1. Development Studies (DS) in the Philippines VirGILio G.
Gundayao, MBA/MPA
2. POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES PUP-GRADUATE
SCHOOL RHA 720 Dissertation Seminar I Development Studies in the
Philippines By: VirGILio G. Gundayao, MBA/MPA To Fellow Classmates
and for: Prof. Juan C. Birion, DPA PUP Vice-President, Student
Services 20 August 2011
3. I. Prologue One of the few specialized educational curricula
and/or professional field of endeavours that utilizes multi-
disciplinary approach is the Development Studies (DS). As such, DS
borrows largely from social and behavioural sciences, such as
Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology,
Anthropology, further extending to the spheres and realms of the
arts and science of research, development, and communication, etc.
The DS is being utilized in order to come out with plans, programs,
projects, and models of practical solutions, policies and practices
in developing countries/nations with or without the assistance of
highly developed countries (HDCs).
4. The DS as a curricular offering prepares students to become
seasoned professionals who are adept in the intricate processes of
nation-building. From among the professional endeavours that it
generates are those in foreign and/or international relations;
community development; project and program management; cooperative
development; development management; international studies;
teaching profession, consulting, and other emerging DS job- related
functions.
5. II. Development Studies as Educational Curricular Offering
As a relatively young discipline or field of study, DS, is being
offered by both the Philippine and foreign colleges, and
universities in either, the undergraduate and graduate schools. A.
De La Salle University (DLSU)
http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/academics/programs/undergraduate/cla/ab-
dsm.asp
6. DLSU - Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Development Studies (AB-DSM)
Program Orientation The Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies was
instituted in 1995 as the DLSU's response to the need to help the
Philippines achieve total human development. The program is
oriented towards a systematic study of development theories, models
and strategies based on the experiences of developed and developing
countries. It is envisioned that by providing the students with
adequate knowledge, skills and appropriate values, the students'
ability to formulate and implement people-centered development
programs in the country will be enhanced. The program consists of
five areas: development theories, development models, development
administration techniques, development research, and social
mobilization strategies. Development studies will draw on
perspectives from the fields of political science, economics,
public administration, sociology, anthropology, history, management
and community development.
7. The curriculum includes general education courses, major
courses and elective units. With the program's integral approach to
development studies, the students are given the opportunity to
harness their potentials in preparation for a development work
career in the government, non-government organizations, research
institutions, and academe. Program Design The AB Development
Studies Program is designed to equip students with knowledge,
skills and appropriate values necessary for development work. It is
focused on developing the students' abilities in the following
areas:
8. 1. Theory-development and Model-building: research, analysis
and conceptualization of theories that promote understanding of
development trends and issues; analysis of current models to
develop new strategies, policies and concepts according to the
country's needs at the national and local levels; 2.
Action-Oriented Research: assessment of development needs,
constraints, resources, and policies through situation analysis,
socio-economic and environmental impact assessment, profiling
methods, process documentation, and other action-oriented
methodologies; 3. Administration and Management Techniques:
development planning (including demography), project management,
human resource management, conflict management, organization
development, monitoring and evaluation, and financial management.
4. Social Mobilization: development of communication and advocacy
strategies, political negotiation skills, community organizing and
development approaches, education and training.
9. Major Courses Major Year 1, Second Term * Social Development
(SOCDEVT) 3 units Comparative analysis of social development
theories, with emphasis on their evolution and growth in the
Philippine context. * Development Economics (DEVECON) 3 units
Comparative analysis of micro and macro theories and models of
economic development and their implications to Philippine
development. * Philippine Development (PHILDEV) 3 units A study of
political, economic and socio-cultural factors and forces that
influence Philippine development or underdevelopment.
10. Major Year 1, Third Term * Development Management (DEVTMAN)
3 units A course on the different processes and strategies in
implementing public and non-governmental development programs and
projects. This includes discussion on organization development,
conflict management and human resource management. * Development
Finance (DEVEFIN) 3 units A study of the fund-sourcing mobilization
strategies and administration of government, NGOs and non-profit
sector. * Development Planning (PLANDEV) 3 units A course on the
different models, processes and strategies of development planning
(national, regional, provincial, municipal, barangay, urban and
rural development planning). This includes discussion of
demographical considerations such as the size, distribution and
composition of population, and the implications of population
problems to development planning.
