The Development Innovations and Policy Laboratory (DIP Lab) was tapped by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and the Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Centers (SERDAC) to conduct the online training-workshop series on “Strengthening Policy Analysis in the Regions.”

Eighty-eight participants from PCAARRD regional consortia members attended the training-workshop series which was hosted by their respective SERDAC teams.

SERDAC Luzon coordinated the first one, which ran from Oct. 3-7, followed by SERDAC Visayas from Oct. 10-14. SERDAC Mindanao hosted the third one that was held from Oct. 17-21.

The training workshop covered five module topics, namely: overview of policy analysis and proposal development, structuring the policy problem, developing policy goals and alternatives, assessment of policy alternatives, and policy research and proposal design.

With a back-to-basics approach, the training workshop equipped the participants with appreciation and knowledge on determining and analyzing policy concerns and proposing concrete policy recommendations. It also included hands-on activities and group discussions aimed at further enhancing their skills in conducting the policy analysis process – from problem identification to policy implementation.

DIP Lab project members served as the training-workshop resource persons. They are Dr. Aileen V. Lapitan, Dr. Maria Luz L. Malabayabas, and Guinevere T. Madlangbayan. 

Marriz M. Garciano of the Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies (CSPPS), which houses DIP Lab, also served as one of the resource speakers. The workshops were facilitated by DIP Lab project staff Karen S. Janiya and CSPPS staff Therese R. Olviga.

At the end of each week, participants provided feedback on their workshop experiences. Participants said that the training was a great way for them to begin getting involved in policy analysis. 

Those who had background and knowledge in policy analysis noted that it was an enriching experience and that their learnings would be beneficial to them in their work and in their respective communities. 

Other participants also highlighted being inspired by the resource speakers and hope to propose their own policy researches in the future. 

Policy Analysis and Advocacy is one of the four DOST-PCAARRD banner programs to ensure that the policy environment is conducive for science, technology, and innovation and drives investment in the development of the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sectors. 

This training workshop series is among the services of DIP Lab as part of its goal to support the council’s endeavors and the policy and advocacy processes.

Learn more about the DIP Lab by visiting its official website (diplab.uplb.edu.ph), Facebook page (@diplab.uplb), and Twitter page (@diplab_uplb) or by sending an email to diplab.uplb@up.edu.ph. (Dhanicca Amor Domingo and Therese Marie Quilnat)