Category: News and Events

DOST-NRCP awards research grant to PRLS

The Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) has awarded the Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS) a research grant to assess sufficiency of foreign aid and development partners in the Bangsamoro region. 

Led by Director Nassef Manabilang Adiong, with staff researchers Kebart Licayan, Aisah Solaiman, and Shahid Calalagan, the PRLS launched the research project “Needs Assessment and Foreign Aid in BARMM.”

The said project will be implemented under the DOST-NRCP’s program, “Support to the Promotion of a Science-Culture on Basic Research in the Regions for Global Competitiveness.”

Today, the research team attended a pre-implementation meeting via Zoom teleconferencing. It was spearheaded by NRCP Executive Director Marieta Banez Sumagaysay. 

Research grantees are oriented  about research undertakings, guidelines and procedures. Allocation mechanism and ground monitoring of the NSTEP focal region were also discussed in the meeting. 

The PRLS is the only BARMM-based and non-academic institution to receive the grant. Other recipients include various universities in Mindanao.

“BARMM and UP Join Forces for Informed Governance in Historic Forum”

BARMM’s Policy Research and Legal Services in partnership with the University of the Philippines’ Center for Local and Regional Governance (CLRG) organized a forum on “Governance and Policy making in the Bangsamoro region” on Rabi ul Awal 26, 1445 AH | October 11, 2023 (Wednesday) at NCPAG University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

The event united BARMM governance stakeholders to address pressing policy issues. The objectives of the forum were threefold: identify governance and policy challenges, develop a practical policy research agenda, and explore institutional partnerships.

The BARMM government was represented by esteemed Members of the Parliament Ishak V. Mastura and Rasol Y. Mitmug Jr., along with Director Nassef Manabilong Adiong of the Policy Research and Legal Services. On the UP side, distinguished officials in attendance included UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, UP Mindanao Chancellor Lyre Anni E. Murao, UP Executive Vice President Jose Fernando T. Alcantara, UP Assistant Vice President for Curriculum and Instruction Ma. Theresa T. Payongayong, and UPD Institute of Islamic Studies Dean Julkipli M. Wadi.

Bangsamoro’s Policy Research and Legal Services is dedicated in forging a path and upholding effective governance, genuine regional autonomy, and reform. The collaboration with the CLRG signifies a decisive move towards a well-informed governance. It promises a more stable, responsive, and autonomous future for Bangsamoro. Stay tuned for the journey towards improved governance and policy development.

Photo Credits: 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘎𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 (𝘊𝘓𝘙𝘎)

PRLS Director Nassef Adiong Participates in UP-Bangsamoro Development Program Summit Consultation

The PRLS Director – Doc Nassef M. Adiong, represented the Speaker of the Parliament at the UP – Bangsamoro Development Program Summit Consultation. This event took place last September 13, 2023 | Safar 28, 1445 AH, at the Dusit Thani Residence Davao. This significant event, organized by the University of the Philippines, brought together various stakeholders to address pressing issues in Bangsamoro and Mindanao.

The summit covered a wide range of topics, including Agriculture and Fisheries, Education, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, Human Settlements and Development, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Labor and Employment, Science and Technology, Social Services and Development, and Trade, Investment, and Tourism. The comprehensive discussions aimed to foster collaboration and formulate effective strategies to promote growth and development in these key sectors.

The active participation in the UP – Bangsamoro Development Program Summit Consultation represents the dedication to making substantial contributions aimed at resolving challenges, assisting stakeholders in navigating detailed legal and policy landscapes,  promoting sustainable development in the Bangsamoro and Mindanao regions, ultimately fostering a brighter future for everyone involved.

PRLS General Assembly and Grand Dinner 2023: A Night to Remember

Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS) held a special event on September 2, 2023 (Safar 17, 1445 AH) that combined elegance with cultural significance. The day started with a photoshoot featuring two unique attires: the formal ensemble, elegantly showcasing the PRLS Blazer, and the traditional Bangsamoro attire, followed by a General Assembly and Grand Dinner held at the Diners on Street, Datu Odin Sinsuat.


The General Assembly and Grand Dinner commenced with opening remarks delivered by PRLS Director, Dr. Nassef Adiong. Dr. Nassef Adiong, along with LRD Chief Vincent Casil and LMLAD Chief Atty. Hisham Nazz Biruar, presented the organization’s achievements and future engagements, underscoring PRLS’s commitment to excellence. The evening also featured fun games and an awards ceremony, adding to the enjoyment and camaraderie. This event showcased PRLS’s professionalism and its appreciation for Bangsamoro culture.

The PRLS General Assembly and Grand Dinner 2023 was a remarkable evening that summarized the organization’s core values of professionalism, cultural appreciation, and commitment to excellence. With a delightful blend of tradition and modernity, this event celebrated not only PRLS’s achievements but also its vision for a future marked by impactful engagements.

𝐏𝐑𝐋𝐒 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐬

PRLS actively participated in the Support to Operations Mock Budget Hearing organized by the Office of the Secretary-General. The event took place on July 4-5, 2023, at Farm Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

The Mock Budget Hearing aims to provide a conducive environment for refining and strengthening proposed budgets. Through active engagement and valuable input, participating offices, including PRLS, can contribute to enhancing the quality and alignment of the budget proposals with their respective objectives.