The Center focuses on four (4) research program clusters during the intermediate term. These programs aim to operationalize the Center and at the same time conduct selected studies which focus on the immediate concerns of development administrators, policymakers and planners of Mindanao and of the regions comprising the Island.

The four (4) clusters of programs (P) are:

Policy studies can be a splendid tool to help in making public decisions,  but there must be decision-makers who appreciate its limitations and who know what to expect from it. The Mindanao Center for Policy Studies (MCPS),  as a unit of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) aims to assist the Government , especially for Mindanao,  in development planning and policy analysis.

This website seeks to provide vital information for both internal stakeholders (especially students in development planning and policy analysis and faculty, researchers)  and external stakeholders (GOs and private sector /NGOs) concerning Mindanao studies. The users of this portal will find information concerning  the MCPS Program Priorities, Activities,  Fellowship opportunities, and Highlights of Accomplishments.

Some detailed information on MCPS publications and the MCPS Research Fellows and Interns are highlighted in this portal  to provide avenues for establishing a  network of Mindanao Researchers and Resource Centers.   As one of the founding member-institutions of the Mindanao Studies Consortium Foundation, Inc. (MSCFI),  the MCPS  was instrumental in the publication of the four-volume books of Annotated Bibliography for Mindanao Studies  with an accompanying interactive CD called Kamalig 1.0.  All publications are available in the MCPS Section of the STLRC  Library of USEP.

A useful link is also provided in this website  with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA),  Mindanao Studies Consortium Foundation,  Inc (MSCFI), Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (AFRIM),  Mindanawon,  National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).  These are research / planning organizations which conduct policy-oriented  studies  concerning Mindanao.

It is my hope that through this portal,  MCPS-USEP can enhance its contribution to the development of Mindanao by assisting the Government in  providing inputs for development planning and policy.

To recapitulate, by virtue of USEP Board of Regents Resolution No. 2159, Series of 1994, the MCPS is mandated to conduct policy studies at both the macro and the micro levels in the areas of education, manpower and employment; industry, agriculture, fisheries and forestry; environment and sustainable development; science and technology; organization and institutional development; cultural communities; and rural, urban, and regional development. The MCPS is also mandated to provide technical or advisory assistance to government and non-government organizations, upon request. Finally, the MCPS shall conduct seminars or related training programs in the area of development planning and policy analysis.

The Mindanao Center for Policy Studies, as a unit of the University of Southeastern Philippines, is a non-stock, nonprofit government research institution that shall engage in policy-oriented research.

Through the Center’s programs, projects, and activities, it is hoped that policy-oriented research on social and economic development, specially for Mindanao, can be expanded to assist more directly the Government in planning and policy making.