The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) received the 2023 Outstanding Book/Monograph (OBM) Award from the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) for the book "The Philippines' Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Learning from Experience and Emerging Stronger to Future Shocks".
NAST PHL is the highest body honoring exceptional Filipino scientists and their contributions to the nation's scientific and technological advancements.
The book is an essential reference for evaluating the country’s approaches, policies, and recovery efforts of the Philippine government during the crucial first year of the pandemic. Authored by a team of esteemed PIDS researchers, the publication delves into various critical areas, including health, macroeconomy, food security, labor, social protection, poverty, education, digitalization, fiscal response, and crisis and risk communication.
“We thank NAST Philippines for the award. This recognition affirms how PIDS always strives to contribute to advancing knowledge and policy research in the country,” PIDS President Aniceto Orbeta Jr. said.
Dr. Celia Reyes, former PIDS president and editor of the book, accepted the award.
The OBM Award recognizes exceptional literary contributions that significantly enrich knowledge and understanding across various disciplines.
This is the fourth OBM award of PIDS from NAST PHL following its recognition in 2022 for “Revitalizing Philippine Irrigation: A Systems and Governance Assessment for the 21st Century", "Winning the Water Wars: Watersheds, Water Policies, and Water Institutions" in 2007, and "Poverty, Growth, and the Fiscal Crisis" in 1997.
The awarding ceremony was part of NAST PHL’s two-day 45th Annual Scientific Meeting. It featured plenary presentations, which included Orbeta’s analysis of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the government's antipoverty programs. His insights were derived from the third impact evaluation of the 4Ps, which he also led. ###