Responsive Policymaking through Policy Research

PHILLIPINE INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES Surian sa mga Pag-aaral Pangkaunlaran ng Pilipinas

September - October 2003

Vol. XXI No. 5

ISSN 0115-9097

Responsive policymaking through policy research For many people, nothing beats a good cup of coffee to kick our morning daze, and with a whole plate of our favorite almusal, it is a surefire way to start the day. The role of research may perhaps be shown as an analogy.

While coffee keeps us on our toes, awake and alert to perform better, research eliminates most uncertainties and somehow removes the daze in coming up with decisions for policy formulation. Through the facts and figures derived from careful information gathering and investigation, findings are presented to policymakers as their bases in

formulating courses of action that are empirical, logical and significant to the real needs of the country.

Recognition of the relevance of policy research, however, came a long way in the course of our history.

From very little inputs in the 1950s and 1960s, policy research has managed to find its niche and importance in the lives of 80 million Filipinos in recent years.

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(Re)searching research: probing its relevance to national decisionmaking Policy formulation is a difficult job.

The process entails indepth research, experience, and sensitivity to the needs of the community which had voted the legislators or policymakers into place.

A policy hastily passed PIDS studies now available on CD without solid basis may DPRM: The research community celebrates be cause for a national The future of a Japan-Philippines economic partnership and personal disappointment.

RP-Japan bilateral economic partnership: Beneficial or not?

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DPRM activities

What's Inside?

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15 Study calls for stronger RP-LatAm trade relations 16 Networking and research the SERP-P way

Before the mid-1960s, however, little indepth research of issues was used as basis for legislat-

ing policies partly in view of the lack of access of policymakers to research.

The silver lining for policy research started in the latter part of the 1960s with the creation of the Congressional Economic Planning Office (CEPO). CEPO was created to ensure that long-term national goals would be fostered with the help in part by research. Even then, the challenge was in enlightening the legislators on the importance of being armed with economic essentials, and where and how to secure them.

This development was followed with the creation of other agencies such as the National Economic Council (NEC)—the central planning body of the country — and the Program Implementation Agency (PIA)—the Diosdado Macapagal administration’s economic advisory body.

The PIA gradually took charge of the planning function of the NEC until it was renamed to Presidential Economic Staff in the 1970s. Other agencies which contributed to the shaping of the economy included the Board of Investments, Financial ✒ 3

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DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH NEWS

DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH NEWS Vol. XX1 No. 5 September - October 2003 ISSN 0115 - 9097

September - October 2003

Editor's Notes Celebrations are happy occasions. More so when the joy is shared or recognized by an

DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH NEWS is a bimonthly publication of the PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (PIDS). It highlights the findings and recommendations of PIDS research projects and important policy issues discussed during PIDS seminars.

PIDS is a nonstock, nonprofit government research institution engaged in long-term, policy-oriented research. This publication is part of the Institute's program to disseminate information to promote the use of research findings.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute. Inquiries regarding any of the studies contained in this publication, or any of the PIDS papers, as well as suggestions or comments are welcome.

Please address all correspondence and inquiries to: Research Information Staff Philippine Institute for Development Studies Room 304, NEDA sa Makati Bldg., 106 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, 1229 Makati City, Philippines Telephone numbers 892-4059 and 893-5705 Telefax numbers (632) 893-9589 and 816-1091 E-mail address: publications@pidsnet.pids.gov.ph Reentered as second class mail at the Makati Central Post Office on April 27, 1987. Annual subscription rates are: P200.00 for local subscribers; and US$20.00 for foreign subscribers. All rates are inclusive of mailing and handling costs. Prices may change without prior notice.

authority. It is thus with great pleasure and excitement that the research community, led by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) as the coordinator, celebrated the first-ever Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) on a nationwide scale. Various organizations, both private and government, as well as academic institutions joined hands in organizing different activities to showcase the importance of research, especially policy research, through their own individual ways.

This particular issue highlights the development and short history of policy research in the Philippines and its relevance to decisionmaking. A list of monitored activities organized by member organizations held in relation to the first DPRM is given special attention on the spread of this issue.

One of the DPRM activities was the conduct of a series of fora on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA). An article on what the future holds for the trade partnership offers a preview to what both nations can expect from the arrangement, and moving closer to home, what each Filipino can get out of—or at least expect from—the deal.

A bilateral agreement over a multilateral one? The success of such an agreement can dictate the trend of how countries will prefer to deal with their trade neighbors in the coming years. If indeed bilateral agreements are to be inked, these should be done within the larger context of multilateralism in mind. A successful bilateral agreement may encourage regional integration but there are still attached risks. The Philippines would do well in studying the impact of such an agreement. ❏

Editorial Board: Dr. Mario B. Lamberte, President; Dr. Gilberto M. Llanto, VicePresident; Mr. Mario C. Feranil, Director for Project Services and Development; Ms. Jennifer P.T. Liguton, Director for Research Information; Ms. Andrea S. Agcaoili, Director for Operations and Finance; Atty. Roque A. Sorioso, Legal Consultant.

Staff: Jennifer P.T. Liguton, Editor-in-Chief; Genna J. Estrabon, Issue Editor; Sheila V. Siar (on study leave), Jane C. Alcantara, Claudette G. Santos, Ma. Gizelle R. Gutierrez, Edwin S. Martin and Mitzi H. Co, Contributing Editors; Valentina V. Tolentino and Rossana P. Cleofas, Exchange; Delia S. Romero, Galicano A. Godes, Necita Z. Aquino and Alejandro P. Manalili, Circulation and Subscription; Genna J. Estrabon, Layout and Design.

DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH NEWS

Policy Committee, and the Infrastructure Operations Center.

By this time, policy research and its inputs to policymaking, not only through the legislators but also and largely through the executive decisionmakers, came into prominence when experts with advanced academic degrees in economics were enlisted to serve the government and revolutionize policy reforms. These "technocrats," as they were called, gave importance to the value of policy research and translated the results into national policy recommendations.

And although the struggle to put policy research into mainstream policymaking still continues to this day to a certain extent, it is encouraging to note that policy institutions took root and policy research started to prosper beginning in the 1970s.

