World Bank, DLSU partner in knowledge-sharing on governance

MANILA, Philippines - The World Bank and the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance of the De La Salle University (DLSU) signed a partnership that will pave the way for the creation of Knowledge for Development Community (KDC) in the university.

KDCs are schools, policy and research institutions in the Philippines promoting knowledge sharing and citizen engagement on development and governance issues, according to the World Bank.

The partnership with DLSU will enable the World Bank to organize knowledge sharing activities to discuss development challenges and solutions highlighting citizen participation.

“Good governance is a major focus in our Country Partnership Strategy,” said World Bank Country Director Motoo Konishi.

“The bank supports the country’s efforts to become more transparent, accountable to citizens and better at delivering services. We believe that transparency, accountability and citizen participation help improve the investment climate as well as generate jobs and economic opportunities for more Filipinos,” Konishi added.

DLSU president Raymundo Suplido said the partnership for the creation of KDC would complement the thrusts of DLSU.

“For more than a decade, the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance has been implementing governance research and training with local and international institutions,” Suplido said.

“Specifically, we have done initiatives to help foster citizen participation, transparency and accountability in governance in both government and the private sector,” he added.

Suplido said the institute has a strong track record in designing and conducting policy studies and implementing projects related to local governance, economic development and leadership training.

“This partnership with the World Bank will strengthen our work on these development issues,” said Suplido.

The partnership with DLSU has increased the numbers of KDCs in the country to 17. Other partners include the University of the Philippines- Diliman School of Economics, Philippine Institute for Development Studies, National Economic and Development Authority, Asian Institute of Management, House of Representatives-Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department and Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation.

Also included are St. Paul University, University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Ateneo de Naga University, Palawan State University, Central Philippine University, University of San Carlos, Silliman University, University of Southeastern Philippines and Notre Dame University.