11. Major Year 2, First Term * Development Communication
(DEVCOMM) 3 units Discusses the role of information, education and
communication in mobilizing people to participate in the
development processes, e.g. planning, implementation and monitoring
and evaluation of development programs and projects. This also
includes advocacy strategies and political negotiations
skills-building. * International Development (INTDEVT) 3 units A
comparative study of development perspectives, trends and patterns
in the First World Countries, Latin America, Africa and Asia. *
Management of Development Projects (MANPROJ) 3 units Discusses the
project cycle, e.g. from identification to monitoring and
evaluation of development programs. The course is geared towards
skills-building in writing project feasibility studies, project
appraisal and monitoring and evaluation.
12. Major Year 2, Second Term * Community Development (COMDEVT)
3 units A course on community-based strategies for development such
as community organizing, cooperative-formation, community-based
enterprise development and leadership formation. This includes
discussion the theories and models of community organizing and
development. * Action Research in Development (ACREDEV) 3 units An
introduction to theories, methods, techniques and research
processes. It also discusses methodological issues in the study of
development. The students are expected to come up with an action-
oriented research addressing major development issues in the
country such as poverty-reduction, promotion of social equity,
employment, among others.
13. Major Year 2, Third Term * Practicum (PRCDSM1) 3 units 120
hrs. This course aims to apply the learnings of the students
through actual practice in an NGO or government-based development
program or project. Prerequisite: Completed all major courses
Integration Requirements The students are required to undergo a
practicum to earn their degree in AB Development Studies.
14. Minor Courses The Department also offers minor courses for
both Political Science and Development Studies that provide
non-major students an overview and understanding of the basic
concepts of political science and development studies. The courses
are offered exclusively to students of the minor program and are
offered on a rotating basis. 1. Political Science * Seminar in
Legislation (LEGISLA) 3 units This is an attempt to provide a
detailed and comprehensive but non- technical study of the
background and phases in the making of Philippine statutes,
starting from the origin and development of an inchoate idea into a
legislative proposal through its enactment into a statute and its
approval by the President or Chief Executive, including its
publication. * Philippine Political Issues (PIPOISU) 3 units The
course deals with contemporary issues in politics, and governance
and development. Inasmuch as political issues cannot be treated in
isolation from socio-economic and cultural dimensions, the course
will touch on issues which have are of concern to the nation.
External factors that have direct or indirect impacts on domestic
affairs shall be the subject of the study.
15. * Political Language (POLLANG) 3 units Political language
is to be understood in the broader context of political
communication. Will examine, among others, the impact of the
post-Cold War ethos, ethnic awareness, post-modern influences and
cultural heterogeneity. * Philippine Political Economy (PIPOLEC) 3
units The course studies social relations in the process of
production, distribution, exchange and consumption. * Environmental
Politics (ENVIPOL) 3 units The wanton disregard for the environment
has affected global plant, animal and human life on Earth. The
ecology has emerged as one of the main issues of the 1990s. The
effects of the massive destruction of the environment are now being
felt worldwide and ecological awareness, advocacy and activism are
now permeating global consciousness. This course will attempt to
dissect the rise of environmental politics in industrial and
developing states.
16. * Political Personalities (FIGURES) 3 units Aristotle noted
that human beings are by nature political animals. Politics is
essentially a human activity situated within a societal context.
However, there are instances in which individual personalities rise
to political preeminence for one reason or another. Machiavelli
points toward the combination of virt (political skills), necesit
(the occasion for greatness), and fortuna (fortune) as the
necessary ingredients for the emergence of political lions and
foxes. This course is a study of selected political personalities
who have emerged and made an impact (whether positive or negative)
on the development of the Philippine nation-state. * Political
Parties and Party Systems (PARTIES) 3 units Party politics is an
integral part of liberal democratic polities. The existence of
political parties provides an avenue for the articulation of the
demands of diverse groups and interests in society and the
legitimation of the state. There are two major components in the
study of political parties. The first is the study of party "units"
and characteristics as discrete entities (e.g. various social
bases, histories, goals and appeals, formal organizations and
actual power structures). The other involves party systems, the
competitive interaction patterns among party units or "the forms
and mode of their coexistence".
