Assistant Professor Sonia Pimentel is the Dean of the College of Governance and Public Policy and concurrent Director of the Special Programs in Governance of the College of Continuing, Advanced and Professional Studies of the University of Makati.
She earned the degrees Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master in Development Management and Governance, and Doctor of Public Administration degree from UMak. Asst. Prof. Pimentel has presented papers at international conferences in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Indonesia and is a Lifetime Member of the Philippine Society for Public Administration.
Her areas of teaching and research are in Philippine local politics, public policy, and local government administration with a special interest in policies of diversity and social inclusion. Asst. Prof. Pimentel’s most recent international publication, ‘Improved Access and Participation for Persons with Disabilities in Local Governance’ saw print in Policy & Governance Review, in its January 2020 issue.
Before entering academia, she was Corporate Secretary at Farmboys Corporation, a family-owned agriculture and livestock business. In 2010, she joined government service, gaining extensive experience in local government operations, handling administrative and special concerns for the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, including the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Vice Governor’s Office, and Governor’s Office. Asst. Prof. Pimentel is currently a consultant for the Provincial Disability Affairs Council and advises companies on inclusive policies in public infrastructure construction.