General Santos City – The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), in collaboration with Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC), will host the 10th Mindanao Policy Research Forum (MPRF) on September 29, 2024. This year’s forum, themed “Navigating Global Trends, Mindanao’s Future: Opportunities and Strategies for Expanding the Middle Class”, aims to explore strategies for fostering the growth of the middle class in Mindanao, focusing on opportunities and challenges posed by emerging global trends such as technological advancements, climate change, and evolving economic dynamics.
As part of the annual Development Policy Research Month (DPRM), celebrated every September, the MPRF serves as a platform for meaningful policy discussions to enhance Mindanao’s growth and development. The event highlights the vital role of policy research in guiding decision-making processes.
Distinguished Speakers and Experts
Keynote speakers include PIDS President Aniceto Orbeta Jr., MSU-GSC Chairperson Usman Aragasi, and MinDA Chairperson Leo Tereso Magno, who will open the forum with discussions on the policy initiatives critical to boosting the middle class in Mindanao.
The forum will feature presentations from experts like PIDS Senior Research Fellow Roehlano Briones, who will focus on socioeconomic strategies for middle-class growth, and MSU-GSC College of Social Science and Humanities Dean Mario Aguja, who will analyze the implications of middle-class expansion on Mindanao’s agriculture and value chains.
Insights from Key Stakeholders
Adding further depth to the conversation are distinguished discussants from the House of Representatives’ Committee on Mindanao Affairs, the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority, and Holy Trinity College of General Santos City. These experts will provide additional perspectives on how to address the region’s unique needs amid rapid global changes.
Focus on Mindanao’s Middle Class
Mindanao’s expanding middle class is seen as a driver of regional progress. However, challenges such as unequal access to opportunities, economic disparities, and the vulnerabilities posed by climate change and global technological shifts must be addressed. The forum will explore these topics, offering potential solutions for strengthening the region’s socioeconomic foundation.
Event Participation
Participants from various sectors, including policymakers, academics, business leaders, and civil society members, are invited to join the event. The forum will be streamed live on the PIDS, Socioeconomic Research Portal of the Philippines (SERP-P), MinDA, and MSU-GSC Facebook pages.
For more details and registration, interested participants can visit MPRF 2024 Registration.
