DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies signed a memorandum of agreement on Friday to facilitate and promote research and knowledge sharing in support of Mindanao’s development needs.
The MOA would enable access to policy studies and materials produced by higher education institutions (HEI) in Mindanao and to establish the Mindanao Knowledge Research and Policy Center (MKPRC).
In a Philippine Information Agency dispatch (PIA), MinDA Executive Director, Undersecretary Janet Lopoz said, “in the past there has already been exchange of materials between MinDA and PIDS,” adding that the said MOA will go beyond just the exchange of research materials.
Vicente Lao, chair of the Mindanao Business Council, commended the MOA and said, “policy research can help influence policy makes in crafting laws that may be favorable to Mindanao.”
“Policy research can benefit the main driving economic sectors of Mindanao which is agriculture and tourism,” Lao said.
The agreement was signed today at the Waterfront Hotel Davao between PIDS President Dr. Gilbert Llanto and MinDA chair Secretary Lualhati Antonio.(davaotoday.com)