17. * Political Marketing (POLMARK) 3 units The end of the
current century has been marked by sweeping transformations that
have altered traditional structures of power relations. This power
shift is enhanced by socio-economic and political changes, such as
globalization and recent advancements in information technology. As
a result, traditional assumptions about electoral competition are
continuously being rewritten. Thus, the challenge of capturing the
electorates' imagination and support necessitates the need to
effectively identify and target segments of the political market. *
Political Contestation (CONTEST) 3 units This course explores the
interplay among various political forces such as political elites,
parties, groups and social and political movements. * Politics of
Sex (POLIGEN) 3 units An examination of structures that influence
relations among gender groups in formal and nonformal decision
making systems. It also covers a discussion of an array of issues
concerning the extent of representation and participation of gender
groups in the institutions of governance and the processes of
social change.
18. Women and Politics (WOMEPOL) 3 units The course discusses
the major debates concerning gender scholarship in general, and the
role women play in politics and development in particular. It
intends to trace the beginnings of the feminist discourse,
contemporary feminist theories, and their relevance to emerging
gender perspectives in the field of politics. 2. Development
Studies * Development Issues (DEVISSU) 3 units This seminar course
answers the need for a comprehensive and intensive discussion of
selected development issues and concerns at the national and
international levels. Special topics will focus on the
relationships between poverty and development, population and
development, gender and development, among others. * Development
Perspectives (DEVTPER) 3 units An overview of emerging development
models, trends and strategies at the national and international
levels. With emphasis on new development models, implications of
globalization, market-centered economy, donor-NGO relations,
bilateral agreements between debtors and donor-countries.
19. * Development Institutions (DEVINST) 3 units A study of the
dynamics and processes of development-oriented institutions such as
the NGOS, non-profit sector, international NGOs and donor
institutions. Electives * Peace and Development (PEACEDE) 3 units
This course looks at the origin, approaches and dynamics of
conflict and conflict resolution at the inter- and intra-state
levels and discusses traditional and non-traditional security
issues. * Sustainable Development (SUSDEVT) 3 units The course
explores the potential of sustainable development as an approach to
and strategy for total human development. * Urban Development
(URBADEV) 3 units A discussion of the processes and dynamics of
urban development. This includes discussion of current problems
brought about by urbanization such as traffic congestion,
pollution, rural-urban migration, and proliferation of slums. Its
main emphasis is on the concept of urban renewal as a strategy for
urban development. * Development Advocacy (DEVADVO) 3 units
Analysis of the different arenas for advocating social reforms and
changes and political mapping key of forces in the development
process.
20. The DLSU likewise offers Master of Arts in International
Studies; Master of Arts in Development Policy (36 units), which is
designed for professionals in the private and public sector who
require advanced knowledge of development issues viewed within the
context of competing theoretical and policy perspectives. With a
strong focus on the study of development theory, public policy
political economy, development administration, and policy research
methods, graduates are expected to contribute to professionalizing
and democratizing the process of formulating and implementing
development policies, programs, and projects. It is further noted
that the DLSU also offers Doctor of Philosophy in Development
Studies (60 units), which aims to advance knowledge of teachers and
researchers, as well as those of development specialists who choose
a career in policy development, planning, and administration. It
employs a multi- disciplinary orientation in training students to
address development problems, design new research directions, and
contextualize the application of development theories.
21. B. Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)
http://socsci.ateneo.edu/module.php?LM=programs.detail&id=1204130796259
ADMU - Development Studies Program The Development Studies Program
at the Ateneo de Manila University provides systematic,
multidisciplinary formation for individuals who want to make
effective contributions to the continuing effort to improve
Philippine society. The Program draws on the traditional strengths
of the University in teaching, research and development practice.
It brings together the faculty of the constituent disciplines of
economics, sociology-anthropology, and political science as well as
practitioners with extensive experience in development work. It has
also hosted international researchers interested in various aspects
of Philippine development. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts degree
in Development Studies have made significant contributions in
development through multilateral and bilateral development
institutions, the Executive and Legislative branches of government,
the diplomatic corps, non-government organizations and advocacy
groups, development research organizations, law groups, business,
corporate foundations, and the academe.
