Proclamation No. 247, issued by Malacañang in September 2002 and declaring the month of September of every year as Development Policy Research Month (DPRM), came at a most opportune time. It highlights the critical role of policy research in the socioeconomic advancement of the Philippines.

The Proclamation underscores the “need for promoting, enhancing, instilling, and drawing awareness and appreciation of the importance and necessity of policy research” in development planning and policymaking. 

Thus, the observance of the DPRM is intended to cultivate a strong culture of research and use of data and evidence among the country's national and local decisionmakers in policymaking and program planning. Through the different topics highlighted in every DPRM celebration, this event also aims to raise the public's literacy of important socioeconomic issues.

About the Theme

We are facing a new kind of globalization—one that is characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, given the complex, interrelated challenges it brings. These challenges include trade wars, environmental degradation, cross-border public health threats, worsening poverty and inequality, erosion of social cohesion and trust, and proliferation of disinformation. These challenges, if not managed well, can undermine the ability of the Philippines to sustain its rapid economic growth and attain its long-term development vision of a Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay Para sa Lahat (AmBisyon Natin 2040) as well as its targets under the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Role of PIDS

As the country's leading think tank, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) was designated as the overall coordinator of all the programs and activities of the DPRM. Being at the forefront of policy research in the Philippines for over 40 years, PIDS has been engaged in the conduct of policy-oriented studies to assist policymakers and planners in crafting development policies, plans, and programs that are based on sound research evidence. PIDS has completed more than 800 studies that encompass a wide range of development topics. The Institute has made a significant contribution and influence on Philippine development policy through its active and close collaboration with government agencies, academic and research institutions, and international organizations. Its various research outputs are widely disseminated through its publications, conferences, seminars, and knowledge databases. The PIDS website is a comprehensive gateway to the Institute’s rich receptacle of socioeconomic studies, while the Socioeconomic Research Portal for the Philippines contains both PIDS and non-PIDS resources.

In the last 16 years, the celebration of the DPRM has focused on areas that PIDS considers as primary concerns and issues, thus are in need of utmost attention by policymakers. Other topics featured in the DPRM are emerging issues of the day, such as climate change which was the theme in 2009, a time when the effects of climate change were just beginning to be felt in the country.

Themes from 2003 to 2018

• 2018
  Harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Creating our Future Today (Isulong ang Fourth Industrial Revolution Tungo sa Katuparan ng Ating Kinabukasan Ngayon.)
  
  
• 2017
  Strengthening Decentralization for Regional Development (Pagpapatibay ng Desentralisasyan Tungo sa Kaunlarang Panrehiyon)
• 2016
  Investing in Risk Reduction toward a Resilient Philippines (Angkop na Kahandaan: Matatag na Ekonomiya at Lipunan)
  
  
• 2015
  Effective Regulations for Sustainable Growth (Tamang Regulayon para sa Patuloy na Pag-Ahon)
  
  
• 2014
  Addressing the Jobs Challenge Toward Inclusive Growth
  
  
• 2013
  Making Health More Inclusive in a Growing Economy
  
  
• 2012
  Regional Economic Integration and Inclusive Growth: Engaging Nations, Embracing People
  
  
• 2011
  Back to ABCs: Education for Development
  
  
• 2010
  Pananaliksik at Talakayan Tungo sa Pag-Ahon Mula sa Kahirapan
  
  
• 2009
  Coping with Climate Variability and Change
  
  
• 2008
  Managing the Development Impact of International Migration
  
  
• 2007
  Enhancing Grassroots Development: A Framework for Local Governance
  
  
• 2006
  Pananaliksik sa Pagpapaunlad ng Pamamahalang Lokal
  
  
• 2005
  Services Industry: Growth Driver for Economic Competitiveness
  
  
• 2004
  Policy Research: Helping Provide Affordable Rice to Filipinos
  
  
• 2003
  Responsive Policymaking Through Policy Research