From the academe, there are, among others, the Ateneo Center for Policy and Public Affairs, De La Salle University (DLSU)-Social Development Research Center, DLSU-University Research Coordination Office, University of the Philippines (UP)-Center for Integrated Development Studies, UP-National Center for Transportation Studies, UP-National College of Public Administration and Governance, UPSchool of Economics, UP-School of

...Although the struggle to put policy research into mainstream policymaking still continues to this day to a certain extent, it is encouraging to note that policy institutions took root and policy research started to prosper beginning in the 1970s.

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September - October 2003

Urban and Regional Planning, University of Sto. Tomas-Social Research Center, University of San Carlos, and Xavier University-Research Institute for Mindanao Culture. These educational institutions have been fundamental in completing studies in the fields of local governance, human resources management, gender and sexuality issues, healthcare, transportation efficiency measures, housing and land use planning, poverty, water resources, fishing, privatization, and population and family planning.

Government entities, including the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, Institute of Labor Studies, Institute of Strategic Planning and Policy Studies based at UP Los BaĂąos, National Tax Research Center, Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), Philippine APEC Study Center Network, and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) have, on the other hand, expanded their own research on issues such as rural financing, credit policy, agribusiness, population, taxation, fiscal incentives, food security, globalization, capital market development and trade liberalization.

To date, for instance, the PIDS, the government think-tank attached to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), has produced more than 900 publications from the more than 600 studies conducted by its inhouse and Institute-commissioned researchers on social and economic issues for policy consideration.

Its very first major sponsored study, the Industrial Promotion Policy in the Philippines (IPPP) by Romeo M. Bautista, John H.

Power and Associates, set the trend for the types of studies to be undertaken in the following years. The Philippine government and the World Bank (WB) at that time were studying a possible industrial structural adjustment program loan for the country. The study’s strong policy orientation and recommended measures for the industrial restructuring of the country prompted the government and the WB to incorporate the study's findings in the industrial policy reform program loan.

Considered as a pioneering work in agricultural research, the PIDS study Impact of Macroeconomic Policies on the Philippine Agriculture Sector by Cristina C. David et al., meanwhile, was used extensively by the government in restructuring the country’s agricultural sector along with the reformulation of other policies. Prior to this study, most research were commodity-specific studies focusing on technology research but did not give importance to the relationship of policies and forces in agriculture that the study highlighted.

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DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH NEWS

Recognizing the contribution of policy research With the increasing importance and role that policy research has come to play as witnessed in the key research and analyses of the growing number of research institutions and entities, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared, through Malacañang Proclamation No. 247, the observance of Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) every month of September, beginning in September 2003, and designated PIDS as the overall coordinator for the celebration.

September - October 2003

The President stressed in Proclamation No. 247 that the observance of Development Policy Research Month will provide the means for promoting, enhancing, instilling and drawing nationwide awareness and appreciation of the importance and necessity of policy research as a tool for national socioeconomic development.

This will also ensure the support of the public for all activities aimed at advancing the quality and standard of policy research in the country.

For many people, however, the question to ask is—what is the relevance in assigning a Development Policy Research Month, or a Nutrition or Statistic Month, for that matter?

The DPRM differs from the usual fiestas, holidays or awareness program in that the sounds of merrymaking, the colors and sumptuous food so entrenched in our culture are not the event’s highlights.

Instead, the main courses are the studies and research that institutions across the country have undertaken.

Putting it in a proper perspective, assigning various government undertakings scheduled in monthly interval is a recognition of that particular area’s contribution to the Filipino society.

For 30 days, policymakers will feast on the results of policy research to be presented that would spice up their policymaking; researchers, including students, will have a wider selection of research to follow

PIDS studies now available on CD

T

he studies conducted by the state development think tank, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), for the past 25 years are now available on compact disks (CD).

Dr. Mario Lamberte, PIDS president, said the availability of the studies on CDs will further promote the dissemination and utilization of the policy research outputs of the Institute. The PIDS, since its inception in 1977, has carried on its thrust of providing clear analyses of development issues and concerns to help in the formulation of national policies, legislation, and macrolevel decisionmaking.

The five-volume set of CDs contains all the studies by PIDS conducted either individually or in collaboration with other researchers, local and foreign, from 1979 to middle of 2002.

through; and ordinary people will have a better appreciation of the process of research, some findings of certain research, and how they apply to or impact on their everyday lives.

Eventually, it is hoped that the regular observance of DPRM will help inculcate, in the consciousness of not only the policymakers but also of the general public, the need for analyses and solid empirical bases in crafting sound policies and in making careful decisions. And hopefully, too, the occasion can help augur the expansion of avenues and mechanisms like networking that will make data, informed knowledge and analyses of issues available and accessible to everyone, especially to policymakers.

Ultimately, then, research—policy research in particular—becomes not just like coffee that kicks out the daze but a stream of knowledge that fills the minds of policymakers. If used properly, such knowledge may help bring about the reforms that every Filipino aspires for to improve his lot. ❏

“Readers can leaf through more than 800 publication titles dating back to 1979. It is interesting to note that from a modest number of three publications in 1979, PIDS studies have multiplied over the years and as of mid2002, it has produced a total of 884 publications in various formats,” Dr. Lamberte noted.

The studies are grouped according to the type of publication where a given study appeared and each CD contains a combination of these types of publications. For example, books, research papers and Policy Notes are contained in disk 1 while the journal and the newsletter, among others, are found in disk 2, etc. For ease of viewing, the database is equipped with a search facility whereby readers can search studies by title, author, research area, publication type, study type and keyword. All files are in portable document format thereby retaining the publications’ original printed format.

The CDs are available for sale at Php382.00 per CD or at Php1,910.00 per set (containing five CDs or volumes). For more information about the PIDS CD, please contact the PIDS Publications Division at tel. nos. 8924059/ 8942584 and fax number 8939589 or send an e-mail to publications@pidsnet.pids.gov.ph. ❏

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September - October 2003

T

he entire research community in the country, led by the officers and staff of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), celebrated the firstever and nationwide observance of the Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) in September 2003.

The declaration of September of every year as Development Policy Research Month under Malacañang Proclamation No. 247 stresses the essential role that policy research plays in national development efforts.

