With the First Semester 2001 issue, we introduce the Journal of Philippine Development under a new name—the Philippine Journal of Development. The change is motivated by three considerations, the first of which is to give recognition to the growing diversity of articles being submitted to the journal, truly a measure of the globalization that is now sweeping Planet Earth. No longer are these articles focused strictly on Philippine development, as required by the original title. They are rather aimed at varied and more encompassing subjects, including sectoral policy concerns in various countries and development issues in general. This change and enlargement of subjects does not mean an abandonment of the journal’s original intent; it merely acknowledges the universal character of development, that even analyses directed at particular concerns can have general implications, including some of urgency to the Philippines.

     Another reason is to take cognizance of the increasing internationalization of the journal’s authors. Contributors used to come almost entirely from the Philippines, specifically from the country’s research institutions and implementing departments. At the present time, many come from countries in the region and a few from “the rest of the world.” The new name should make them feel at home in this Philippine journal.

     Lastly, we wish to acknowledge the growing expansion and diversification of the field of interest of our own homegrown scholars and researchers. As time passes, their analytical efforts are taking them to issues transcending Philippine horizons; their contributions can be of interest to foreign readers, not only to Philippine scholars. We wish to give them a vehicle for their discoveries.

     Those points having been made, the Philippine Journal of Development will continue to give first priority to articles of direct pertinence to Philippine development policy issues, second to those of indirect relevance, and third to those of interest to economic, social, and political development in general.

     As we found the change necessary, so we hope our readers and writers will find it in accord with their preferences.

Dr. Gonzalo M. Jurado
Chairperson
Editorial Board