22. The Development Studies Program also offers a Minor in
Development Management and Minor in Health and Development for
undergraduate students, and Microfinance Capability Building
Services for microfinance practitioners. Development Studies Course
Descriptions * DS 101 Perspectives in Development I 3 units An
introduction to the various competing perspectives in the analysis
of economic development and underdevelopment, laying the foundation
for a critical and theoretically informed understanding of
contemporary issues in Philippine and international development. *
DS 102 Perspectives in Development II 3 units An introduction to
various perspectives in the politics of development, underlining
the importance of the "political element" in the development
process. Theoretical concepts and issues provide the parameters for
a discussion of the nature of politics in the Philippines from a
historical and comparative perspective. * DS 103 Perspectives in
Development III 3 units An overview of various socio-cultural
perspectives on development and modernization, thus laying the
ground for a critical and theoretically informed understanding of
contemporary issues in Philippine and international
development.
23. * DS 112 Survey of Social Development Approaches 3 units An
overview of social development approaches used by various
development institutions. Inputs from development professionals
demonstrate how these frameworks are applied in practice. The
course also provides an overview of the evolving concept of
poverty, from income poverty to poverty as human insecurity. * DS
120 Research Methods 3 units An overview of the methods of social
analysis and their relevance to the interpretation of social data
and the study of social situations. Emphasis is on the practice of
social research, rather than the theory of methodology, and entails
work outside the classroom. * DS 120.1 Quantitative Research
Methods 3 units An introduction to the various quantitative methods
in the social sciences. The course begins with a discussion of the
methodological implications of the use of quantitative methods,
then proceeds to a discussion of the various quantitative methods
including an assessment of their strengths and limitations.
24. * DS 120.2 Qualitative Research Methods 3 units An
introduction to the various qualitative methods in the social
sciences. The course begins with a discussion of the methodological
implications of the use of qualitative methods, then proceeds to a
discussion of the various qualitative methods including an
assessment of their strengths and limitations. * DS 122 Statistics
for Social Sciences 3 units An introduction to statistics using
applications from the social sciences. Instruction is supplemented
by the use of computer statistical packages and actual statistical
research projects. * DS 130 Community Development & Social
Change 3 units An introduction to the art of introducing and
sustaining development interventions on various levels. Inputs from
development practitioners demonstrate the basic principles
discussed in the lectures. The course frames development
interventions as social change projects and draws from change
management literature. * DS 130.8 Public Health & Social Change
1 unit Public health interventions involve social change on various
levels. This case study course introduces the art of managing such
interventions to properly respond to the problems or concerns in an
effective and sustainable manner.
25. * DS 132 Project Management 3 units Prerequisite: DS 130 or
any DS 135.xx A practical overview of the cycle of the development
process involved in the management of development programs and
projects, including project conceptualization, design,
implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. * DS 135.1 Special
Topics in Devt Mgnt.: Social Marketing 3 units An overview of basic
marketing principles and how these can and must be used to support
various development interventions. Case studies are analyzed to
illustrate the concrete application of social marketing theories. *
DS 135.2 Special Topics in Devt Mgnt.: Social Entrep. 3 units A
course that shows how business principles can be integrated with
social responsibility and the application and contextualization of
these principles to social development. Case studies are analyzed
to illustrate the concrete application of social entrepreneurship
concepts.
26. * DS 135.4 Special Topics in Devt Mgnt.: Orgl. Mgnt. 3
units An overview of the processes and dynamics of interpersonal
relations in organizations. Topics include the individual, group
dynamics, and problem-solving skills. Focus is on the unique
dynamics of organizational management and development interventions
affecting the potentials of the group and its members. * DS 135.5
Special Topics in Devt Mgnt.: Cooperatives & Devt. 3 units An
in-depth analysis of the cooperative movement. Various forms of
cooperatives and cooperative networks are examined, primarily
through the use of case studies. Focus is on examining the relative
strengths and limitations of cooperativism as a social development
initiative. * DS 135.6 Special Topics in Devt Mgnt.: Community Org.
