The Role of PIDS and Its Contributions to Research and Policymaking in the Philippines

• Published in: Journal of Philippine development 2003-07, Vol.30 (2), p.149
• Main Author: Alburo, Florian A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cooperation; Economic development; Government agencies; Planning; Policy making; Politics; Seminars; Studies
• ISSN: 2508-0954; 2508-0849

Since its establishment in September 1977, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) has been an important research resource in the country. It has acted as an important catalyst for bringing to bear on the country's development agenda a wider stream of intellectual capacities from diverse public and private institutions. It has provided the government with critical development advice that would have otherwise been difficult to obtain within a constrained time frame. Its various outputs of studies, papers, focused seminars, and networks have expanded the development knowledge base that has enlightened policy decisionmaking. These are not mere rhetoric. This paper suggests that after 25 years in the service of policy research in the country, PIDS considers building on its extensive and comprehensive record. This pertains to two specific contributions. Some detailed work is cut out to institutionalize technique in the appropriate bureaucracies and agencies that have permanent stakes in the substance and issues that the Institute has concerned itself with. These agencies are the natural stakeholders of the development dimensions be they industry or the broader macroeconomic parameters. A transition can be designed to allow many of the Institute's quantitative work to be mainstreamed into the relevant agencies of government. This design will have to include measured advice and support as they absorb the process, including continuous interactions, conferences and workshops, and training.