Brief History

The Archdiocesan Office for Research and development (AORD) was established by virtue of a mandate of the Fourth Synod of Manila. Statue, 8, #1 of the 1979 Synod of Manila states:

"An Archdiocesan Office for Research and Development (AORD) shall be established."

The AORD was officially established in 1980 with the appointment of its first Director, the Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, and Rev. Fr. Pedro S. de Archutegui, S.J., as Assistant Director. It set up its offices at the second floor of the administration building of Pius XII Catholic Center with three lay staff.

AORD was given the mandate to:

"…assist the entire archdiocese in the research, evaluation, planning and organization of vital programs and structures related to the archdiocesan organizational development." ( St. 8, #2)

"…assess and recommend the proper focusing of the direction, functions and tasks of existing and future bodies in the archdiocese, in accordance with the orientation given by the Fourth Synod of Manila." ( St. 8, #3).

"… shall also establish systems of communication, feedback, monitoring, assessment and planning for the full implementation, coordination and promotion of synodal thrust." ( St. 8, #4)

The first activities of the AORD were directed towards the setting up of an archdiocesan organizational structure consistent with the Synodal direction and goal. New offices and positions were created and existing ones restructured in order to address the need for greater coordination and collaboration.

In 1984, Msgr. Josefino Ramirez was named Director replacing Bishop Legaspi who was appointed archbishop of Nueva Caceres. A year later Mr. Armando F. de Jesus was appointed Deputy Director. At about the same time, AORD moved to the old Arzobispado de Manila building in San Miguel, Manila, remaining there until 1987 when it transferred to the newly constructed Arzobispado in Intramuros, Manila. To date, the office is under the direction and able leadership of Msgr. Nestor C. Cerbo

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE FOR RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT (AORD)

Principal Functions:

The AORD continues to serve as research and development arm of the archdiocese. In the past twenty five years AORD have been seen shifting and focusing to more research oriented programs with development programs taking a secondary role. As research arm of the archdiocese, AORD’s task include conducting research studies on aspects of the pastoral life of the Archdiocese, maintaining an archdiocesan data bank, preparation of official reports, dissemination of information and data about the Archdiocese.

In the area of development, the AORD’s functions include conducting feasibility studies preparatory to the establishment of parishes or revision of the territorial boundaries of the parish.

Specific Functions:

1. Research

a. Conducts researches/studies on various aspects of the pastoral and institutional life of the archdiocese.

b. Collects and collates data in the Archdiocese and translates them into meaningful researches and statistical reports on a regular basis.

2. Development

a. Conducts feasibility studies preparatory to the establishment of parishes or revision of parish’ territorial boundaries.

b. Monitors the activities of the archdiocesan ministries through Quarterly and Year-end Ministry Reports.

3. Data Bank

a. Maintains and updates records and information in the data bank containing the statistical updates and directory of the Archdiocese of Manila.

4. Publication

a. Publishes annually The Directory of the Archdiocese of Manila.

b. Prepares and publishes studies and statistical updates through AORD Reports.

c. Prepares Annual Statistical Report to Rome (ASRR) and Annua Statistica Elementa (ASE).

d. Prepares the Archbishop's "Ad Limina" Report to Rome (ALRR) or the Quinquennial Report to Rome (QRR).

e. Chronicles important activities of the Archbishop and significant archdiocesan events.

f. Publishes other special publications which it may decide to undertake as its project, like the Parish Handbook and Pictorial Directory.

5. Extension Services

a. Provides technical assistance to parishes, archdiocesan offices and ministries in the areas of research and development, information dissemination, phone survey and interview.

(see Restructured AORD Programs and Services)

STAFF:

1. Director - responsible for the formulation of the goals and policies of the office; provides general direction of the office.

2. Supervisor - responsible for the formulation of the plans and action programs and their implementation and for the management of the day-to-day operation of the office; responsible for the organization and coordination of research efforts of the office as well as the administrative services; ensures that the Plan of Actions for the Decision Packages of the Department are accomplished as scheduled.

3. Senior Researcher - Conducts and prepares for publication research studies relevant to the pastoral development of the Archdiocese of Manila. Conducts feasibility studies for the establishment of parishes in the archdiocese.

4. Junior Researcher - Generates and maintains important records of the Archdiocese of Manila. Chronicles the important activities of the Archbishop and significant archdiocesan activities; responsible for carrying out specific research activities in accordance with the formulated plans and strategies.

5. Research Assistant 1 - provides assistance in the preparation of the reports and other studies; prepares the studies/researches for publication; prepares ecclesiastical maps.

6. Research Assistant 2 – provides administrative support to the office, and in the area of finance management, responsible for marketing, equipment and office supplies management, and information technology research services.