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NOVOTEL MANILA, Araneta City, Quezon City, August 31, 2026 (SDN) — As in previous years, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) headed by Dr. Philip Arnold “Randy” P. Tuaño, president, will celebrate the 2026 Development Policy Reseach Month (PDRM) on Tuesday, September 1, in Quezon City.
It will be held at Novotel Manila, Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City.
This year’s theme revolves around “Building Strong Institutions, Unlocking Human Capital Potential” as the DPRM “highlights the critical role of evidence-based research in policymaking and promotes informed public dialogue on pressing national development issues.”
PIDS said the month-long observance held every September will be kickoff by a press conference and Media Awards.
It added that the observance of the DPRM is anchored on presidential Proclamation No. 247, series of 2002. This year is the 24th celebration on the month for development policy research.
“This year’s theme underscores the importance of effective, accountable, and resilient institutions in strengthening human capital and ensuring that investments in education, health, labor markets, and socila protection translate into better economic opportunities and quality of life,” the PIDS said in a briefer sent to the media.
A nonstock, nonprofit government entity, PIDS is funded by the government serving as its primary socio-economic think tank.
In tomorrow’s event, the public corporation will present the 2026 DPRM Discussion Paper, with a question-and-answer session following after with members of the media in attendance. The press conference will have as panelists, Dr. Tuaño, PIDS Vice President Dr. Marife Ballesteros, and personalities representing health, education, and public sectors.
PIDS will also recognize journalists’ vital role in the promotion of research-informed discourse through its 2026 Media Awards.
Here’s the program flow of the 2026 DPRM celebratory event:
- Welcome Remarks — Philip Arnold “Randy” P. Tuaño, PhD, President, PIDS.
- Presentation of the 2026 DPRM Discussion Paper by DPRM Scientific Committee — John Paolo Rivera, PhD; Valerie Gilber Ulep, PhD; Michael Ralph Abrigo, PhD.
- Press Conference — DPRM Scientific Committee, Michael Caampued, MD, MPM, MPH, MZP (President, Philippine Society for Public Health Physicians), Maria Victoria Raquiz, PhD, Associate Professor, National College of Public Administration and Governance, University of the Philippines Diliman, Dynah Avigail Basuil, PhD, Asian Institute of Management.
- Closing Remarks and Presentation of the 2026 DPRM Calendar of Activities — Marife Ballesteros, Vice President, PIDS.
- Audio Video Presentation — DPR Teaser Video.
- Photo Opportunity/Interview Opportunity, Showing of the Philippine Information (PIA) iTalk video.
- Networking Lunch, Research Information Department.
It can be recalled that Presidential Decree No. 1201 established the PIDS on September 26, 1977 during the administration of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. The PIDS is attached to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
Its major function is to conduct independent, policy-oriented research aimed at helping lawmakers and government planners in the Executive and Legislative branches of government. — EDD K. USMAN (/)