For the first time, the Development Policy ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Month (DPRM) brings the Visayas Policy ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Forum (VPRF) to Western Visayas, with the inaugural forum taking place on September 22, 2026, in Iloilo City. From 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM at Sam’s 21 Hotel, policymakers, researchers, development partners, and other stakeholders will discuss research and policy issues shaping the region’s development.
Under this year’s DPRM theme, “Building Strong Institutions, Unlocking Human Capital Potential”, the forum will examine how stronger institutions, better coordination, and evidence-based policies can help Western Visayas address its development priorities, strengthen human capital, and create opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Organized by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Region VI (DEPDev VI) in cooperation with the Socioeconomic ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Portal for the Philippines (SERP-P) of the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ (PIDS), the University of the Philippines (UP) Visayas, and UP–Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS).
Discussions will highlight the importance of evidence-based policy research in supporting informed decision-making and regional development planning, as well as the role of collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, researchers, and development partners in advancing evidence-informed governance.
Can’t join us in Iloilo? Tune in to the PIDS and SERP-P social media pages for updates and catch the registration link to join the forum online.
Learn more and participate in the DPRM activities at .
DOWNLOAD PRESENTATIONS:
of Assistant Director Judith Gondra, DEPDev Governance Staff
by Dr. John Paolo Rivera, PIDS Senior ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Fellow
Session 1:
of Ms. Mary Rose Bañares, UP Visayas Assistant Professor
of Dr. Rhodella Ibabao, UP Visayas Professor
of Dr. Mary Rose Rebueno, UP Visayas Assistant Professor
of Ms. Elaine Grace Fernandez, DEPDev VI Project Monitoring and Evaluation Division Senior Economic Development Specialist
Session 2:
of Dr. Rosalie Hall, UP-CIDS Executive Director
of Dr. Juhn Chris Espia, UP Visayas Associate Professor
by Dr. Hanny John Mediodia, UP Visayas Office of the Continuing Education and Pahinungod Director
led by Engr. Arecio Casing, Jr., DEPDev VI Regional Director