3 units An in-depth analysis of community organizing as an approach
to social development, and the philosophy underlying this approach.
Focus is on examining the relative strengths and limitations of
community organizing as a social development initiative by
assessing various community organizing efforts.
27. * DS 135.9 Special Topics in Devt Mgnt.: MicroFinance 3
units An overview of the practice of providing financial services
to marginalized clients. Topics include the philosophy and
methodology of well- established models (Grameen, Village Banking)
and emerging models (financial services associations, cooperative
savings). Existing Philippine initiatives and standards are
analyzed and juxtaposed with international best practice. * DS
135.10 Special Topics in Devt Mgnt.: Alternative Dispute Resolution
Processes 3 units An introduction to the theory and practice of
alternative dispute resolution methods. The course introduces a set
of conceptual frameworks and proven techniques that help students
analyze and reflect on their own experiences of conflict resolution
and prepare them for dealing effectively with future situations. *
DS 135.11 Special Topics in Devt Mgnt.: Dev Comm 3 units A course
on the role of communication in social change, particularly in the
context of its potential to facilitate changes in knowledge and
behaviors among stakeholders in development programs. Students
examine the theory behind the tools employed in communication
programs and identify patterns in application.
28. * DS 135.12 Special Topics in Devt Mgnt.: Training Mgnt. 3
units A course that develops knowledge, skills, and capabilities to
manage training programs. Focus is on the training management
cycle. Deeper appreciation of the course material is facilitated by
hands-on learning exercises and an actual training conducted for
target groups such as members of peoples organizations * DS 135.13
Spec. Topics in Devt Mgnt.: Resource Mobilization 3 units An
overview of the theory and practice of resource mobilization.
Resources are defined broadly to include financial resources, human
resources, and any other resource useful for achieving an
initiatives goals. Various resource mobilization techniques are
discussed and assessed. * DS 135.14 Special Topics in Devt Mgnt.:
Bridging Leadership 3 units An introduction to Bridging Leadershipa
leadership style appropriate to the complex development challenges
of our time. Lectures, case- discussions, and structured learning
experiences immerse the students in the three phases of the
Bridging Leadership Framework. In the process, students discover
their personal leadership style.
29. * DS 135.22 Special Topics in Devt Mgnt.: Social
Innovations II 3 units A three-phase seminar on the necessary
knowledge and skills to enable students to develop their own social
enterprise, broadly defined as a social development initiative. The
third phase involves the actual implementation of the social
development initiative. * DS 140 Practicum in Social Development I
3 units A course that allows students to participate in development
interventions and apply their learning to development situations.
At the end of the practicum, students assess the experience and
articulate the underlying development definition and strategy that
motivates the agency to which they were assigned. * DS 140.2
Practicum in Social Development II 3 units A course that allows
students to participate in development interventions and apply
their learning to development situations. At the end of the
practicum, students assess the experience and articulate the
underlying development definition and strategy that motivates the
agency to which they were assigned.
30. * DS 140.3 140.2 Practicum in Social Development III 3
units A course that allows students to participate in development
interventions and apply their learning to development situations.
At the end of the practicum, students assess the experience and
articulate the underlying development definition and strategy that
motivates the agency to which they were assigned. * DS 150 Field
Specialization II 3 units Prerequisites: All required DS courses
(DS 101, 102, 112, 120) A synthesis of the courses taken for the AB
Development Studies degree program. Students are expected to
complete a thesis or a project. This course provides students with
an opportunity to apply the lessons they have learned from the AB
Development Studies Program. * DS 150.1 Field Specialization 3
units Prerequisites: All required DS courses (DS 101, 102, 112,
120) A synthesis of the courses taken for the AB Development
Studies degree program. Students write a thesis proposal or project
proposal. This course provides students with an opportunity to
apply the lessons they have learned from the AB Development Studies
Program.
31. * DS 150.2 Field Specialization III 3 units Prerequisites:
All required DS courses (DS 101, 102, 112, 120, 122) A synthesis of
the courses taken for the AB Development Studies degree program.
