Three questions will be answered during the live chat:

• What is the current state of social protection systems and programs in Asia and the Pacific region?
• How can countries expand and strengthen social protection to cover its poor and vulnerable populations?
• Why are social protection programs important in times of disasters?

When: 14:00-15:00 Manila time/06:00-07:00 GMT on Thursday, 18 July 2013. 

Join social protection experts Sri Wening Handayani and Michelle Domingo-Palacpac in a live online discussion.

Access the chat on ADB's blog or send your questions in advance by email or through Facebook or Twitter.

Sri Wening Handayani

Sri Wening Handayani, Principal Social Development Specialist, serves as the focal point for social analysis and social protection in Regional Sustainable Development Department of ADB. She promotes knowledge on social dimensions and social protection, and supports external relations and coordination with development partners. She has been instrumental in numerous publications including the recently published Social Protection Index: Assessing Results for Asia and the Pacific (2013), Handbook on Poverty and Social Analysis (2012), Social Protection for Older Persons: Social Pensions in Asia (2012); The Revised Social Protection Index: Methodology and Handbook (2011). She has a PhD in sociology from the University of Missouri.

Michelle Domingo-Palacpac

Michelle Domingo-Palacpac, Senior Social Development Officer, supports ADB's initiatives in promoting inclusive growth by strengthening the knowledge base on social protection in the Asia and Pacific region. Prior to joining the social protection team in 2013, she was involved in the regional program on the Millennium Development Goals with UNESCAP and UNDP. She was consultant for Child Fund developing projects at the community/village levels of the tsunami-stricken and conflict –affected areas in Indonesia and Afghanistan. Michelle holds an undergraduate degree in Economics, a Master in Development Economics and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Public Policy and Administration at the University of the Philippines.