The Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) brings this year’s theme, “Building Strong Institutions, Unlocking Human Capital Potential,” to the North through the Cordillera Policy Research Forum on September 9, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM at Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Organized in partnership with the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development–Cordillera Administrative Region (DEPDev CAR), the Philippine Information Agency–Cordillera Administrative Region (PIA CAR), and Benguet State University (BSU), and supported by the Socioeconomic Research Portal for the Philippines (SERP-P) network, the forum will bring participants together to examine how strong institutions and investments in human capital can contribute to the region’s development and economic transformation.
Discussions will explore how institutions in the Cordillera can strengthen coordination, create an enabling environment for investment, and support sustained, human capital-enhancing services.
By bringing together evidence and local perspectives, the Cordillera forum seeks to foster meaningful conversations about how policies and institutions can respond to the unique geographic, economic, and social context of CAR while advancing inclusive and sustainable development.
The event is by invitation only. The public may also join the conversation by watching the livestream on the PIDS, SERP-P, DEPDev-CAR, PIA-CAR, and BSU Facebook pages.
Learn more and participate in the DPRM activities at https://dprm.pids.gov.ph/.
DOWNLOAD PRESENTATIONS:
Morning Session
Overview of DPRM by Dr. Michael Ralph Abrigo, PIDS Senior Research Fellow
Presentation of Mr. Lance Angelo Layugan, Metropolitan Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay Development Authority Human Resource Management Officer
Presentation of Dr. Imelda Degay, BSU College of Human Ecology Professor
Presentation of Dr. Esper Feliciano, BSU College of Teacher Education Professor
Presentation of Dr. Michael Ralph Abrigo, PIDS Senior Research Fellow
Presentation of Dr. Ruth Batani, BSU Research Services Director
Presentation of Dr. Constantino Sudaypan, BSU College of Agriculture Dean
Afternoon Session
Presentation of Engr. Dolores Molintas, DEPDev-CAR Assistant Regional Director
Presentation of Dr. Ann Heather Kiwang, BSU Institute of Social Research and Development Director
Presentation of Dr. Ferdinand Lawan, University of the Cordilleras Political Science Department Assistant Professor and Program Chairperson
Presentation of Dr. Gretchen Gaye Ablaza, BSU College of Public Administration and Governance Associate Professor
Presentation of Mr. Jose Dado, Jr., DEPDev-CAR Policy Formulation and Planning Division Chief
Presentation of Dr. Philip Arnold Tuaño, PIDS President
Ways Forward by Engr. Dolores Molintas, DEPDev-CAR Assistant Regional Director