This year’s steering committee is composed of PIDS as chair, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as vice chair and the following as members: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); Congressional Planning and Budget Office (CPBO); Office of Policy Research of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Institute for Labor Studies (ILS); National Statistical Coordination Board; Statistical Research and Training Center; Senate’s Policy Studies Group; Foreign Service Institute; National Statistics Office; Philippine Information Agency; and the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG).

Considering the declaration was only made last year, the full support and enthusiasm extended by a number of institutions—both public and private—was truly heartwarming and encouraging.

As the designated coordinator, the PIDS conducted activities with the participation of 43 partner institutions around the Philippines. For its part, PIDS cosponsored a series of fora on the Japan-Philippines economic partnership (see related article on page 7), another forum on the Philippine-Latin American trade relations (see related article on page 15) and two separate fora on the

Dr. Mario B. Lamberte prepares to answer questions thrown in by radio newscaster Ivy Aviño during a radio guesting on the show Galing Pinoy on DZAR Angel Radio in September 2003.

DPRM: The research community celebrates proposed new revenue authority held for the Senate technical staff and committees and an analysis of the president’s budget for 2004 for a House of Representatives audience composed of congressmen, their staff and technical committees.

Partner institutions also conducted exhibits, sectoral consultations, panel discussions and seminars on various topics (see accompanying spread) as their contributions to the maiden celebration of the DPRM. Apart from the above activities conducted by the PIDS and other institutions, a number of promotional guestings by PIDS officers in radio, television, and print media as well as in schools were held to promote and introduce DPRM and

its related activities. Radio guestings were made at DZRM (Radyo Manila), DWAN’s Sumbong, Tugon at Aksyon, DZAR’s Galing Pinoy, DZEC’s Kontodos Rekados and was simulcast over Channel 25, and DZMM’s Todotodo Walang Preno. A television guesting was also made in ABS-CBN’s ANC Live.

A DPRM website was likewise prepared and hosted by the PIDS. This website integrated all activities related to the DPRM. An online calendar of activities also featured the various endeavors that participating institutions have committed as part of the celebration.

PIDS President Dr. Mario B. Lamberte says the observance

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September - October 2003

The future of a Japan-Philippines economic partnership Erlinda M. Medalla, Ph.D., and Dorothea C. Lazaro*

T

he formation of regional free trade agreements arrange ments (FTAs) has been a worldwide trend in the past decades.

In the 1980s, the United States (US) had actively pursued the possibility of FTAs with other Asia- Pacific countries. In 1989, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was established. The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) then started an economic integration initiative, which paved the way for the creation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) in 1992.

It was in the late 1990s, however, when the region saw moves to institutionalize free trade agreements through bilateral FTAs and other initiatives. The concept of a broad East Asian FTA was discussed during the December 2000 ASEAN Plus Three summit that included China, Japan and South Korea. In November 2001, the ASEAN and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) * Senior Research Fellow and Research Analyst II, respectively, at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

1 Among the reasons for this decision include Japan's growing disenchantment with GATT/WTO as the US resorts to its own Section 301, dissatisfaction with the implementation of rules by some WTO members, and disgruntlement with “abuses” such as the over zealous application of antidumping rules against itself (Japan) and others in Asia.

2 Huang, Kwei-Bo. 2001. The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area: Background, Framework and Political Implications. [available online at www.dsis.org.tw] 3 Low, Linda. 2000. RTA: Case for Japan-Singapore Free Trade Arrangement (JSFTA). National University of Singapore.

announced plans to establish the world’s biggest free trade area by 2010. Following this trend, Japan then abandoned its single-track approach to the multilateral World Trade Agreement (WTO).1 Regional and bilateral approaches Today, Japan’s FTA approach is dual or two-track; it negotiates with ASEAN as a whole and bilaterally with individual member countries.

Japan-ASEAN Japan attempts to revive “equal partnership,” enhance “heart-toheart understanding” and promote

comprehensive cooperation between Japan and the ASEAN.2 This idea of a comprehensive partnership was welcomed by the ASEAN countries. The ASEAN-Japan Closer Economic Partnership (CEP) is a blanket agreement which not only includes the elements of an FTA but also issues in need of improvement (such as nontariff barriers to goods, services, and investment) as well as areas beneficial to both nations (such as information technology, support for the small- and medium-sized enterprises, and tourism)..3 Japan and the ASEAN will aim to complete these within 10 years.

Japan-individual countries Japan’s move for bilateral partnerships is way ahead of its ASEAN initiatives mainly because multilateral agreements take more time to carry out and are more difficult to

RP-Japan bilateral economic partnership: Beneficial or not?

Is it feasible for the Philippines to enter into a bilateral economic partnership with Japan? What are the issues as well as the challenges and opportunities in pursuing a trading arrangement with Japan?

This is the topic of economic experts from the government, academe and private sector in a series of forum held in August and September 2003, and organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the Philippine APEC Study Center Network (PASCN) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Economic Trade and Industry of Japan.

The RP-Japan Forum Series is part of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) Research Project being coordinated by the PIDS. Other activities include stakeholders' consultations with the government, business, and affected sectors as well as briefings and coordination with the respective partner countries’ government leaders and economists.

Presented during the various discussions are studies on the whole economy, on specific industries/sectors, and special issues. Wherever possible, the studies look at the economic, social and process impact of the partnership agreement in the particular study area.

DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH NEWS

establish because primarily, regional accords require unanimity4 of decisions. On the other hand, a bilateral accord is seen as a more focused approach to solving specific problems.5 Among the ASEAN countries, Singapore holds the very first bilateral free trade accord with Japan.

This has led to the acceleration of Japan’s bilateral initiatives as the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand started discussing in working groups the forging of a bilateral FTA with Japan.

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own reform objectives. As such, there is a need to be clear on what the country’s underlying objectives of reforms are. These principal objectives are basically: (a) global competitiveness; (b) sustainable growth, (c) efficiency in allocation, and (d) poverty alleviation.

If within the proposed economic partnership, these objectives of reform are workable, then there should be no impediment in entering into such kind of agreement.

September - October 2003

Issue of multilateralism versus bilateralism Another important consideration would be the issue of multilateralism versus bilateralism. This is not to say that bilateral agreements cannot work in a multilateral framework.

Both mechanisms are equally recognized. The issue is whether to remain in the multilateral setting or be more focused and engage in bilateral arrangements.

