The Philippine Institute for Development Studies enjoins everyone to celebrate the month of September as Development Policy Research Month. The observance of the Month is meant to elevate people’s awareness and appreciation of the value and importance of policy research in nationbuilding. Policies as well as programs and projects of the government would have more backbone and direction if they have a strong research base to anchor and lean on compared to the intuitive strategy of whimsical decisionmaking. Policy research thus minimizes failures and inconsistencies of the government’s various efforts to improve efficacy and efficiency in responding to people’s needs. Moreover, in this era of globalization, critical issues need research-oriented investigations to provide more responsive policymaking that could guide the country towards international competitiveness.

Malacañang Proclamation 247, s. 2002, declaring the month of September of every year as development policy research month, stresses the essential role that policy research plays in national development efforts. It is thus with great pride and honor that PIDS accepts its designation as coordinator of all activities related to the celebration.

For this year, the DPRM Steering Committee chose the theme "Coping with climate variability and change" to raise people's awareness about the important issues relating to climate variability and change. Specifically, the celebration hopes to serve as a venue for discussion, interaction and collaboration among the different sectors to come up with strategic risk-mitigation programs and measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate variations and change.

This website will integrate all activities related to the Development Policy Research Month. An online calendar of activities will feature the various endeavors that participating institutions have committed as part of the celebration.

(Sgd.) DR. JOSEF T. YAP
President, PIDS and
Chair, 2009 DPRM Steering Committee