PIDS brings Dev't. Research Policy Month roadshow

AS THE government gears for the shift to federal form of government, the Philippine Institute for

Developmental Studies (PIDS) focused this year’s Development Policy Research Month celebration on federalism.

With the theme, “Strengthening Decentralization for Regional Development”, the advocacy aims to promote more inclusive and evidence – based discourse on decentralization issues and reforms including the debates on federalism.

PIDS Public Finance Expert Rosario Manasan presented the findings of her study on the possible fiscal

impacts of shifting to a federal form of government, especially on the importance of decentralization in boosting regional development.

Manasan outlined that in a federal system, taxing and spending powers are decentralized to local governments or federal states, which give them a free hand to decide how and where to use their budgets, thus they will be able to spend their funds on programs and projects responsive to the needs of their localities.

NEDA - CAR Assistant Regional Director Jedidia Aquino also outlined that federalism, like the Cordillera’s pursuit for regional autonomy, generally aims to fast track regional development.

Attaining regional autonomy, we can better manage and take care of Cordillera and at the same time it will strengthen our regional identity as one people with unique culture, Aquino stressed.

PIDS served as the Philippine government’s primary socioeconomic policy think – tank engaged in the conduct of policy – oriented studies. PIACAR