DOST-NRCP Refines Research-to-Policy Program Through Assessment, Strategic Reframing

The Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) continues to strengthen its Research-to-Policy Program (RPP) through comprehensive assessment and strategic reframing to achieve a more streamlined and efficient research-to-policy translation process.

This year, the Council formally institutionalized its Research-to-Policy Program (RPP) to enhance its support for legislation and policymaking. Guided by the Constitution and By-laws of Act 4120, the program aims to achieve two key objectives, advancing multidisciplinary scientific research to drive national development and strengthening NRCP’s role as a strategic advisory body for government policymakers.

Assessing the Program: A Review of 2019-2024 Policy Research Projects

NRCP organized a case conference under the NRCP Policy Research Program, which included a series of workshops held at the Vivere Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on February 13-14, 2025.

The two-day event aimed at conducting a comprehensive review of the policy research projects and their intended outcomes.

Between 2019 and 2024, NRCP funded 40 policy research projects, of which 26 have been completed. Despite this progress, only half of these completed projects reached Policy Readiness Level 2, with just a few advancing to Level 3. The Policy Readiness Level (PRL) is a framework for assessing the maturity, feasibility, and readiness of a policy for implementation. Under the RPP, completed projects are classified into three levels. PRL I refers to policy outputs that have neither been presented nor utilized by the requesting party or beneficiaries. PRL II applies to policy outputs that have been presented but not yet used for policy purposes. PRL III signifies that policy outputs have been accepted and utilized by the requesting party and/or beneficiaries.

Among the completed projects, three successfully influenced policymaking at both national and local government levels. These research initiatives focused on critical areas such as access to healthcare, biodiversity conservation, and environmental assessment. Specifically, these projects were successfully translated into policies and utilized: 1) Access to Primary Care Facilities and Services of Government Employees and Their Immediate Family; 2) Species Richness, Assessment, and Conservation of Vascular Flora in Mt. Agad-Agad, Lanao del Norte; and 3) Diversity and Assessment of Fauna in Mt. Agad-Agad, Lanao del Norte.

To ensure that policy research projects achieve their intended outcomes, NRCP conducted a thorough evaluation of its research processes, programs, and projects. The Council’s three divisions, Research and Development Management Division (RDMD), Finance and Administrative Division (FAD), and Research Information Dissemination Division (RIDD), led the assessment with guidance from academic stakeholders.

The assessment results highlighted the need to refine the Council’s current approaches.

Dr. Maria Lourdes G. Rebullida, an academic stakeholder member and workshop facilitator, emphasized that improving the program’s framework will help more research projects reach Policy Readiness Level 3. It will also aid in developing measurable strategies to enhance research policy readiness and utilization.

NRCP Governing Board members, division representatives, and key stakeholders participated in the case conference.

The conference, which included a series of workshops, was a continuation of a foundational workshop held in October 2024. This earlier workshop updated participants on NRCP’s mandates and future directions while also providing crucial knowledge on policy research, the legislative process, and effective monitoring and evaluation strategies.

Future Directions for Enhancing the RPP for Greater Impact

Key recommendations from the discussions and workshops emphasized the need to: 1) address operational challenges; 2) align the program more closely with national priorities; 3) integrate research efforts with the legislative process; 4) strengthen linkages for agenda-setting, advocacy, translation, dissemination, and monitoring and evaluation of policy outcomes.

As NRCP approaches its 100th anniversary as a premier advisory and consultative body, its leadership recognizes the need to strategically position the Council to meet the increasing demand for policy support.

NRCP President, Dr. Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo, stressed the importance of strengthening the research-to-policy framework to ensure it effectively contributes to national development.

“Our goal is to reinforce NRCP’s advisory function and enhance our capacity to support the legislature, government agencies, and stakeholders,” she stated.

NRCP Executive Director, Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, emphasized the need for continuous improvement.

“We are committed to scaling up our efforts to ensure that more policy research projects reach a level where they can be effectively utilized. By refining our processes and building stronger partnerships, we can maximize the impact of our research outcomes,” he shared.

Additionally, Dr. Rebullida highlighted the significance of long-term planning.

“The institutionalization of the Research-to-Policy Program is a significant step for the Council. However, we must continue refining our strategies to bridge the gap between research and policymaking. With the right approach, we can ensure that NRCP’s research outputs contribute meaningfully to policy development and national progress,” she stated. (Rose D. Dagupen, S&T Media Service)