Think tank to launch policy recommendations for next gov’t

A little over four months before the 2016 presidential elections, a book featuring a rare compilation of insights from the country’s most respected intellectuals and industry experts will be launched on Jan. 22 at the Tower Club in Makati City.

Spearheaded by the Stratbase ADR Institute (ADRi), the book addresses the most critical issues hounding the country, thus serving as a comprehensive roadmap for the next president, Dindo Manhit, ADRi president said.

Topics include foreign policy, the economy, poverty and inclusive growth, and energy security, among others, all of which were written by respected experts.

ADRi trustee Renato de Castro examines the country’s foreign policy and national security agenda in the context of continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

ADRi Institute trustee Epictetus Patalinghug sheds new light into the relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth as well as economic growth and poverty reduction.

ADRi trustee Francisco Magno looks at the country’s journey in the areas of governance reform and decentralization and identifies key challenges as well as achievements.

Renowned geologist and ADRi trustee, Carlos Primo David asks what’s wrong with the country’s beleaguered energy sector and discusses the always tricky relationship between resource management and environmental protection.

The issues outlined in the book can serve as a jump-off point for candidates to talk about substantive issues instead of pursuing the usual personality-based campaign, Manhit said.

ADRi held a series of multi-sectoral forums last year, where the country’s most respected thinkers shared their views on key issues.

“This body of work will form the foundation of the Institute’s advocacy in the next government. Whoever is elected, whoever gets appointed, our mission will be to transform this compilation of sagacious advice into policy, Manhit said.