Towards policy-relevant science and scientifically informed policy

Authors

• Arnaldo Pellini, Overseas Development Institute
• Antonio Contreras, De La Salle University
• Melvin Jabar, De La Salle University
• Ma. Teresa de Guzman, De La Salle University
• Marlon Era, De La Salle University
• Roberto Javier Jr., De La Salle University

File Type

Project Document

Publication Date

2013

Description

This report examines the political economy of knowledge and research use in the design and implementation of urban resilience and disaster risk reduction measures in the Philippines. It investigates the conditions that enable or constrain local government units from using scientific evidence and other forms of knowledge to address natural hazards and climate-related risks. Using a political economy analysis framework, the study draws on policy reviews, focus group discussions, and semi-structured interviews conducted in seven case-study areas: Albay, Baguio City, Marikina City, Iloilo City, Cebu City, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro City. The findings indicate that Republic Act No. 10121 established a legislative framework that supports greater use of scientific evidence in disaster risk reduction and management at the national and local levels. However, implementation remained uneven, and local demand for research was generally triggered by the actual occurrence of disasters rather than by evidence of future risk. Local government units also faced limited budgets, technical capacity, data-management systems, and institutional mechanisms for commissioning and interpreting research. Scientific knowledge was often accessed through personal networks and expert advice rather than formal research procurement. The study identifies promising collaborations among local governments, universities, and research institutions, particularly in Albay, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. It concludes that universities and research institutions can serve as non-partisan catalysts for evidence-informed policy, but research findings must be translated into accessible and politically feasible solutions.

Recommended Citation

Pellini, A., Contreras, A., Jabar, M., de Guzman, M. T., Era, M., Erasga, D., & Javier, R., Jr. (2013). Towards policy-relevant science and scientifically informed policy: Political economy of the use of knowledge and research evidence in urban resilience interventions in the Philippines. Overseas Development Institute.