There is general consensus that multilateralism would be the ideal approach to bring about optimum As a starting point in deliberating welfare. It promotes competitiveness the Japan-Philippines economic and specialization, and With respect to other induces production in ASEAN member-econogoods and services where mies, initial talks are yet to There is general consensus that multilateralism would countries have real be made as separate be the ideal approach to bring about optimum welfare. comparative advantage. It summit meetings were is also the setting where focused on supporting the It promotes competitiveness and specialization, and individual countries’ Japan-ASEAN initiative. In induces production in goods and services where benefits from reforms are all these bilateral negotiacountries have real comparative advantage...Under a maximized. Under a tions, however, Japan’s multilateral framework, agricultural policy is multilateral framework, trading rules and practices trading rules and practices considered one of the become more transparent. become more transparent main issues to be dis(and, where necessary, cussed. If Japan pursues a established), thereby CEP with the ASEAN or reducing transactions costs across bilateral FTAs with each individual partnership, the new age model FTA borders. However, handicapped with country, then an intense discussion between Japan and Singapore is resource, capacity and capability on agricultural products is inevitable. being used, albeit with various constraints, developing countries are amendments. It provides for rules of Should the Philippines enter into origin, customs procedure, paperless often unable to actively (and proactively) negotiate and bring to a Japan-RP economic partnership trading, mutual recognition, technithe table the concerns which are agreement? cal assistance, trade in services, most vital to them.6 The pressing concern now is whether investment, movement of natural or not the Philippines should enter persons, intellectual property, into an economic partnership As such, there are practical and government procurement, competiagreement with Japan. In answering possibly compelling reasons for tion, financial services cooperation, this critical question, the following pursuing the bilateral approach, to information and communications basic principles must be taken into wit: technology, energy, science and consideration: technology, human resources ) As a testing ground. development, employment and labor The Philippine agenda management relations, small and Although liberalization is ✒ 10 and objectives of reforms medium enterprises, broadcasting, Should the Philippines enter into an tourism, and dispute avoidance and 4 Press Statement of DTI Secretary Mar Roxas. economic partnership with Japan, or settlement. How all these elements 5 Naoko Munakata (2002) “Whither East Asian any other country or other regional tie up with the Philippines' own Economic Integration?” RIETI Discussion Paper Series trading arrangements (RTAs), a objectives would be the basis for the 02-E-007.

6 foremost consideration should be form of partnership that the country Often, there is even lack of understanding on what these vital concerns are. the conformity with the country’s will eventually establish with Japan.

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Development Policy Research Month Sectoral Consultations on ILO Conventions Ratification Participants: Leaders of mainstream labor groups (both landbased and manning agencies) NGOs and representatives from government sectors such as Commission of Human Rights, BLE, DFA, SSS, ILAS, among others Sponsor: Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)

Partnership (JPEPA) by the AIM Policy Center Sponsors: PIDS, PASCN and DTI

Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Forum Series Situationer on Japan Philippines Economic Relations (An Overview) by Dr. Erlinda Medalla, PIDS/PASCN RP-Japan Bilateral Agreement: Beneficial or Not

by Dr. Cesar Cororaton, PIDS Sponsors: Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Philippine APEC Study Center Network (PASCN) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Inhouse Seminar on Research Skills Speaker: Dr. Pedro B. Bernaldez of Aquinas University of Legazpi Participants: Staff of NRO V Sponsor: National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region V

Exhibit on Statistical Development Research The exhibit features convention papers as well as technical papers on statistical researches of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) Sponsor: NSCB

Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Forum Series Formulating A Medium to Long Term Strategy for Exports of Manufactured Goods from the Philippines to Japan Under an FTA With Japan: A Study of Japanese Corporations in the Philippines by Dr. Peter Lee U Rules of Origin in Bilateral FTAs: Its Implications on Multilateral and Regional Trade by Dr. George Manzano, UA&P Sponsors: PIDS, PASCN and DTI

Talakayan sa KC: Pagbuo ng Magandang Lipunan Participants: Students and faculty members of Kalayaan College Sponsor: Kalayaan College, Marikina City DBP Executive Strategy Session ESS (The session aims to initiate Development Bank of the Philippines ’ 2004 Business Plan process) Sponsor: Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Forum Series Prospects and Impediments to Tapping the Japanese Market for the Philippine Retirement Industry by Mr. Winston Padojinog and Ms. Cherry Lyn Rodolfo, UAP Movement of Natural Persons Between the Philippines and Japan: Issues and Prospects by Dr. Tereso Tullao, Jr. An Analysis of Industry and Sector Specific Impacts of Japan-Philippines Economic

Panel Discussion on Information Imperatives of DA Programs Speaker: Assistant Secretary Segfred Serrano Participants: BAS and major statistical personnel Sponsor: Statistical Research and Training Center (SRTC)

Roundtable Discussion on the UPV Natural Products Research Program Sponsor: University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV)

Seminar on “Ethics in Research and Publications” Speaker: Dr. Leonardo De Castro of UP Diliman Sponsor: UPV BSP’s Public Information Campaign-Western Visayas (This campaign is being conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as part of the monetary authority’s effort to promote greater transparency of monetary policymaking in the Philippines and apprise the public on its key activities affecting the economy) Sponsor: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Use of Input-Output Table for SocioEconomic Analysis Speakers: NSCB Asst. Sec-Gen. Estrella

September - October 2003

Following is a list of activities sponsored or organized by various institutions nationwide in observance of the 1st DPRM.

