Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda Josefa R. Marcos led the inauguration of the 20th Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Corner at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Library in Batac, Ilocos Norte on July 9, 2012.

The PIDS Corner at the MMSU Main Library was formally opened with the ceremonial ribbon cutting by Governor Marcos, PIDS President Josef T. Yap, and MMSU President Miriam E. Pascua. A Memorandum of Agreement formalizing the partnership between PIDS and MMSU was also signed. The event was attended by local leaders from various government agencies as well as students, faculty members, and administrators.

Speaking predominantly in Ilokano and Filipino, Governor Marcos, who took time out before her State of the Province Address scheduled in the afternoon, underscored in her speech the importance of evidence-based policymaking grounded on scientific research in achieving and sustaining development in the province. "Ang mga polisiya ng gobyerno ay hindi iniimbento lamang at kinukuha sa hangin." (Government policies are not merely invented and are not picked from the air.) She explained that the province is experiencing various social, economic, and demographic changes and dealing with these necessitates policies that are formulated based on hard facts and statistics. She therefore enjoined the local policymakers and the MMSU community to take advantage of the information resources available at the PIDS Corner.

Yap underscored the importance of evidence-based studies and materials in policymaking. He said PIDS Corners have improved the prominence of the Institute's research products. He likewise highlighted the Institute's commitment to local and regional development by making PIDS resources available to localities.

Dr. Pascua expressed her gratitude to PIDS and its officials. In her speech, she said that the PIDS Corner is an additional information service of MMSU. According to her, this would be a great help to the MMSU community and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lucena R. Felipe, the university librarian, said that the PIDS Corner will further strengthen their service delivery and improve the information access of students and other clients.
Main Menu

Secondary Menu