World Bank Launches New KDC in the Philippines

Iloilo, Philippines, September 26, 2008—The World Bank launched today its 11th Knowledge for Development Center (KDC) at the Central Philippine University (CPU) in Jaro, Iloilo City.

The KDCs are hubs for dialogue and research on development issues. They are established by the World Bank in partnership with leading state and private universities in key cities around the country. They are user-friendly, easily accessible centers where government, the private sector, NGOs, development agencies, students, media and the academe can access a wealth of resources and information.” 

“We are honored to host the 11th KDC of the Philippines,” Dr. Agustin Pulido, Chairman of the CPU Management Committee enthused. “The project fits right into the policy of the University ‘to continually improve to achieve global excellence that satisfies the expectations of the university community, partner institutions, and the general public. ’”

He added: “The establishment of the CPU-World Bank KDC represents a quantum leap in knowledge sharing in this part of the country. As it joins the ten other KDCs in the Philippines, the CPU KDC seeks to provide unparalleled access to knowledge not only through the library materials stored at the Center but also through its links to electronic resources elsewhere. At the same time, through seminars, fora and discussion groups, the KDC will facilitate access to the collective knowledge and wisdom embedded in geographic-based communities. ”

World Bank Country Director Bert Hofman said, “We are pleased with the new partnership with the Central Philippine University. The KDC in CPU opens up to the people of Iloilo a venue for discussing development issues, sharing best practices and expanding collaboration among various groups in the community. World Bank’s partnership with universities enables us to share global development experience and apply them to local conditions. It also helps us to exchange views and listen to the people outside Manila. ”

On the same occasion, the World Bank held its regional consultation on its next Country Assistance Strategy (CAS).  Consultations for the CAS are conducted by the World Bank all over the country to get the perspectives and recommendations from government and other stakeholders, on the critical development challenges and the policy options and programs that the Bank should pursue.

Mr. Hofman stressed the importance of supporting projects in community-driven development in Western Visayas. “Iloilo is the seat of a very strong civil society and people’s participation in the region is high. The area also hosts the regional offices of key government agencies like DOH and DepEd. Central Philippine University is just the right place for a new KDC. ”

Mr. Hofman noted that Central Philippine University has been a very resilient institution. “The campus was devastated during typhoon Frank, and was not operational for two whole weeks. In fact, the launch of the KDC had to be postponed because of damage during the flood. But today, the University is back on its feet leading the region not only in academics but also in development issues. ”

Housed at the ground floor of CPU’s Henry Luce III Library, the CPU-KDC offers the following services for free:

• Participation in forums, discussions, and programs on development issues;
• Access to development-related publications by academic and development institutions;
• Room use and online access to World Bank project documents, publications and reports;\
• Internet access to development and research sites;
• Webcam and videoconferencing;
• A special collection of CDs and videotapes on development issues;
• Online access to the ePIC, an online catalogue that allows users to download some of the collections of more than 100 World Bank Public Information Centers around the world;
• Copies of selected World Bank publications in the Philippines.

The KDC in CPU is the only KDC in Western Visayas. There are two in Central Visayas: in Silliman University in Dumaguete City and University of San Carlos in Cebu City. Eight other KDCs are in  Mindanao (University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao, the Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga, and the Notre Dame University in Cotabato) and in Luzon (Saint Paul University in Tuguegarao, Asian Institute of Management in Makati, Ateneo de Naga University in Naga, Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa, and at the World Bank Office in Pasig).