for her expertise, Linar has been invited to speak on domestic and international platforms, including the ASEAN-U.S. Regional Workshop on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Indonesia. She is also a member of the Youth Sounding Board of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, where she advises on development cooperation initiatives on the green economy, peace and security, and good governance.
Linar graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Diplomacy and International Relations with a specialization in East and Southeast Asian Studies from Ateneo de Manila University.
Alyssa Queenie Anne Chan
Queenie is a Research Manager at Stratbase Group, where she leverages her expertise in trade, investment, critical infrastructure, banking and fintech, as well as the political developments to deliver strategic insights and drive impactful research initiatives. in the country. With over five years of experience in project management, international relations, public finance, and policy analysis, Queenie plays a vital role in advancing high-level government initiatives and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Before joining Stratbase, Queenie served at the International Finance Group of the Department of Finance, where she contributed to the successful implementation of multibillion-peso infrastructure and development projects and programs funded through official development assistance (ODA). Her work involved organizing high-level bilateral meetings, ensuring effective program execution, and strengthening the country’ partnership with international allies. Her contributions were instrumental in enhancing the Philippines’ cooperation with like-minded global partners.
Queenie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Diplomacy and International Relations with Specialization in East and Southeast Asian Studies from Ateneo de Manila University. She further honed her global perspective by completing a Chinese Language Program at Tsing Hua University in Beijing, where she took Mandarin classes from 2018 to 2019.
Jhan Irish Balunos
Irish is a Program and Research Manager of the Stratbase Institute. Irish specializes in monitoring and analyzing the healthcare sector developments in the Philippines. With a strong foundation in evidence-based public health, she delivers strategic insights and technical support to inform policy and guide stakeholders. Her expertise spans research, nutrition science, and the formulation of impactful health policies, making her a key contributor to the Institute’s mission of driving meaningful change in the healthcare landscape.
Before joining Stratbase, Irish served as a research and policy fellow at the Department of Health, where she played a critical role in developing rapid public health guidelines for emergencies and crafting the the Omnibus Health Guidelines. She also contributed to research initiatives at the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute, focusing on the Nutrition Act and the drivers of anemia reduction among women of reproductive age. Her work reflects a deep commitment to improving public health outcomes through evidence-based solutions.
Irish holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from the University of the Philippines, where she consistently earned academic distinctions for high academic performance. A licensed nutritionist-dietitian since 2019, she also demonstrated her leadership skills as an elected Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson in Barangay Rosario, San Pedro, Laguna.
Members of the Editorial Board
Adelle Chua
Adelle Chua is an Assistant Professor of journalism at the UP College of Mass Communication, and is an opinion columnist for Rappler.
She was a long-time opinion editor, editorial writer and columnist for Manila Standard.
She graduated with an AB in Literature (English) from Ateneo de Manila University, where she also obtained her MA in Journalism as a fellow of the Konrad Adenauer Asian Center for Journalism. Adelle also studied Financial and Economic Reporting at the Institute for International Journalism in Berlin, Germany.
Jaime Jimenez, Ph.D
Jaime M. Jimenez, Ph.D, is the Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Research and Head of the Editorial Board of the Stratbase Institute. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at De La Salle University in 1994, graduating with a Gold Medal for Academic Excellence. In 1998, he received his MA in Philippine Studies at De La Salle University – Manila and earned his Doctorate degree in Southeast Asia Studies at the National University of Singapore in 2003.
He is former Vice Chair of the Political Science department at De La Salle University – Manila and is former Associate Professor II of the Faculty of Arts and Letters at the University of Sto. Tomas.
Venice Isabelle Rañosa
Venice Isabelle T. Rañosa is Research Director and member of the editorial board at Stratbase Institute, where she oversees research engagements across the institute’s various programs. She also leads in the writing of the Economic Snapshots, the institute’s quarterly review of the Philippine economy, and develops content for its flagship conferences that cover all major areas of focus.
In her larger role at the Stratbase Group, she heads research on global and local developments in political economy affecting the company’s clientele. She also concurrently serves as Director at BowerGroupAsia, a US-based strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Indo-Pacific, where she supports the Managing Director in overseeing the Philippine team’s operations.
With a focus on political economy in the Philippines, trade and investment, and sustainable development, she has authored articles and commentaries featured in the country’s major broadsheets.
Prior to joining Stratbase, she was a researcher at De La Salle University-Manila, where she undertook research on tax reform, infrastructure development, public financial management, governance reforms, and the circular economy. She co-authored a special study on crafting an extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy in the Philippines, published by the Stratbase Institute in 2018.
She received her master’s degree in Development Policy (2019) and her bachelor’s degree in International Studies major in European Studies (2017), with honors, from De La Salle University-Manila, and has a diploma in Spanish awarded by the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid, Spain. She obtained her high school education, with distinction, at St. Scholastica’s College-Manila. She earned her Career Service Professional government eligibility from the Civil Service Commission of the Philippines in 2017.
Shanice Espiritu-Amador
Shanice Espiritu-Amador is a non-resident fellow of the Stratbase Institute. She is a governance and public policy expert with a wide range of experience spanning the public and private sector, non-government organisations, and the academe. She previously held the role of Director for Policy and Advocacy under the Stratbase Group and Deputy Executive Director for Research under the Stratbase Institute. She is also a former university lecturer under the Political Science and Development Studies Department of De La Salle University-Manila.
Currently, she is a Casual Sessional Academic under the Policy and Governance Program of the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, where she also finished her degree of Master of Public Policy specialising in Integrity and Anti-Corruption Policy.
Trustees
The Stratbase Institute Board of Trustees is composed of notable figures from premier educational institutions and industry. The Trustees provides guidance and direction to the numerous policy studies and advocacies that the Institute advances.
Convenors
Stratbase Institute’s four programs are convened by Dr. Francisco Magno, Dr. Carlos Primo David (on-leave), Dr. Renato De Castro, and Dr. Epictetus Patalinghug.
Non-Resident Fellows
Stratbase Institute’s quarterly Spark and monthly Occasional Papers are authored by a variety of specialists in their given fields, in accordance with the objective of each program.
Stratbase Institute 