She and her husband Randy David eventually pursued a Master of Arts in Economic and Social Studies from The Victoria University of Manchester in England until 1974, but both had to return to the Philippines on account of martial law, and were unable complete their degrees there.

[2] David held leadership posts at the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (president, 1989–1998); Women's Action Network for Development (vice chairperson, 1990–1998); Partnership of Philippine Support Service Agencies (chairperson, 1989–1995); Independent Commission on Population and the Quality of Life (commissioner, 1992–1996); and People's Forum for Habitat II (national convenor, 1995–1996).

[2] In 1989, she was a consultant for the women's mission of GTZ or Deutsche Gessellscahft Fur Technische Zusammenarbeit and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

HASIK is a non-government organization involved in urban poor empowerment, gender development, protection of children and adolescents, and housing and livelihood projects.

[2] David was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on February 23, 2001, as chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), succeeding Corazon Alma G. De Leon.

[2] On April 15, 2008, Karina Constantino-David received the World Bank's 2008 Jit Gill Memorial Award for Outstanding Public Service.