Domingo and Ms. Corazon Buenaventura Participants: NEDA technical personnel Sponsor: SRTC Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Forum Series Phil-Japan Trade Services Agreement: A Framework for Discussion by Dr. Gloria Pasadilla, UAP Philippine-Japan Economic Linkage: A Case Study of Cebu by Dr. Victorina Zosa, USC Prospects and Problems of Expanding Trade with Japan: A Survey of Philippine Exporters by Dr. Rosalina Palanca-Tan, ADMU Sponsors: PIDS, PASCN and DTI 3rd Quarter 2003 Roundtable Discussion on Selected DOLE Researches Sponsor: Institute of Labor Studies (ILS) Validation Workshop on the Assessment of the Structures, Processes, Procedures and Linkages of National, Regional and Local Development Planning in Visayas Speakers: Mr. Joselito P. Supangco and Ms. Ellen Estanislao-Tan Sponsor: NEDA Region VII Discussion-Workshop on Ownership of Intellectual Property Rights Over Research Guidebooks and Similar Materials Speakers: Dr. Nelia Salalima-Ciocson & Dr. Eddie S. See Sponsor: Bicol University , Legazpi City Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Forum Series Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership: Where is the Philippines in Japan’s Plan by Dr. Lydia Yu-Jose, Ateneo de Manila University Understanding Japan’s Motives for Pursuing an Economic Partnership Agreement with the Philippines by Mr. Ronald Rodriguez, Foreign Service Institute Toward a Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership in Agriculture Department of Economics, UPLB Exploring Potentials of a Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership in Human Resource Development, Department of Economics, UPLB The Dynamics of a Philippine-Japan Economic

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September - October 2003

Cooperation: The Case of Japan’s ODA in the Philippines, Department of Economics, UPLB Sponsors: PIDS, PASCN & DTI 2nd Core Group Meeting: Society, Economy, Philippine Development (Toward a Philippine Model) Theme: “Elements of Social Market Economy: Social Partnership for Productivity and Worker Welfare” Sponsor: De La Salle University - Angelo King Institute for Economics and Business Studies Seminar on “Policy Research: Instrument for More Responsive Policymaking” Sponsor: Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) Economics Society Information Communications Technology (ICT) on the World of Work Sponsor: ILS Sampling Design Course for PSS Managers Speakers: Dr. Isidoro David, Dr. Erniel Barrios, Dr. Arturo Pacificador, Jr., Dr. Jose Ramon Albert, et. al Participants: Senior officials of major statistical agencies Sponsor: SRTC Talakayan sa KC: Scholarship and Public Service Sponsor: Kalayaan College, Marikina City Technical Learning Session on Overview of Policy Analysis Sponsor: Technology Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Forum Series Small and Medium Enterprise Development Experience and Policy in Japan and the Philippines: Lessons and Policy Implications by Dr. Cielito Habito, Ateneo de Manila A Comparative Study of the Bilateral FTA Arrangements: Applications to the Philippines by Prof. John Lawrence Avila, UAP Sponsors: PIDS, PASCN and DTI Lecture-Forum on Policy Research Speakers: Dr. Merlyn Paunlagui, College of Public Affairs, UPLB and Dr. Noel Padilla, Policy & Planning Office, DENR Sponsor: Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau

Dr. Mario Lamberte (middle) solicits questions from the audience after Dr. Caesar Cororaton's presentation during a Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement Forum Series activity while Dr. Erlinda Medalla looks on.

Seminar on Capital Market Sponsor: National Tax Research Center (NTRC) Seminar on the Road-RORO Terminal System (RRTS) Sponsor: DBP 3rd National Ecotourism Congress Sponsor: Department of Tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the National Ecotourism Steering Committee Paper Presentation on the Study of Philippine-Latin American Trade Relations Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Investment Relationships Between Latin America and the Philippines: Multilateralism and Globalization Perspective Sponsor: PIDS Symposium on The Challenge of Responsive Policy Research: The Scaffold of Philippine Economic Development Sponsor: San Beda College Lecture on “The Political Economy of U.S. Trade Policy in the WTO, Bilateral and Regional AFTAs Speaker: Dr. Marcus Noland, Senior Fellow, Institute of International Economics

Sponsor: De La Salle University-International Studies Department and Angelo King Institute for Economics and Business Studies Roundtable Discussions on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Cost Study Sponsor: TESDA Central Office Paper presentation on the Study on Sea Transport Process and Costs in Selected Philippine Out-Ports (The presentation is part of the Philippine Maritime Convention) Speakers: George Esguerra, Nabor Gaviola and Max Cruz Sponsor: TAPS Project Paper Presentation - Philippine Financial Derivatives: A Model Speaker: Mr. Emmanuel J. Lopez Sponsor: University of Sto . Tomas Presentation of Regular Production of Sampling Error Estimates for Business and Industry Level Speaker: Ms. Lourdes Homecillo of NSO Participants: Members of the TWG on Survey Design and other invitees Sponsor: SRTC ✒ 14

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ment on the whole economy and on specific sectors. A closer look on specific elements and scope of the agreement must thus be made.

JPEPA from page 7

Finally, there should be implicit (or explicit) guidelines that would indicate that the country must stay within the bounds of the multilateral framework.

Dr. Peter Lee U of the University of

Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) presented a survey of Japanese corporations in the Philippines, one of the studies under the JPEPA project.

inevitable, it is also indisputable that it must take place gradually especially in the vulnerable sectors. A bilateral agreement is a venue for promoting the country’s objectives and interests with minimal risk. ) As a step to multilateralism.

As stated earlier, separately, small countries do not have the bargaining tools in advancing their interests. The success of a bilateral cooperation would thus encourage regional integration that would unify and strengthen the region’s position in the multilateral WTO. ) As a defensive mechanism.

Preferential FTAs could lead to potential trade diversions and result in the detrimental erosion of comparative advantages.

Bilateral agreements are seen as a protective shield from the necessary consequences of other FTAs.

There are, however, some potential risks (costs) to a preferential (bilateral) approach. These are along the following areas: ) Trade diversion (as indicated above);

September - October 2003

) Resource diversion (e. g., government resources diverted away from multilateral negotiations); and ) Political diversion (could deplete political capital in doing domestic reforms).

Nevertheless, keeping in mind the potential merits of a bilateral agreement, the next step is to probe deeper and analyze the impact of a partnership agreement and study the way to maximize the benefits in such arrangements. This would involve various activities and undertakings.

One, there is a need to study the Philippines’ strategy. It must primarily be driven by the country's policy reform agenda.

Two, in responding to the request for partnership, there is a need to take a closer look at other issues especially those dealing with nontariff barriers such as technical barriers to trade, phytosanitary measures as well as harmonization and safeguard issues.

Three, and more importantly, there is a need to undertake an impact analysis of the partnership agree-

The Proposed Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) It is in the context of the above that during Philippine President Gloria M. Arroyo's visit to Japan on December 4, 2002, the president met with Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to discuss the establishment of a Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership (JPEP). The envisaged JPEP would include a possible free trade agreement and other components covering services, investments, support for SMEs, human resource development and other forms of economic cooperation.

