The Center for Research and Communication’s Institute for Local Development (CRC-ILD) recently convened its first Strategic Planning Workshop, gathering key experts and stakeholders from CRC, the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), and the development sector to define the institute’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational direction. Among the key personalities present during the workshop included Dr. Bernardo Villegas, CRC Co-Founder and Research Director; Dr. Winston Conrad Padojinog, CRC President; Mr. Francis Sebastian, CRC and UA&P Trustee; and Atty. John Philip R. Yeung, incoming UA&P and CRC President.
This workshop marked a major step in CRC’s efforts to strengthen its support for local governments and communities across the Philippines. As a non-profit think tank that has long been at the forefront of economic research, policy advocacy, and development work, CRC continues to build on its legacy by expanding its engagement in local governance and sustainable development through the newly established Institute for Local Development (ILD).
CRC established ILD to help local government units (LGUs) unlock their full potential as drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth. Through the institute, CRC aims to provide tailored technical assistance, strategic advisory support, and cross-sector collaboration opportunities for LGUs, private sector partners, and non-profit organizations.
CRC-ILD also brings together seasoned Philippine development experts. These experts successfully led and implemented development projects funded by the U.S. Government through its U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and other international development organizations. CRC-ILD currently fields technical specialists with decades of experience in governance, infrastructure, economic development, water security, energy, and digital transformation, among others.
During the workshop, participants identified key development gaps and emerging opportunities that local governments face today. The group aligned on several strategic pillars that will guide CRC-ILD’s programs and engagements, including governance, economic development and investment promotion, infrastructure development, energy, water security, and digital transformation.
Beyond strategic discussions, CRC-ILD introduced its organizational structure, engagement roadmap, and plans for future partnerships and initiatives. The workshop concluded with concrete action points and implementation timelines, reflecting CRC-ILD’s commitment to move quickly from planning to action.
Through the Institute, CRC seeks to strengthen its role not only as a leading research and policy institution, but also as a trusted development partner that equips local governments with the tools, expertise, and partnerships needed to deliver meaningful and lasting impact for Filipino communities.
Leaders, development experts, and stakeholders gather for the first Strategic Planning Workshop of the Center for Research and Communication’s Institute for Local Development (CRC-ILD). Present during the workshop were Dr. Bernardo Villegas, CRC Co-Founder and Research Director; Dr. Winston Conrad Padojinog, CRC President; Mr. Francis Sebastian, CRC and UA&P Trustee; and Atty. John Philip R. Yeung, incoming UA&P and CRC President, alongside sector specialists and technical experts committed to advancing local development and strengthening support for Philippine local governments.
