In 2002, PIDS` dedication to providing relevant policy research did not go unnoticed. In time for the celebration of its silver anniversary, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 247 which declares the month of September as Development Policy Research Month. This recognizes the importance of policy research in the policy formulation, planning, and decisionmaking processes affecting socioeconomic development issues. With this year`s theme "25 years of journey: quest for research-based policymaking," the recognition is a reward in itself for the 25 years of unwavering and unbiased search for quality policy research and speaks of the government and the public`s trust in the Institute`s mission.