
Center for Policy Studies and Development
ELMER A. LORENZANA, PhD
CPSD Director
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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About Us
The Center for Policy Studies and Development was established through Resolution No. 130 series of 2016, which approved the revision of the Bicol University Code of 2016 under the leadership of Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, through the initiative of Prof. Erwin E. Torres, the first director of the Center for Policy Studies and Development. The Revised BU Code of 2016 contains the creation of various centers under the Office of the President for Research, Development, and Extension (OVPRDE), including the Center for Policy Studies and Development.
The Center for Policy Studies and Development was mandated to convene the discipline experts from the different units of the University in the conduct of policy-oriented research and development programs concerning socioeconomic development of the Bicol region, specifically to: (a) Establish linkages with public and private sectors and serve as venue for policymakers, scientists, researchers, and the general public to identify and define relevant problem areas for policy studies, as well as to evaluate existing and proposed policies concerning the socioeconomic development of the region; (b) Lead in the comprehensive and trans-disciplinary research on public policy issues affecting socioeconomic development in the region; 23 (c) Disseminate results and recommendations of policy analysis conducted through appropriate modes of communication; (d) Organize training programs and advocacies to help improve policy-oriented researches; and (e) Provide advisory and technical assistance services for both public and private sectors along policy research and program development and administration (Section 13, BU Code of
2016).
Additionally, the establishment of the Center was founded on the Philippine Development Plan 2011–2016, the Public Higher Education Reform Agenda 2012, Executive Order (EO) No. 80, s. 2012, and CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 46, s. 2012.
Functions
The Center for Policy Studies and Development (CPSD) shall convene the discipline experts from the university’s different units to conduct policy-oriented research and development programs concerning the region’s socioeconomic development. It shall specifically:
- The Center for Policy Studies and Development (CPSD) shall convene the discipline experts from the university’s different units to conduct policy-oriented research and development programs concerning the region’s socioeconomic development. It shall specifically:
- Establish linkages with public and private sectors and serve as a venue for policymakers, scientists, researchers, and the general public to identify and define relevant problem areas for policy studies, as well as to evaluate existing and proposed policies concerning the socioeconomic development of the region;
- Lead in the comprehensive and trans-disciplinary research on public policy issues affecting socioeconomic development in the region;
- Disseminate results and recommendations of policy analysis conducted through appropriate modes of communication;
- Organize training programs and advocacies to help improve policy-oriented research;
- Provide advisory and technical assistance services for public and private sectors, policy research, and program development and administration; and
- Review and monitor RDE undertakings under the disciplinal coverage of the Center.
Revised RDEM (2025)
Vision and Mission
A leading research and advocacy Center that promotes transdisciplinary and state- of-the-art approaches in analyzing policy issues of regional and national significance for a well-informed and balanced decision by policymakers and stakeholders to make Bicol the most livable region in the country.
Sections
Policy Research
Leads in the comprehensive and trans-disciplinary research on public policy issues affecting socioeconomic development in the region.
Training and Technical Support Services
Disseminates results and recommendations of policy analysis conducted through appropriate modes of communication; organizes training programs and advocacies to help improve policy-oriented research; and provides advisory and technical assistance services for public and private sectors, policy research, and program development and administration.
Technical Review
Reviews RDE undertakings under the disciplinal coverage of the Center.
Monitoring
Monitors RDE undertakings under the disciplinal coverage of the Center.
Revised RDEM (2025)
Organizational Chart

Programs and Projects
Loan Size Determinants and Loan Shark Dependency: The Impact of the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso (P3) Program by the Small Business Corporation on Microenterprise Borrowers in Cooperatives
Project Leader: Dr. Elmer A. Lorenzana
Study 1: Factors Influencing Loan Size and Its Association with Borrower Characteristics in the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) Program
Study Leader: Dr. Nolan G. Belaro
Study 2: Effects and Differences in the Likelihood of Cooperative Members Accessing Loan Shark Services After Availing the P3 and Other Loan
Products
Study Leader: Dr. Elmer A. Lorenzana
Adopting Technologies to Enhance Crop Yield: The Itombato Farmers' Perspectives and Experiences
Project Leader: Dr. Marcia Corazon P. Rico
Study 1: AMBAG Through Mag-Ugma Kaupod ang Pamilya using Minus One Element Technique (MOET): A Process Evaluation
Study Leader: Prof. Demetrio E. Castillo
Study 2: Sustaining Disease-Free Rice Farms Through the Rice Doctor (RD) App
Study Leader: Dr. Marcia Corazon P. Rico
Study 3: Using the Rice Crop Manager (RCM) for Fertilizer and Water Management
Study Leader: Prof. Alan L. Lucilo
Maintenance and Monitoring of Mangrove Reforestation Initiatives (3MRI) Along Sorsogon Bay: An Impact Evaluation on its Social Aspect
Project Leader: Prof. Mark M. Gatus
Study 1: The Maintenance and Monitoring of Mangrove Reforestation Initiatives (3MRI) along Sorsogon Bay of Barangay Rizal and Bulabo: An Impact Evaluation on its Social Aspect
Study Leader: Prof. Angelo C. Uclaray
Study 2: The Maintenance and Monitoring of Mangrove Reforestation Initiatives (3MRI) along Sorsogon Bay of Barangay Buhatan and Bitan-o: An Impact Evaluation on its Social Aspect
Study Leader: Prof. Mark M. Gatus
Study 3: The Maintenance and Monitoring of Mangrove Reforestation Initiatives (3MRI) along Sorsogon Bay of Barangay Talisay: An Impact Evaluation on its Social Aspect
Study Leader: Prof. Peter Adam G. Daet
Livelihood Impact Evaluation of Maintenance and Monitoring of Mangrove Reforestation Initiatives (3MRI) Along Sorsogon Bay
Project Leader: Prof. Riza G. Garcia
Study 1: Business/Livelihood Impact Evaluation of Maintenance and Monitoring of Mangrove Reforestation Initiatives (3MRI) Along Sorsogon Bay for Barangay Rizal
Study Leader: Prof. Riza G. Garcia
Study 2: Business/Livelihood Impact Evaluation of Maintenance and Monitoring of Mangrove Reforestation Initiatives (3MRI) Along Sorsogon Bay for Barangay Bulabo
Study Leader: Dr. Nolan G. Belaro
Study 3: Business/Livelihood Impact Evaluation of Maintenance and Monitoring of Mangrove Reforestation Initiatives (3MRI) Along Sorsogon Bay for Barangay Buhatan
Study Leader: Dr. Julieta V. Mojados
Study 4: Business/Livelihood Impact Evaluation of Maintenance and Monitoring of Mangrove Reforestation Initiatives (3MRI) Along Sorsogon Bay for Barangay Bitan-o
Study Leader: Dr. Janet G. Poja
Study 5: Business/Livelihood Impact Evaluation of Maintenance and Monitoring of Mangrove Reforestation Initiatives (3MRI) Along Sorsogon Bay for Barangay Talisay
Study Leader: Dr. Clea L. Bongat
Key Program Concerns
Policy Analysis
Research Fellowship program. Conduct approved and funded policy studies and package research outputs.
Policy Advocacy
Disseminate to concerned stakeholders through appropriate modalities including round-table discussions, forums, conferences, etc.
Advisory and Technical Assistance
Enhance the capability of BU faculty members to conduct policy research using advanced and transdisciplinary methodologies.
Linkages
Promote strong partnership with the public and private sectors to ensure multi- stakeholder involvement in policy discussions.
Knowledge Management
Repository of policy analysis conducted by leading policy research centers within and outside the region.
Resources
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Reports
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