The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) launched a PIDS Corner at the BPDA Library in Cotabato City, expanding access to policy research and evidence-based knowledge in the Bangsamoro region.
The launch, held on September 25, 2025, during the 2nd Bangsamoro Development Policy Research Forum, also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions. The Cotabato City hub is the 27th PIDS Corner established nationwide.
Equipped with two desktop computers and a collection of PIDS publications—including issues of the Development Research News (DRN), Policy Notes (PN), Research Paper Series (RPS), Philippine Journal of Development (PJD), books, and annual reports— the PIDS Corner serves as a public access point for socio-economic research.
BPDA Director General Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, MNSA, said the new PIDS Corner marks “a crucial milestone in the effort to increase the accessibility of high-quality research to the region.”
He added that the partnership demonstrates BPDA and PIDS’ shared commitment to strengthening evidence-based policymaking and developing programs that respond to the needs and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.
Meanwhile, PIDS President Dr. Randy Tuaño emphasized the importance of expanding the Institute’s research network nationwide.
“For nearly two decades, our PIDS Corner program has been a cornerstone of our mission to bring policy research closer to our policymakers, researchers, students, and communities,” he said.
The initiative forms part of PIDS’ nationwide dissemination and outreach program, which establishes PIDS Corners in libraries and knowledge centers outside Metro Manila to make policy studies more accessible to researchers, students, policymakers, and the general public, especially in areas with limited internet access.
To date, there are 14 PIDS Corners in Luzon, six in the Visayas, and seven in Mindanao, with the BPDA Library as the newest addition to the network.
Learn more about the PIDS Corners here https://bit.ly/AboutPIDSCorners.— MAEC
