CPAf holds 5th internal capacity building seminar on research for policy

On 18 September 2023, the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf) held an internal capacity building seminar on Research for Policy 101. Dr. Aileen V. Lapitan, Director of the Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies (CSPPS), served as a resource speaker. The talk touched upon the basics of the policy process highlighting the importance of a bottom-up approach in policy implementation and taking into consideration the roles of “street-level bureaucrats” in influencing the direction of policies. She also discussed how sound research evidence can guide the framing of the problem, while researchers have a moral duty to analyze the policy solutions and recommendations that they push for.

Asst. Prof. Ephraim C. Quinones, discussant for the activity, underscored the transdisciplinary nature of the policy cycle and posed a question on which level–plans, strategies, policies, CPAf is targeting with its existing researches. 

The discussions also centered on finding out the niche of CPAf in policymaking in the country. Given the center’s mandate and core values, the seminar further cemented CPAf’s distinctive quality as a go-to UPLB unit for governance and development studies.

The seminar is the fifth installment of the series which aims to enhance the skills of CPAf faculty, staff, and administrative personnel, while promoting common understanding of the center’s vision and mission.