Marvin Lagonera
About Marvin Lagonera
Marvin Lagonera is a Program Manager II and City Coordinators Manager for the Climate Resilient Cities project funded by USAID, based in Manila, Philippines. He has extensive experience in climate resilience, urban development, and education, having worked with various organizations including ICLEI, C40 Cities, and Catholic Relief Services.
Work at Catholic Relief Services
Marvin Lagonera currently serves as the City Coordinators Manager and Program Manager II for the Climate Resilient Cities project, which is funded by USAID. He has held this position since 2021, working in Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines. In this role, he oversees the development of program learning, including research and publications focused on city climate resilience. He leads strategic engagement for six Philippine cities, emphasizing the importance of enhancing urban resilience to climate change.
Previous Experience at ICLEI
Lagonera has extensive experience with ICLEI, where he held multiple roles. He worked as a Consultant for the Global Environmental Facility Project titled 'Sustainable Cities in the Philippines' for five months in 2018. He also served as the Country Liaison Officer for the 'Ambitious City Promises' project from 2017 to 2018. Additionally, he was a Climate Change Mitigation Project Officer at the ICLEI Southeast Asia Secretariat from 2016 to 2018.
Academic Background and Education
Marvin Lagonera has a strong academic background with degrees from multiple institutions. He earned a Master of Science in Sustainable Urban Development from the University of Oxford from 2019 to 2021. He also holds a Master's Degree in Political Science with a focus on Global Politics from Ateneo de Manila University, completed between 2014 and 2016. His undergraduate studies include a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Ateneo de Manila University, achieved from 2010 to 2014. Lagonera has participated in various international study programs, including those at the University of Warsaw, Kyoto University, and Sogang University.
Experience in Local Government and Urban Development
Lagonera has worked with various organizations focused on urban development and local governance. He served as a City Program Coordinator for USAID-SURGE in Zamboanga City for one month in 2018. Additionally, he was a C40 City Adviser for Quezon City from 2018 to 2021, where he contributed to climate action initiatives. His role as a Resident Adviser at Ateneo de Manila University from 2017 to 2018 further showcases his commitment to community engagement and development.
Founding Behaviorale PH
Marvin Lagonera founded Behaviorale PH, a think-and-do tank in the Philippines. The organization focuses on applying behavioral economics to create social impact. This initiative reflects his interest in innovative approaches to address social challenges and enhance community resilience.