The proposed agreement has two basic objectives, namely: (a) facilitation, promotion and provision of a stable and predictable environment for economic activity between the two countries, and (b) establishment of a cooperative framework for the further strengthening of the two countries' economic relations.

The scope of the partnership agreement is shown in Table 1.

To provide a deeper analysis of the various areas to be covered and to probe further on their impacts and implications, the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) Research Project to be coordinated by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) was launched under the sponsorship of the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry

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Table 1. Scope of the Japan- Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement Chapter

Domain

Preamble General Provisions Trade in Goods Rules of Origin Customs Procedure Paperless Trading

Trade

Mutual Recognition

Liberalization

Trade in Services

and Facilitation

Investment Movement of Natural Person Intellectual Property Government Procurement Competition Financial Services Cooperation Information and Communications Technology Energy Science and Technology

eral agreement between the Philippines and Japan.

B. Impact analysis on specific sectors/concerns 1. An Analysis of Industry and Sector-Specific Impacts of a Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement The paper will focus on the possible positive and negative impacts of establishing a JPEPA on specific industries and sectors of the Philippine economy. It is in line with the strengths and established contact base of the project proponent in terms of experience in issues of industry and private sector competitiveness.

Economic

2. Philippine-Japan Economic Linkage: A Case Trade and Investment Promotion Enhancement Study of Cebu Small and Medium Enterprises The research will Broadcasting provide a regional Tourism dimension to the Dispute and Avoidance Settlement feasibility and desirability of establishing a Final Provisions Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership by looking at the (DTI) and the Philippine APEC existing economic arrangement Study Center Network (PASCN) in between Cebu and Japan and the cooperation with the Japanese accompanying benefits and conInternational Cooperation Agency straints. Also, potential areas that will and the Ministry of Economy, Trade provide stronger economic linkages and Industry of Japan. between Cebu and Japan will be identified, specifically those which The research project will implement provide a more predictable environthe following three sets of studies. ment for economic activities.

Human Resource Development

Partnership

A. Impact analysis on the whole economy This includes (a) a situationer on the Philippine-Japan Economic Relationship and (b) a CGE analysis to determine quantitatively impact of various scenarios regarding a bilat-

3. Toward a Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation in Agriculture The research will detail the current patterns and trends in agricultural trade between the Philippines and Japan as well as existing trade

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arrangements (e.g., commodity basis, quality standards, quotas, etc.). The research will also identify the salient points (opportunities and constraints) in these arrangements.

These salient points need to be assessed given the current agenda of the Philippines with regard to agriculture such as the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), among others. These points likewise have to be assessed given the country’s capability to deliver the output, the institutional requirements necessary, the public infrastructure needed, and others. Finally, the key elements of a new bilateral agreement with Japan will be presented and discussed.

4. Prospects and Problems of Expanding Trade with Japan: A Survey of Philippine Exporters This research shall attempt to look at the factors that prevent Philippine industries to better penetrate the Japanese market. This shall be done principally through a survey of key and potential Philippine exporters to Japan. The end objective of the project is to identify and recommend provisions for the proposed Philippines-Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to enable the Philippines to fully exploit the potential of trade with Japan.

5. Prospects of Services Trade Liberalization in Japan-RP Bilateral Agreement?

The paper will review RP’s and Japan’s services commitment under the WTO. It will also review NAFTA’s services chapter, which arguably went far beyond the multilateral commitments in services. Should a NAFTAlike commitment be the model for the RP-Japan deal? The paper will analyze the costs and benefits of a possibly more binding commitment in services like shifting from positive to negative list resulting to more

DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH NEWS

services sectors that will be included and bound. It will discuss these costs and benefits in a more macro level rather than in an industry level although financial services and telecommunication may be discussed in greater detail.

Since commercial presence is one mode of services trade, the paper will also analyze the impact of an RPJapan services bilateral agreement on investments. Moreover, it will also touch on mode 4—movement of natural persons—but, again, in a more macro level of discussion, probably in the context of lessons from NAFTA. The paper will also ask how a new bilateral agreement on services with Japan would affect the country’s multilateral commitments.

For example, if RP and Japan agree on a mutual recognition of certain types of professionals, would thirdparty countries be allowed to accede to it, as is stipulated under the GATS? 6. Small and Medium Enterprise Development Experience and Policy in Japan and the Philippines: Lessons and Policy Implications The study will undertake a comprehensive examination of the history, strategy, policies and experience on small and medium enterprise (SME) development in Japan and the Philippines. The study is motivated by the observation that Japan possesses a vibrant SME sector that exists in a synergistic relationship with large enterprises.

The respective profiles of Japanese and Philippine production sectors with respect to size of enterprises, employment generation, and historical experience with SME development will be explored. A quantitative analysis of the relationship between economic growth and employment generation, on one hand, and SME development, on the

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[One of] the research[es] will undertake a descriptive analysis of the possible economic and political implications of [the]...[a]greement...with the aim of determining Japan’s possible motives for entering into such an agreement. This study will not seek to recommend or discourage the Philippines into a Japan-Philippines EPA; rather it will only seek to determine possible Japanese interests.

other, will be attempted. An analytical review of policies undertaken by the two governments specifically geared for the promotion and protection of SMEs will be undertaken. Applicability of Japanese approaches and policies to the Philippine context will be considered, with a view towards drawing useful lessons and policy implications from the Japanese experience for the Philippines. Finally, opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in further fostering SME development will be explored and analyzed.

7. Prospects and Impediments to Tapping the Japanese Market for the Philippine Retirement Industry This research study will identify the factors that will enable the Philippines to tap the Japanese retirement market and develop the retirement industry and its allied services such as real estate, tourism, medical and hospital care services and caregiving services. It will seek to identify the barriers to fully exploiting this market for those services.

The objective is to identify and recommend

provisions for the proposed Philippines-Japan Free Trade Agreement.

C. Special Studies 1. A Comparative Study of the Bilateral FTA Arrangements: Applications to the Philippines The research will undertake a comparative analysis of the recently concluded bilateral free trade areas as well as ongoing negotiations to set up FTAs. The primary aim of this comparative study is to discover possible models or frameworks that could serve as a guide for the Philippines as it considers entering into a bilateral free trade area.

