Socio-Economic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General Cayetano Paderanga inaugurated the 17th Philippine Institute for Development Studies Corner (PIDS) at the Calapan City College Library last July 13, 2011.

PIDS Corner is one of the Institute's research dissemination strategies whose main objective is to provide reading and research materials on development-related topics to students, researchers, teachers and policymakers in locations where there is a dearth of such materials. The "corner" consists of a few shelves of various studies and publications that the Institute and its collaborators have produced over the years. This includes books, research papers, discussion papers, journal issues, newsletters, CDs and other information brochures. Since the programme' inception in 2006, there have been 18 (7 in Luzon, 6 in Visayas and 5 in Mindanao) PIDS Corners strategically located in various provincial libraries, colleges and universities all over the country.

The PIDS Corner at the Calapan City College was formally opened with the ceremonial cutting of the inaugural ribbon by Secretary Paderanga, Calapan City Mayor Salvador Leachon and PIDS Vice President Mario Feranil. A Memorandum of Agreement formalizing the partnership between PIDS and the City College of Calapan was also signed. Said event was also attended by local leaders from various government agencies, students and faculty of the college.
In his message, Secretary Paderanga commended the collaborative efforts of PIDS and of the City College of Calapan through the support of the city government unit of Calapan. He said that programs like this would encourage more viable studies and projects projects that may further elevate the socio-economic condition of the locality. He also stressed the importance of PIDS Corners in the implementation and achievement of the Philippine Development Plan, particularly in the preparation of the different local development plans.

Meanwhile, PIDS Research Information Staff Director Jennifer Liguton spoke about the history and importance of PIDS Corners. She said in her speech that setting up PIDS Corners has increased visibility and prominence of the Institute’s research products. She also expressed hope that the availability of these resources will augur well in making the people of Calapan and Oriental Mindoro more aware of the importance of evidence-based studies and materials in policymaking. In addition, PIDS Vice President Mario Feranil also said in his remarks that PIDS Corners in the country further the Institute’s efforts toward local and regional development by making PIDS resources available to localities. He also said that the Institute hopes for more collaborative projects with the city government of Calapan as well as the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro in the near future.

In response, Mayor Leachon gratefully imparted his appreciation of DG Paderanga’s participation during the event which he called a great honor to the City. Likewise, he lauded the invaluable support that PIDS rendered to the City College of Calapan by setting up a PIDS Corner and providing useful materials that that he described as pedestals to the City’s progress.
Main Menu

Secondary Menu