Students are expected to complete a thesis or a project. This
course provides students with an opportunity to apply the lessons
they have learned from the AB Development Studies Program. * DS
165.35 Special Topics in Devt Studies: Research in Development
Issues 3 units A research course that requires students to
undertake a critical review of articles and examine the
methodologies used in testing hypotheses within a particular field
of study. The required output of the course is equivalent to a
thesis proposal. * DS 165.39 Special Topics in Devt Studies: Devt
Policy 3 units An overview of the development policy process
including policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
Attention is given to the informational, economic, bureaucratic,
and political constraints that policy-makers face; and to the
process of policy reform.
32. * DS 165.41 Sp Topics in Devt Studies: Globalization &
Governance 3 u An analysis of globalization as a constructed and
contested terrain of social meanings and relations, and of
governance as processes of partial steering and ordering in a
multi-centered world with diverse but often overlapping spheres or
sites of authority. * DS 165.55 Special Topics in Devt Studies: CSR
3 units A discussion on the history of Corporate Social
Responsibility, its rationale, current trends both internationally
and locally, actual practices, and implementation issues. Emphasis
is on its location within the discourse of business ethics and
corporate governance. * DS 165.56 Special Topics in Devt Studies:
ICT for Devt 3 units A discussion on the role of information and
communication technologies (ICTs) in development. Topics include
how ICTs are changing organizations and how people work; important
policy issues such as access, privacy, content; and the role of
government, private organizations, and ordinary citizens.
33. * DS 175.80 Special Topics in Contemporary Devt Issues: The
Political Economy of Health & Devt 3 units A course that
situates public health issues in the broader discourses of
development and governance. Topics include the interaction between
public health issues and other social concerns, the various agents
of development and public health management, and the role they play
in public health management. * DS 175.83 Special Topics in
Contemporary Devt Issues: Survey of Public Health Interventions 2
units An overview of various public health interventions by
situating these interventions within various classificatory frames.
Lectures on these classificatory frames are supplemented by inputs
from health development practitioners.
34. Minor in Development Management Development Management
involves the application of management principles and practices to
the context of social development. The Minor in Development
Management is being offered by the Development Studies Program in
response to the increasing need for good managers working with
social development institutions managers who do not only have a
mastery of development concepts but who also possess management
skills that will make them effective change agents. The minor is
open to all undergraduate students of the Loyola Schools. Required
Courses and Electives. Students in the minor program are required
to enroll in two core courses and three electives. They are
required to obtain a grade of C or higher in these courses. (1) DS
130. Development Management (2) DS 132. Project Management (3)
Three Development Management electives. Choose from among existing
development management electives and other DS 135.xx courses that
may be made available in the future.
35. * Electives offered in the first semester DS 135.2 Social
Entrepreneurship DS 135.10 Alternative Dispute Resolution Processes
DS 135.14 Bridging Leadership * Electives offered in the second
semester DS 135.1 Social Marketing DS 135.6 Community Organization
DS 135.9 Microfinance * Other Electives offered occasionally DS
135.4 Organizational Management DS 135.5 Cooperatives and
Development DS 135.7 Seminar on Basic Management Concepts DS 135.8
Strategic Leadership DS 135.11 Development Communication DS 135.12
Resource Mobilization DS 135.13 Training Management *Credited
Electives PoS 116 Fundamentals of Public Management (Department of
Political Science) Accounting (John Gokongwei School of Management)
Finance (John Gokongwei School of Management)
36. C. University of the Philippines (UP) Bachelor of Arts in
Development Studies. A four-year course that is comparable to those
being offered by DLSU and AdMU. UP-CIDS The then UP President
Edgardo J. Angara envisioned the University of the Philippines
Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS) in the
early 1980s as a policy research unit that will harness the
multidisciplinary expertise of UP toward the solution of the
nations critical problems. The UP Presidents Committee for the
Establishment of a Strategic Areas Studies Unit submitted its
recommendations as regards the creation of a university-based
think-tank. On June 13, 1985, the UP Board of Regents (BOR)
approved the establishment of the University Center for Strategic
and Development Studies (UCSDS). This was soon changed to the
University Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UCIDS)
in order to reflect the centers primary objectives and goals.
http://www.up.edu.ph/content.php?r=7&c=7
37. III. The Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS)
The PIDS is a government corporation attached under the National
Economic Development Authority (NEDA). The PIDS was created by
virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1201 on September 27, 1977, as a
non-stock, non-profit government corporation. In this years budget
under the GAA 2011, the PIDS was allotted an amount of P25,300,000,
the amount of P13,793,000 of which is for research program
expenses, and the rest for general administration and operational
support, respectively. The PIDS was established to respond to the
critical and growing need for research for planning and policy
formulation.
