In partnership with the University of Hawaii in Manoa and the University of the Philippines School of Economics, the Mindanao Research Institute (MRI) conducted a scientific survey called: “Economic Decision-Making and Cultural Values: Evidence from Field Experiments in the Philippines.” Muslim and non-Muslim participants representing different ethnicities all came from Barangay Maharlika and the neighboring Barangay Upper Bicutan. At the end of each 2-hour survey session, the participants were able to bring home cash based on the decisions they made during said sessions. Ms. Debbi Gundaya and Ms. Cecilia Noble, both graduate students from the University of Hawaii, were the assistant researchers for the project.

   Similar research sessions have been conducted in other developing countries. MRI provided administrative assistance in the recruitment of participants as well as the venue where the sessions were actually held. Other areas to be covered by the Research Team are Salam Center in Culiat, Quezon City and Virra Mall Shopping Center in Greenhills.