Mindanao Studies Consortium Foundation, Inc. and the Mindanao Development Authority to create knowledge center

By Elaine O. Ratunil

Friday 2nd of March 2012

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 2 -- Plans to establish a local research and policy center for Mindanao are currently being pushed by the Mindanao Studies Consortium Foundation, Inc. (MSCFI) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

Representatives from the academe comprising the MSCFI have agreed to the proposal of setting up a Mindanao Knowledge Research and Policy Center (MKPRC) that would ensure harmonization and proper utilization of knowledge resources in Mindanao for policy making and development initiatives, as disclosed during a recent meeting.

According to the group, the availability of knowledge resources on Mindanao as well as experts on this field has not been fully tapped.

“Now is the time for us to pursue the creation of a multidisciplinary center for local experts and consultants to convene and help in our research efforts for sustainable development,” said MinDA Executive Director Janet Lopoz.

The MKRPC shall become the command center of a Mindanao-focused scientific and Research and Development (R&D) community of academic scholars. It would also seek to improve Mindanao knowledge networks with academic and research institutions from other countries once the center is established.

Meanwhile, Prof. Ricardo de Ungria, MSCFI Chairperson, supported MinDA’s stance to push through with the center saying they hope to firm up partnership and collaboration to realize the plan.

The Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan, which is being pursued by MinDA, has identified the creation of the center as integral to improving capabilities for undertaking scientific and empirical researches and analyses that support the region’s development needs.

The 20-year framework serves as the roadmap for peace and development efforts in Mindanao, focusing on five key themes namely, peace and security, governance and institutions, economy and environment, human development and social cohesion, and enabling conditions. (MinDA)