The Department of Science and Technology National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) has awarded the Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS) a research grant to assess sufficiency of foreign aid and development partners in the Bangsamoro region. Led by Director Nassef Manabilang Adiong, with staff researchers Kebart Licayan, Aisah Solaiman, and Shahid Calalagan, the PRLS launched the research project “Needs Assessment and Foreign Aid in BARMM.”

The said project will be implemented under the DOST-NRCP’s program, “Support to the Promotion of a Science-Culture on Basic Research in the Regions for Global Competitiveness.” The research team attended a pre-implementation meeting via Zoom teleconferencing. NRCP Executive Director Marieta Banez Sumagaysay spearheaded the meeting. Research grantees were oriented about research undertakings, guidelines, and procedures.

The meeting also discussed the allocation mechanism and ground monitoring of the NSTEP focal region. The PRLS is the only BARMM-based and non-academic institution to receive the grant. Other recipients include various universities in Mindanao.