The last issue of the Development Research News (DRN) this 2022 features articles from presentations during the 8th Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC), themed “#CloseTheGap: Accelerate Post-pandemic Recovery through Social Justice”. Its banner story highlights the crucial role of skill building in promoting human and societal development. Articles discussing the need to support the socioemotional learning and psychosocial well-being of students and teachers and address the inequalities and socioeconomic issues faced by women and young girls due to the COVID-19 pandemic are presented. Another article tackles the importance of building resilient cities to protect the poor and vulnerable, as they are often the victims of environmental shocks. PIDS experts’ call to make social justice the front and center of the country’s post-pandemic recovery plan, particularly in human capital development and social protection, public health services and infrastructure, and environmental resilience, is also featured in this issue. Also included is an article from the 8th Mindanao Policy Research Forum on adopting the one health approach to eradicate food insecurity and poverty in Mindanao. Completing this issue is an article on Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan’s keynote speech at the APPC, which discusses the focus of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 on bolstering poverty reduction and job creation and developing a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous society.