This study will include the SingaporeJapan New Age Economic Partnership, the Singapore-Australia Closer Economic Partnership, the Singapore-US FTA and the proposed JapanSouth Korea FTA. These possible models will be assessed according to their relevance and applicability to the Philippines given the country's own trade interests and bilateral economic relationships, particularly with Japan.

DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH NEWS

13

Present during the opening of the JPEPA forum series was Trade Undersecretary Thomas Aquino. To his left are PIDS President Dr. Mario Lamberte and Dr. Erlinda Medalla, who presented a situationer on the Japan-Philippines economic relationship.

2. Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership: Where is the Philippines in Japan’s Plan?

This paper will briefly present the development of Japan’s foreign policy goals, and analyze its interests in the world, in Southeast Asia, and in the Philippines It will answer the following questions: how much importance does Japan put on an economic cooperation agreement with the Philippines, in relation to the world and East Asia?

3. Understanding The Political Motivation Behind Japan's Pursuit of an Economic Partnership Agreement with the Philippines The research will undertake a descriptive analysis of the possible economic and political implications of a Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement to Japan with the aim of determining Japan’s possible motives for entering into such an agreement.

This study will be based on the premise that a bilateral agreement between Japan and the Philippines is created as part of the vision of ultimately forging a Japan-ASEAN FTA. This study will not seek to recommend or discourage the

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ments to examine the feasibility of entering a bilateral economic relationship. Focusing on technical and development assistance, this project acknowledges the previous economic cooperation between the two countries that dates back to the post-war years. Japan has been providing aid to the Philippines, initially in the form of purely infrastructure-oriented assistance, then toward a more balanced sectoral allocation of aid.

Philippines into a Japan-Philippines EPA; rather it will only seek to determine possible Japanese interests.

4. Exploring potentials of a JapanPhilippine economic partnership in human resource development The research project will detail the current health, nutrition, and education patterns and trends in the two countries as well as document major programs and initiatives being undertaken toward human resource development.

6. Rules of origin in bilateral FTAs: its implications on multilateral and regional trade The paper will review the theoretical and empirical literature on the economics of rules of origin (ROOs), analyze the ROOs in NAFTA (and AFTA), and draw implications for Japan-RP bilateral trade agreement.

The paper will also analyze future problems with the RP-Japan bilateral agreement on ROOs in the context of AFTA.

The proposed research will also identify ways in which these programs and initiatives undertaken in the two countries could complement each other and then point out possible areas of cooperation with regard to promotion and development of health, nutrition, and education.

7. Movement of natural persons between the Philippines and Japan: Issues and prospects In light of the changing socioeconomic and demographic structures in Japan, on one hand, and the growing trends of Filipino overseas migration, on the other hand, are there prospects and complementation that the two countries can explore in these interspatial developments? Specifically, will liberalization in the movement of natural persons between the two countries be able to realize the impact of this complementation in enhancing the commercial relations of the Philippines and Japan under a free trade area?

5. The dynamics of Philippines-Japan economic cooperation: The case of Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) in the Philippines The project is part of the desire of the Japanese and Philippine govern-

In order to answer this problem, an investigation is needed on the human resources flow from the Philippines to Japan, the reasons behind such movement and their accompanying problems. ✒ 14

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14

DPRM from page 5

DPRM activities from page 9

of the Month is meant to elevate people’s awareness and appreciation of the value and importance of policy research in nationbuilding.

Roundtable Discussion on “Employment Impact of Tariff Reduction under AFTA” Sponsor: ILS

He adds, “Policies as well as programs and projects of the government would have more backbone and direction if they have a strong research base to anchor and lean on compared to the intuitive strategy of whimsical decisionmaking. Policy research thus minimizes failures and inconsistencies of the government’s various efforts to improve efficacy and efficiency in responding to people’s needs.”

Moreover, Lamberte believes that in this era of globalization, “critical issues need research-oriented investigations to provide more responsive policymaking that could guide the country toward international competitiveness.”

The research community thus looks forward to an even more active and substantive celebration in the years ahead in order that the role of policy research in national development be given its due recognition. ❏

Research Seminar-Workshop Speakers: Professors from the Central Mindanao University Venue: NORMISIST, Ampayon, Butuan City Sponsor: Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NMSIST) Consultative Workshop on the Regional Research Agenda of Region 2 and Presentation of the Research Agenda for Approval and Adoption by the Regional Development Council 2 NEDA Region II, Cagayan Valley Consultation-Workshop on the Research Agenda for Child Labor in the Philippines Sponsor: ILS Statistics for Policy Analysis Speakers: Dr. Lisa Grace Bersales and Prof.

Josefina Almeda of UP School of Statistics Participants: Various government personnel Sponsor: SRTC Senate Staff Economic Forum Series ”Tax Administration Reform: (Semi-) Autonomous Revenue Authority Anyone?”

Speaker: Dr. Rosario G. Manasan, PIDS Sponsors: PIDS, Senate Policy Studies Group Forum on Revisiting Social Development: Shifts, Issues and Challenges

September - October 2003

Speakers: Ms. Erlinda Capones (NEDA), Dr. Susan Tamondong (ADB) and Mr. Bhuvan Bhatnagar (World Bank) Sponsor: Social Development Research Center – De La Salle University Seminar on Advanced Statistics Speaker: Dr. Anthony Penaso – Central Mindanao University Sponsor: NMSIST Legislators Forum Series Analysis of the President’s Budget for 2004 Speaker: Dr. Rosario G. Manasan Sponsors: PIDS and the Congressional Planning and Budget Office (CPBO) Paper presentation on Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS) by the NSCB Regional Unit 1 in the Research Workshop sponsored by NEDA Region I Sponsors: NSCB and NEDA Region I High-level Forum on Poverty Measurement: Discussion on the Official Poverty Estimation Methodology Resource Person: Secretary-General Romulo A. Virola, NSCB Sponsors: NSCB, NAPC, NEDA Forum on the Formulation of NSCB Policy Research Agenda in the Medium Term in preparation for the 2005-2009 Philippine Statistical Development Program (PSDP) Sponsor: NSCB Panel Disscussion on the Economic Effects/ Costs of Military Coups Sponsor: SEACREST, Bacolod City

JPEPA from page 13

Factors that hinder and facilitate the growth of the flows shall consequentially be investigated.

