PIDS, MinDA formalize development partnership

State think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and Davao-based Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) formalized their new development partnership during the 1st Mindanao Policy Research Forum held at the Waterfront Insular Davao on September 4, 2015. 
On behalf of their respective institutions, PIDS President Dr. Gilberto Llanto and MinDA Executive Director Undersecretary Janet Lopoz agreed to join forces in promoting the conduct of policy research and knowledge-sharing activities in support of Mindanao’s development needs. 
The memorandum of understanding signed by Llanto and Lopoz also includes the establishment of the Mindanao Knowledge Center (MKC), a knowledge hub of socioeconomic studies conducted by higher education institutions in Mindanao. 
The MKC is envisioned to serve as a knowledge resource for local policymakers in crafting policies and programs that will enhance Mindanao’s competitiveness under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community and help achieve inclusive and sustainable growth for Mindanaoans.  (PIDS)