SUMMARY

This book argues that economics is inseparable from the choices people make every day — at the market, in the household, in government. Written for Grade 9 students and general readers alike, it works through foundational economic concepts — scarcity and markets, macroeconomic stability, trade, financial literacy — using Philippine cases as evidence rather than illustration. Each of its 23 chapters models a habit of reasoning: identify the economic mechanism first, then ask who benefits, who bears the cost, and what the evidence actually supports.

SPEAKER

Professor Cielo Magno is an economist, policy expert, and governance advocate with over twenty-five years of experience in research, public policy, and institutional reform. She is currently a Professor at the UP School of Economics and previously served as Undersecretary of the Department of Finance, where she advanced fiscal policy and financial accountability.

She is also active in global governance as she represents civil society on the Global Steering Committee of the Open Government Partnership, served seven years on the international board of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, and advised the CONNEX Global Initiative and Publish What You Pay Coalition. She was honored with the 2025 Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service Award for her exemplary work in Financial Accountability and Good Governance.