ANGARA CALLS FOR MORE POLICY STUDIES TO AID LAWMAKERS

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today lamented the apparent lack of research studies that would help lawmakers in the country produce better drafted and strategic policies.

Addressing researchers, professors and students at the 20th Anniversary of the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UPCIDS), Angara said that the lack of access to key policy studies has caused a serious gap in lawmaking.

Nowadays, it is much easier to access research studies abroad through the internet. The same is not true in our own country. But I am perpetually wanting in facts, figures and insights about certain vital issues, Angara said.

Angara noted the difficulty he encountered when drafting the law that created PhilHealth in the early 90s.

Lacking legal expertise in health insurance, Angara talked to Harvard health professors and sought their advice on universal health care insurance scheme. Angara, and his local health team working with professors from Harvard School of Public Health, put together the national health insurance program, now called PhilHealth.

Angara, founder of UPCIDS in 1986 during his term as UP president, defined the role and significance of the Center to nation-building, saying that we must create a center that has wisdom and knowledge, and one that will guide policy makers in leading and governing our country.