MinDA, PIDS inks MOA

DAVAO CITY- The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) have formalized their development partnership with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA).

The signing was made between PIDS president Dr. Gilbert Llanto and MinDA chair Secretary Lualhati Antonino today (Sept. 4) in Waterfront Hotel Davao. The MOA will facilitate and promote policy research and knowledge sharing particularly in dissemination , holding of public fora and dialogue in support of Mindanao’s development needs.

The MOA also enables access to policy studies and materials produced by higher education institutions (HEI) in Mindanao and also establish the Mindanao Knowledge Research and Policy Center (MKPRC).

MinDA executive director Usec. Janet Lopoz said that in the past there has already been exchange of materials between MinDA and PIDS. The MOA Lopoz says will go beyond just the exchange of research materials.

“We see MinDA as an excellent partner in promoting evidence-based policymaking at the local level and in increasing the relevance of our policy studies Llanto said of the MOA.

Mindanao Business Council chair Vicente Lao lauded the partnership as he said that policy research can help influence policy makers in crafting laws that may be favorable to Mindanao.

Lao said that most of the policies tend to be biased agains the region. He said that policy research can benefit the main driving economic sectors of Mindanao which is agriculture and tourism.

He cited the cabotage law which prevents foreign-flagged vessels from directly transport goods to their final port of destination resulting in exorbitant shipping fees which is said to be the highest in the world and greatly impacting Mindanao businesses.

Policy research has led to the amendment of the cabotage law which has relaxed the restrictions.

The MOA signing is an opportune time as the country is celebrating the 13^th  Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) which carries the theme “Effective Regulations for sustainable growth.” (PIA/RG Alama)