38. In general, PIDS research is envisioned to help government
planners and policy-makers in the executive and legislative
branches of government. Its primary clientele consists of the
network of agencies which make up the National Economic and
Development Authority. http://www.pids.gov.ph/ A. Roles and Goals
Broadly stated, the goals of PIDS are: 1) To develop and implement
a comprehensive and integrated research program that will provide
the research materials and studies required for the formulation of
national development plans and policies; 2) To serve as a common
link between the government and existing research institutions; 3)
To establish a repository for economic research information and
other related activities.
39. B. Programs, Activities & Organization To carry out its
mandate, the Institute has maintained three basic programs, namely:
Research Program; Outreach Program; and Dissemination and Research
Utilization Program. The Research Services Department provides both
technical and management support to all the research undertakings
of the Institute, particularly those conducted by the Research
Staff. The RSD is comprised of two units, Project Services and the
Management Information Services. Each unit is composed of four
highly dedicated personnel. The Project Services unit undertakes
all the components of research management, from proposal
development to contracting to monitoring and review of research
outputs. The PSS likewise facilitates the formulation of the PIDS
research agenda and coordinates its implementation. It also
maintains continuous liaison with other departments within the
Institute and with external contacts, such as current and
prospective donor agencies and clients. The Management Information
Services unit, meanwhile, takes care of all the computing services
required by all the departments within the Institute. It manages
the PIDS information systems and services all the IT requirements
of the Institute. The MIS also provides training to PIDS staff on
various software applications and manages all the IT and computing
hardware of the Institute.
40. The Research Information Staff (RIS) markets the research
outputs of the Institute to promote their utilization and sets up
appropriate fora to encourage dialogues between researchers and
other key sectors, especially the policymakers. To carry out this
task, the department handles and maintains two programs, namely,
the Publications and Circulation program, and the Public Affairs
program. The Library Services unit of the Institute is an integral
part of the Publications and Circulation program. As an important
part of its mandate, the department includes fora and papers that
delve on issues which may not necessarily be part of a completed or
ongoing PIDS research study but are critical components of the
country's overall development thrust. By focusing on these issues,
the Institute is able to immediately respond to the growing demands
of the concerned sectors even before it actually undertakes a
comprehensive study.
41. The Operations and Finance (Staff) Department takes charge
of providing effective, timely and facilitative auxiliary and
logistical services to the day-to-day operation of the Institute
and its research projects. It also provides technical advice and
assistance in various areas of the administrative services such as
personnel management and development, financial management and
control, accounting, property and supply procurement and
management, records management, general utility, housekeeping and
transport. The department also monitors the investment operation of
the Institute's Endowment Fund in order to maximize the returns to
be generated from its investment and at the same time preserve the
value of its principal. The department is also responsible for
providing PIDS management with the financial status of the
Institute's various research projects to enable them to formulate
the necessary courses of action in order to maximize the
utilization of its resources. Finally, the Administrative and
Finance Department provides the necessary linkage, cooperation and
working relationship with various government agencies like the
Commission on Audit, Civil Service Commission, Career Executive
Service Board, Department of Budget and Management, Presidential
Management Staff/Government Corporate Monitoring and Coordinating
Committtee, Senate, House of epresentatives, etc.. The Department
has 3 divisions, namely: the Administrative Division, Finance
Division and Accounting and Control Division.
42. IV. Concluding Statement Having scanned and studied the
many write-ups on the Development Studies, I can therefore conclude
that the DS, just like any research and development input and
output is as only good as those in Authority supports it. Without
the honest-to-goodness support and political will and moral
ascendancy of the powers that be, no amount of outstanding DS
inputs and outputs can be put to reality. While a lot of
constraints are at stake such as financial viability, population
explosion, commercial and trade competition in the domestic and
foreign markets, technological advances, moral and spiritual
dimension, and a host of potential threats to national and global
developments must be transcended. Inasmuch as the patterns and
features in the bureaucratic processes and workings are concerned,
the various DS may be utilized to fully assist and guide the
policy-makers and framers--minus the political trappings and power
plays that are out of context of nation-building. How will this be?
