State think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) is set to launch the 22nd Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) this September, underscoring the importance of evidence-based policy research in shaping the nation’s development strategies.
Established by Malacañang Proclamation No. 247, DPRM has been held every September, with PIDS serving as the coordinator and lead convenor of this significant event.
The month-long celebration aims to highlight the critical role that rigorous policy research plays in crafting sound, impactful development policies.
The 2024 DPRM has the theme “Securing a Future for All by Growing a Resilient Middle Class”.
This aligns with the Philippines’ AmBisyon Natin 2040 vision of “a predominantly middle class society where no one is poor”, and highlights the critical role of the middle class in driving national development.
Throughout September, PIDS and its partners will host a series of events that will discuss the role of the middle class as the backbone of socioeconomic development. These conversations will explore how middle-class households can capitalize on opportunities and ensure resilience amidst global challenges.
The DPRM festivities will kick-off on Sept. 5 with a forum and press conference at Novotel, Quezon City. This opening event is designed to engage media partners in raising public awareness about the significance of policy research, and evidence-based decision-making.
The culminating event of the month-long observance is the 10th Annual Public Policy Conference on Sept. 19 at Makati Shangri-la Hotel in Makati City.
The conference, which will run in both morning and afternoon sessions, will delve into how the Philippines can effectively navigate global megatrends and capitalize on emerging opportunities to foster societal well-being and inclusive growth. The discussions will also focus on the adaptive policies and governance practices necessary to expand and strengthen the middle class.
Capping off the DPRM celebration will be the 10th Mindanao Policy Research Forum on Sept. 26.
This forum will convene experts from Mindanao including policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss the growth of the middle class from a regional perspective, offering practical recommendations for fostering inclusive development in the region.
