The UM Public Policy Center is the policy think-tank and enabler of the University under the Institute of Social Welfare and Human Development (ISWHD). It endeavors to create an impact on the people and communities of Davao by producing policy research, papers, and solutions, providing technical assistance to public and private organizations, and hosting evidence-based policy discussions in support of an inclusive and progressive Davao Region.
The Center builds on the resources, technology, expertise in research, and networks of the UM Research and Innovation Center (RIC), the research arm of the University. Specifically, it leverages RIC`s Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO) machinery to gather public pulse and sentiments and foster actionable policy dialogue and analysis among stakeholders. In order to sustain its impact and relevance to society, the PPC works with policy-makers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to pursue and drive effective and meaningful policies that address social and institutional challenges and advance the well-being and resiliency of all Dabawenyo.
VISION. To stand as vanguard of public policy formulation and policy advocacies towards a more humane, inclusive, and progressive Davao Region and Mindanao.
MISSION. The PPC shall develop policy papers on improving the public welfare, review and propose amendments to public policies affecting the various government institutions, and build a network of competent professionals for public policy advancements.
VALUES. The PPC shall be guided by the following values:
- Integrity. In all of the production, engagement, and interaction of the PPC with the public, it shall be guided by consistency in concepts, execution, and policy paper preparation.
- Timeliness. The PPC shall conduct itself with a sense of urgency to assist and shed light on issues that stir review of public policies and generate policy papers to aid public policy formulation.
- Competency. All of the outputs of the Center are oriented on the competence and authority of PPC`s people, partners, and networks.
AGENDA
Guided by the National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA) and the Institutional Research Agenda of the University of Mindanao, the Center carries a dynamic and progressive policy priority areas. Core policy areas cover a wide array of topics and associated concepts within but are not limited to the realm of the environment, disaster management, and agriculture, including those that may specifically affect industries, institutions, and people from all walks of life.
In addition to its core priority areas, PPC also responds to current issues and events and engages in policy debates that impact the overall welfare of the people through research and evidence-based policy papers, proposals/ recommendations, and editorials. The operationalization of the Center`s agenda is strengthened by the support from partners and networks in the academe, government, private organizations, and civil society.
