Land Management Bureau Organizes Training on Evidence-based Policy-Making

The Land Management Bureau (LMB) organized a four-day training program on evidence-based policy-making on May 16 to May 19, 2023, in Tagaytay City. The training aimed to enhance the competency of the bureau by equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge in formulating evidence and science-based policies.

Under the leadership of LMB Director Emelyne Talabis, the Bureau organized the training to align with the standards that best establish the policy mandate of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). In her opening message, Director Talabis emphasized the significance of evidence-based policy-making in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the bureau’s operations. She stated that the training program is in accordance with the standards that firmly establish the mandate of the DENR.“The Land Management

Bureau is the policy-making arm of the DENR. Thus, this training is crucial in the improvement of the policy formulation of the Department,” Director Talabis said. “I trust that our policy focal persons for this learning event will finish this off with renewed or upskilled capability in terms of research and policy development and formulation.”

LMB Assistant Director Romeo Verzosa also signified how policy analysis tools would help in reaching the goals of the Bureau.

“As policies are formulated, consider other options and create variations among policy alternatives so we can be sure that the policy in-the-making will solve the problems we have identified,” AD Verzosa said.

The training featured Dr. Ebinezer Florano of the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration and Governance. Dr. Florano shared his expertise and insights to guide participants in understanding various methods and techniques for policy analysis. LMB’s Charles Daguitera also presented the prototype of the Policy Development and Management Information System (PDMIS), which would streamline the formulation, submission, and approval of policies within the Bureau.

Throughout the sessions, participants were exposed to a range of analytical tools, including but not limited to cost-benefit analysis, PRINCE political accounting system, stakeholder analysis, and the problem tree and root cause methodology. These techniques enable policy analysts to assess existing policy gaps and develop alternative policies to address them effectively.

The interactive training program fostered a collaborative learning environment, allowing participants to exchange ideas and experiences within the bureau. The inclusion of practical exercises provided valuable hands-on experience, preparing participants to apply the acquired knowledge in real-world policy-making scenarios.

As evidence-based policy-making gains prominence in the field of public administration, the LMB’s initiative to organize this training program demonstrates their commitment to adopting modern approaches and best practices. By equipping their staff with the necessary skills, it aims to enhance policy formulation processes, leading to more effective and efficient management of land resources across the country.

With the successful completion of this training program, the LMB reaffirms its commitment to staying at the forefront of evidence-based policy-making, ensuring the sustainable and responsible management of the country’s valuable land resources.