It needs maturity and selfless transcendence on the part of the
politicians/partisan politics, the Government, and the citizens to
rally behind and throw extra baggage of wastes: emotionally,
physically, and spiritually.
43. DS authorities must push for genuine reforms that are not
just within the realm of sloganeering and of the icing on the
cakes. DS must assert its palpable and empirical computations and
scientific research findings that will make life easier. I am just
in the quandary hitherto as to why is it that the Monetary Board
and the BSP, since its rebirth from its erstwhile Central Bank of
the Philippines (CBP)has not been successful in bringing back the
Anti-Usury Law and the disparity on the interest rates on lending
and loaningwhich it and the NEDA/PIDS can ably and strongly endorse
for a law in favor of the Filipino sovereign. These policy inputs
whenever enacted as a law, together with the Anti-Trust
legitimization (that will rectify monopoly and cartel) shall surely
make the playing field much better not only to the traders,
industry, and government, but to the citizens as well. O, a great
propeller to nation-building are those policies that will empower
the people towards cooperativism, tourism, and educational
enterprises, among other worthy endeavors.
44. V. Epilogue Development Studies is in the forefront of
developing countries which transcend the entire gamut of
developmental efforts. These are the likes of development
communication, management development, research and development
(R&D), international relations, community development, project
and program development, development finance, social studies,
sustainable development, ODA, millennium development, exchange
programs, policy analysis and research, grants in aid, etc., can be
summarily stated in the mellieu of social and economic development.
On this note, we are reminded by Mr. Kenneth J. Arrow, a Nobel
Prize winner in economics, who has pointed out that technical
knowledge is not costless. But once developed, it can be used
repeatedly without extra cost. In other words, it yields increasing
returns. Ideas can emanate from various sources. Likewise, the DS
as an educational curricular offering, I can profoundly understand
that schools, just like any other non-profit organization must also
generate funds in order to pursue its cause for academic
excellence. While I find the curriculum responsive to the foreign
labor market, the compelling needs for this country to produce
entrepreneurs that will propel countryside development is an
imperative link of schools, government and other stakeholders.
45. The government, may replicate the IRBD, turned World Bank
(replicated by ADB and our DBP) to extend loans to the educated
mass acting as entrepreneurs in nation-building. Lest, graduates
will just end-up in a pool of under-employed in the call centers or
really find themselves in the unemployed sectorunproductive,
remaining consumers of WTO-driven goods and services that flood the
country with much lowered prices that we produce. The question of
loyalty and patriotism in contrast with the practicality or economy
will determine ones lot. As DS is basically a tool or device of
developing countries, this doesnt mean that the NICs or HDCs do not
utilize it. The NICs and HDCs are stakeholders and participants to
the DS being proposed or offered by those developing nations who
are partnering to them vis-a-vis the current treaty/ies specially
on economic and trade agreements such that of WTO, regional and
bilateral agreements, and other twinning agreements as well. While
it necessitates a miracle, development studies cum Research &
Development must be strengthened at all cost in order to compete in
the community of nations. DS just like the bureaucracy must be
propelled with a spirit of fortitude, prudence, justice, and
temperance that will generate true and lasting social and economic
development that shall be genuinely felt by the citizenry who can
say that we have already attained genuine national
development.
46. VI. References Assessment of Development Results (ADR)
Evaluation of UNDP Contribution, 2009 Evaluation on Japans
Development Studies, 2007 International Cooperation Bureau of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Humanitarian Development Studies
in Europe Assessment of Universities Training and NGOs Needs,
edited by July Gonzales, et al., University of Deusto, Bilbao,
1999. Philippines: Critical Development Constraints, Asian
Development Bank, December 2007 & 2008. The General
Appropriations Act (GAA) 2011 The New York Times Almanac, edited by
John w. Wright, Penguin Reference, New York, 2002 Webliography:
www.neda.gov.ph; www.pids.gov.ph
