Mahar Mangahas

Mahar K. Mangahas (born November 22, 1939) is a distinguished Filipino economist and social scientist. He is widely recognized as the founder and president of Social Weather Stations (SWS), a leading independent, non-profit social research institution in the Philippines known for its public opinion surveys and studies on various societal issues.

Early Life and Education

Mangahas pursued higher education in economics, earning his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Chicago. He also holds a master's degree in economics.

Career

Before establishing SWS, Mangahas had a prominent academic career. He served as the Dean of the School of Economics at the University of the Philippines Diliman, one of the Philippines' leading academic institutions. His academic work and research interests primarily focused on areas such as poverty, income distribution, and the development of social indicators.

Social Weather Stations (SWS)

In 1985, Mangahas co-founded Social Weather Stations (SWS) with a mission to provide independent, objective, and accurate data on public opinion and social conditions in the Philippines. Under his leadership, SWS has grown into a highly respected and influential institution. It regularly conducts national surveys on a wide range of topics, including poverty, unemployment, public satisfaction with government performance, governance issues, and election preferences. The data and analyses produced by SWS are frequently cited by policymakers, academics, media organizations, and the general public, playing a crucial role in public discourse and supporting evidence-based policymaking in the country.

Contributions

Mangahas is a staunch advocate for freedom of information, transparency, and the use of empirical data in public policy. His work with SWS has significantly contributed to a deeper understanding of socio-economic trends and public sentiments in the Philippines, providing a critical independent voice in national debates. He is known for his commitment to rigorous methodology and data integrity, which have solidified SWS's reputation as a credible source of information. His research and commentary frequently address issues related to poverty alleviation, social justice, and good governance.