(L-R) World Bank Group-KDC Representatives, Justine E. Letargo, Online Communication Officer and Loida V. Faustino, Information Assistant of the Information and Management Services during their respective presentations.
World Bank Group- KDC Representatives Loida V. Faustino and Justine E. Letargo together with the University President Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho and other University Officials in the midst of the discussions on the enhanced KDC MOA
To further strengthen the existing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Western Mindanao State University and the World Bank Group on the Knowledge for Development Center (KDC), the World Bank Group through its representatives Loida V. Faustino, Information Assistant of the Information and Management Services and Justine E. Letargo, Online Communication Officer met with Dr. Milabel Enriquez-Ho, WMSU Prexy together with the University Officials to discuss significant changes on the Agreement.
The University’s current MOA as a Knowledge for Development Center (KDC) will soon be reestablished as a Knowledge for Development Community. The enhanced provisions in the new MOA state that WMSU shall not just promote knowledge sharing but also citizen engagement and it will also provide venue for KDC activities without due charges.
The Knowledge for Development Community aims to: (1) Be a Network of learning institutions, acting collectively and in partnership with the World Bank, knowledge sharing is tool for development. (2) Establish a proactive and dynamic resource center committed to creating, sharing and applying knowledge for development. (3) And to serve as a hub for consultation and dialogue, a catalyst for innovations and knowledge sharing and a change agent for transformational leadership and good governance.
KDCs, according to Ms. Letargo, are schools, universities, policy and research institutions, non-government organizations in the Philippines that promote knowledge sharing about development issues and interventions, in partnership with the World Bank.
Some of the KDCs in the Philippines are the following: (1) University of the Philippines Diliman School of Economics in Quezon City, (2) Philippine Institute for Development Studies in Makati City, (3) National Economic and Development Authority in Pasig City, (4) Asian Institute of Management in Makati, (5) DLSU-Jesse Robredo Institute of Governance, (6) House of Representatives- Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department, (7) University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, (8) Palawan State University, (9) Siliman University in Dumaguete, (10) Saint Paul University Philippines in Tuguegarao, (11) Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, (12) Ateneo de Naga University, (13) Central Phillipine University in Iloilo City, (14) University of San Carlos, (15) Notre Dame University in Cotabato City and (16) the Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro.
According to the former President, Bob Zoellick, in his speech delivered in Georgetown University, “Today the Bank remains the largest single source of development knowledge. But knowledge must be opened to all…” based on this premise, the WBG provides more access to Information and Open Development. This integrated service allows the public to view documents and reports of the WBG through the internet.
The World Bank Group welcomes opportunities to explain its work to the widest audience possible. It further recognizes its obligation to protect the confidentiality of certain information. Exact date on the MOA re-signing is slated sometime in September 2015. (Ella Cruz-PAO, WMSU)