There are no arguments against, and the evidences abound for the contributions and influences of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) on the socioeconomic leaders of our country in the creation of policies and decisions for nation building. The PIDS members have done this through its 40 years of dedicated research and analysis aimed at producing evidence-based studies that would lead to salutary policies. Founded 40 years ago on September 26, 1977 by the then director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority, the visionary Gerardo Sicat, PIDS was initially designed as a government-owned research institution that will provide independent advice to policymakers. Over the years, the Institute evolved into a reputable and respectable think tank that is ranked among the best think tanks in the world. Indeed, there are valid and compelling reasons to celebrate the achievements of the Institute. And there is no better way of celebration than through a chronicle of its achievements with the publication of a book titled, From Evidence to Policy: Celebrating 40 Years of Policy Research. It will preserve and enshrine for posterity the 40 years of tedious research and analysis done by the members of PIDS who labored to produce data-driven, independent, and credible policy studies for the benefit of policymakers, and ultimately, for the well-being of our people. As an economist and a socioeconomic-analyst-turned-lawmaker, I salute the members and leaders of PIDS for their credible contributions for the guidance of our nation builders. Rest assured of my continued support by way of legislations and other means. May God bless us all. Joey Sarte Salceda Representative Second Congressional District Province of Albay This important book reminds us of how PIDS acted as the bridge builder connecting the academe with the government since its inception in 1977. It is clear that each chapter of PIDS’ history is much intertwined with Philippine economic history and the various government institutions that have been guided by its mantra of evidence-based research. Development policy think tanks like PIDS are in a unique position to take abstract theories and state-of-the-art research methodologies from the academia, apply these to the realities of policymaking, and make concrete recommendations informed by the rich experience in both academe and government of its key movers. The success story of PIDS in several policy fronts such as promoting microfinance and financial inclusion in place of directed credit programs and the creation of the very institution I now represent, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, are especially close to my heart. For its next 40 years, PIDS must recognize that the current environment is an opportunity for think tanks to be more dynamic—offering practical, creative, and actionable policy solutions. The digital age allows researchers to share ideas and receive useful feedback, and affords easier access to massive sources of data and information invaluable for research. Congratulations and more power to PIDS! Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. Governor Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Truth can stand on its own, but it needs truth-tellers to make it known. As the PIDS celebrates 40 fruitful years of producing quality research, we also laud their collective effort to engage implementors of social programs and their beneficiaries. Ultimately, PIDS provides the much-needed critical support as an independent body to those who sincerely wish to serve the needs of the basic sectors. On a more personal note, I wish to thank PIDS for its many in-depth studies on our learners as well as out- of-school children which reaffirmed the Department of Education’s reform agenda and has inspired us to work even more assiduously for K to 12 to succeed. At this time when data and information are easily accessible, it is ironic that we have become even more vulnerable to false reports, alternate truths, and blatant lies. Today, well-established organizations that can provide objective and dependable findings are rare. PIDS provides the foundation for truth and objectivity that enables sectors and organizations to aspire for a more humane society with targets that can be quantified and metrics that can be monitored. The numbers that were crunched, the figures that were presented, and the graphs that were produced are not mere statistical reports but are components of a bigger journey of hope for our people. Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC Former Secretary Department of Education From Evidence to Policy: Celebrating 40 Years of Policy Research is a wonderful chronicle of the journey of PIDS from its inception to the present as seen from the eyes of the men and women who helped chart and take that journey. More importantly, it offers a glimpse into how that journey will continue to develop over the next 40 years. The importance of solid research and analysis on policy formulation cannot be overstated. Empirical data, evidence, modeling, and scenario building are the tools of the trade for building relevant and effective policy. That PIDS has been able to provide this to the government and the country over a period which saw many shifts in our political climate is a testament to the independence of both the Institute and its people. What will the future bring in terms of policy challenges? The immediate future will bring change at a pace and manner far faster and in unanticipated ways not even imagined 40 years ago. Breakthroughs in technology will provide many opportunities for society but will also require many societal adjustments which policymakers, politicians, and leaders will need to grapple with. It would be difficult to imagine writing new policy without the benefit of good, independent research. The challenge for PIDS is to maintain its independence and relevance in a period where fast change is the constant. Strangely enough, PIDS’ value to society and government may grow as more think tanks enter the market and as policy research becomes popularized and moves beyond the turf of policy wonks. When that happens, people will begin to appreciate what a trailblazer PIDS truly was, and will continue to be. Guillermo M. Luz Private Sector Co-Chairman National Competitiveness Council Congratulations to PIDS and all its staff, past and present, on its 40th birthday! And especially to its ‘founding father’, Professor Gerardo Sicat, for having the wisdom and foresight to establish it. I have followed its progress carefully over the years and have always been enormously impressed with its achievements. PIDS has achieved what very few Asian policy think tanks have been able to do: to maintain analytical rigor, independence, intellectual credibility, wide accessibility, and policy relevance. Moreover, it has moved with the times: as past policy battles have been won, often on the basis of the PIDS’ own work and advocacy, it has updated its agenda to always maintain its contemporary relevance. When I was involved in one of its external review exercises, the consistent feedback from stakeholders and others in the policymaking world was its unique credibility, a precious commodity that takes decades to build up. An important feature of PIDS has been its ability to effectively make the transition from the earlier authoritarian era to the present lively democracy. In some respects, PIDS is unusual, as it functions as an independent agency inside government. Successive Philippine administrations also deserve credit for maintaining the integrity of PIDS. I wish PIDS every success in the coming years. In an era of instant communication and even ‘fake news’, the considered and independent views of PIDS are as important as ever. Mabuhay! Hal Hill HW Arndt Professor Emeritus of Southeast Asian Economies Australian National University In this global era of populist-propelled “post-truth” politics, the notion that policy should be based on evidence might seem a bit quaint. After all, of what value are facts if the discourse is dominated by trolls, bots, and social media influencers? This volume reminds us of not only the virtue but also the necessity of “separating grain from chaff in the policy issues bin”. It surveys how PIDS has contributed valuable insights on a very broad range of development policy arenas, establishing itself as one of the leading policy think tanks in Southeast Asia. Even if readers may not agree with all the recommendations that the Institute produces, one cannot help but admire the way in which PIDS researchers so carefully marshal evidence to build the best-possible technical foundations for policy analysis. As PIDS marks its 40th anniversary, there is indeed much to celebrate. Looking to the future, it is clear that the work of PIDS is more important than ever. Paul D. Hutchcroft Professor of Political and Social Change College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University From Evidence to Policy: Celebrating 40 Years of Policy Research From Evidence to Policy: Celebrating 40 Years of Policy Research Edited by Gilberto M. Llanto, Vicente B. Paqueo, and Aniceto C. Orbeta Jr. Philippine Institute for Development Studies Surian sa mga Pag-aaral Pangkaunlaran ng Pilipinas Copyright 2018 Published by Philippine Institute for Development Studies Printed in the Philippines. Some rights reserved. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of any individual or organization. Please address all inquiries to: Philippine Institute for Development Studies 18th Floor, Three Cyberpod Centris - North Tower EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, 1100 Quezon City Telephone: (63-2) 877-4000; 372-1291 to 92 Fax: (63-2) 877-4099 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.pids.gov.ph This book is under the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License. It shall not be used for commercial purposes. Anyone can use, reuse, distribute, and build upon this material as long as proper attribution is made.