What
is the KDC?
The
World Bank Office Manila's Public Information Center (PIC) is
now known as the Knowledge for Development Center (KDC). This
center was opened in the Philippines in March 1997 to make available
to the public World Bank publications, reports and other operational
documents. This is in support of the World Bank's policy of
disclosure to be open about its activities and to explain its
work to the widest possible audience.
In
October 4, 2002, the WB Country Director Philippines Mr. Robert
Vance Pulley inaugurated the 5th KDC which is located in the
University of Southeastern Philippines, Obrero, Davao City where
it offers an extensive collection of development publications
and World Bank project documents to students, researchers, NGOs,
media, government agencies, and business firms.
Who
can use the KDC?
KDCs
are open to the public-government, private sector firms, NGOs,
donors, students, journalists, members of the academe. No membership
fee is required to use the center. Users can easily access a
wealth of information through the Internet and over 3,000 World
Bank publications and special books and documents that are part
of its diverse collection.
What
services are offered?
The
KDC's services include:
- online
access to World Bank project documents, publications, and
other development-related publications;
- access
to a special collection of CDs and videotapes on development;
- access
to development sites on the Internet;
- online
access to World Bank projects, documents and reports; and,
- the
Global Jolis cataloguing system that allows users to see the
collection of around 60 WB PICs around the world.
What
reports and documents are available?
Among
the Reports and Documents available at the KDC are:
- Project
Information Documents (PIDs). These are documents that give
brief summaries of evolving projects. These are updated and
expanded as the project preparation proceeds.
- Project
Appraisal Documents (PADs). These contain descriptions of
a project and the plan for its implementation, including procurement
procedures. These are made available to the public after presentation
to the Board.
- Economic
Sector Reports. These include macroeconomic analysis of Philippine's
economy, analyses of major economic sectors and other reports
on specified issues, such as poverty assessment, etc. Environmental
Assessments (EAs). EAs are detailed studies required for projects
likely to have significant impact on the environment. Such
studies are available before the final appraisal of the viability
of the project.
- Loan
(or Development Credit) Agreements. These are records of loan
amounts and terms and conditions on which the loan is made.
It also records the borrower's general commitment to the project
objectives. It is made available to the public after the loan
agreement is signed and declared effective or ready for disbursement.
- Bidding
and consultant documents. These provide guidelines for borrowers
and their implementing agencies in the procurement of goods,
works and consulting services.
Besides
operational documents, the KDC also provides more than 3,000
WB publications and other special publications. Some copies
of World Bank publications are available for free.
