AIM DRC and World Bank Present World Development Report 2009

Over 200 representatives from government, NGOs, private sector, acadame, and media participated in the AIM Development Resource Center (DRC) and World Bank's launch of the World Development Report 2009: Reshaping Economic Geography. Iloilo City's Central Philippine University also got the chance to participate by the use of DRC's videoconferencing facility.

During the event, the AIM Blog Team interviewed Dr. Arturo Corpuz, Vice President for Urban Regional Planning of Ayala Land Corporation on his insights about how the Philippines can learn from the WDR 2009.

What can Philippines do in terms of economic development?

We have to stick to the basics and make things work. The government should spend less time on complicated policies. One thing is we should not be too obsessed with being competitive. We have to focus on our strength as a nation and build from there than keep on comparing how we fare with our Asian neighbor.

For instance, if the government is able to manage and address basic services like education and health, then we are on our way to moving forward.

What is the intrinsic value that must be emphasized to achieve progress?

Development must be inclusive, meaning that opportunities should be given equally shared with to the masses not only to the selected few. At the same time, we should effectively implement strategic economic growth, as it remains a major factor in addressing the challenge on poverty.

What role does the World Development Report (WDR) 2009 have on the Philippines?

The WDR 2009 is a good reference point. It is able to translate mainstream policies into specific conditions. Its emphasis on the 3 dimensions particularly on density, distance, and division serve as variables that allow us to understand development in different perspectives. From here, we are encourage to use the 3D models to address and develop solutions for social and economic challenges in the Philippines.