8. Toward a Strategy for Manufactured Exports to Japan The objective of the project is to formulate a broad-based developmental strategy that would enable the Philippines, in the shortest period possible, to export manufactured goods to Japan under an FTA. The project will focus on a survey of Japanese manufacturing corporations operating in the Philippines as

major catalysts for fasttracking the development of abilities to achieving exports of manufactured goods to Japan. It will seek to determine the necessary incentives (if any) and factors that are important to Japanese firms’ decision to locate or continue their manufacturing activities in the Philippines.

In succeeding issues of the DRN, the findings of these various studies under the JPEPA project will be featured. ❏

Consultative Meeting on the Documentation of Indigenous People’s Culture in the Cordillera Sponsor: Benguet State University Training on Research Methodology and Policy Analysis Sponsor: TESDA Policy Forum on Republic Act 9208 (AntiTrafficking in Persons Act of 2003) Sponsor: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Research Forum on Republic Act 7432 (Senior Citizens Act) Sponsor: DSWD ❏

DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH NEWS

T

he Philippines should strengthen its bilateral trade and investment relationship with Latin American countries amidst the growing regionalism and globalization trends in the world's economic scenario. This is to take advantage of the potential benefits that may arise from such linkages.

Alexander Michael Palma made this suggestion in a paper comissioned by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) titled “Strengthening bilateral trade and investment relationship between Latin America and the Philippines: Beyond economic diplomacy.”

According to Palma, the modest trade relationship between the Philippines and Latin American countries exhibits great promise. His observation is based on the positive outcome of the country’s existing bilateral trade and investment agreements with Chile and Argentina.

He likewise suggested that the present magnitude of trade and the extent of economic integration between Latin America and the ASEAN-5 composed of the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, also provide a basis for exploring prospects of trade cooperation between the two subregional groupings.

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September - October 2003

Study calls for stronger RP-LatAm trade relations Palma’s findings reveal that Filipino exporters of manufactured items and transport equipment will benefit greatly if the Philippines decides to enter into trade agreements with more Latin American countries.

“There is a good market for manufactured articles such as shirts, dresses, jackets and footwear and transport equipment, as these items comprised the bulk (93 percent) of total exports to Latin American countries in 2000,” Palma cited.

According to Palma, garments remain to be traditionally exported to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Panama and Venezuela while transport equipment is imported by Colombia and Mexico.

In contrast to exports, Palma’s paper reveals that imports from Latin

American countries consist of inedible crude materials, food items and live animals, machines and transport equipment as well as beverages and tobacco.

“Chile and Brazil are the biggest exporters of inedible crude materials to the Philippines. Brazil is also a major supplier to the Philippines of other heavily imported items such as manufactured goods, food and live animals. Mexico, on the other hand, supplies mostly chemical products and other manufactured goods,” Palma said.

“Among the Latin American countries, Mexico has been the leading market for Philippine exports.

Further research as to the dynamics of such growth would prove to support an effective trade strategy that would help explore other markets in the region” he advised.

The findings of Palma’s study on RPLatin America trade relations were presented in a symposium held on September 25 at Makati City . The presentation was organized by the PIDS in cooperation with the Philippine Academic Consortium of Latin American Studies (PACLAS), a network of academic and research institutions and facilities fostering mutual cooperation in a wide spectrum of endeavors involving Latin American studies.

The event is also part of the Development Policy Research Month celebration this September being coordinated by the PIDS. ❏

DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH NEWS

T

hrough the years, the demand for policy-oriented research that could serve as inputs for the deliberation and discussion of policies has been increasing. Because there is no central body to supply the required information in an organized manner, policymakers have difficulties knowing what research studies are available and where and how they may be accessed, if available. In response to this shortcoming, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) embarked on the development of a project to address such need. Thus, the SocioEconomic Research Portal for the Philippines (SERP-P) was created.

SERP-P’s main objectives are to develop and maintain an electronic repository of completed, ongoing and pipeline research conducted by PIDS and other research institutions as well as to disseminate the availability of and key information about research materials and studies required for the formulation of national development plans and policies. As a result, policymakers and the public are provided a wider access to research studies while researchers are given a venue within which to disseminate their research works. This arrangement is expected to lead to a higher probability of research utilization.

Since its official launching in September 2000 during the 23rd founding anniversary celebration of PIDS, the SERP-P already has 19 memberinstitutions and 3 participating nonmembers in its network. Their contribution of publications that have been made available online has reached 2,218. Of this number, 96.5 percent have abstracts and 30 percent have downloadable full texts.

From the members’ perspective To determine the usefulness and

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Networking and research the SERP-P way

sustainability of the SERP-P, the PIDS conducted an evaluation survey among its member institutions in early 2003. Based on the survey results, the regularity of research activities of SERP-P members in the last five years indicates that at least 100 research-based papers and publications can be added yearly to the research database. Furthermore, the survey also shows that all network members have the potential capability to share information electronically.

As for SERP-P’s functionalities, the survey shows that members have a positive attitude toward the following SERP-P features: easy navigation, availability of listing of research studies and the ability to search by keywords. At the same time, members also suggested improvements such as the addition of news articles on research and development (R&D) and regular updates on the research activities of various institutions, government agencies and the academe in the country relating to socioeconomic studies.

Meanwhile, in terms of usage, the SERP-P's monitoring indicates that the SERP-P website had 952,370 hits and 40,820 visitors from March 2002 to May 15, 2003.

The members meet During its 1st network meeting in May 2003, SERP-P members were asked what activities they would like to pursue in the coming months with regard to the implementation of the project. Their responses are as follows: ) Create an e-group for members so that feedback, questions and requests from users can be handled by concerned institutions; ) Create a FAQ section for easier access and usage for members and users; ) Include contact information of member institutions as well as of researchers and authors of the studies whenever possible in the website; ) Include time spent in the usage statistics data given to members; ) Request the SERP-P IT personnel to coordinate and interface with ACSPC, SE and PCARRD to set up links directly with their websites; ) Invite other institutions from outside of the Metro Manila area to join SERP-P; and ) Organize an annual meeting to discuss updates and suggestions on improving SERP-P services and functionality. ❏