USM convenes research partners, academic heads to harmonize R&D
THE University of Southern Mindanao Office of the Vice President for Research, Development and Extension (USM-OVPRDE), headed by RDE Vice President Debbie Marie Verzosa, convened the university’s partner agencies to present their programs, harmonize communication lines, and provide a stronger rationale for research and development plans.
“The collaboration of agencies aims to strategize on how to assist communities through research and extension,” USM President Francisco Gil Garcia said.
Verzosa highlighted communication’s effective role in developing a continuous dialogue among agencies, emphasizing its power to bridge gaps, enhance collaboration and catalyze interactions.
“We want to strengthen the reputation of USM, as seen and perceived by stakeholders, as a service provider to communities in support of the region,” she said.
She also emphasized that the collaboration meeting, held at the USM Commercial Building, Kabacan, Cotabato, on January 19, is a starting point for facilitating continued communication among the agencies.
Research Publication Services Office (RPSO) Director Ma. Teodora Cabasan reiterated plans to translate academic and government collaboration into tangible actions to address regional issues effectively.
A roundtable discussion on RDE themes highlighted opportunities for improvement in Quality Learning, Skills Development, Literacy; Social Development of Strong Institutions, Preservation of Culture, Environmental Protection, Conservation; Risk Reduction, Food Security, Poverty Reduction, Good Health and Well-being; Innovations in Science, Engineering, Technology; and Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Management.
The meeting was attended by heads and representatives from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region 12, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Mindanao Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Plant Quarantine Division, Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 12, the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) in USM, and South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City (Soccsksargen) Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (Soxaarrdec).
In a related development, USM gathered its academic and research officials to attune to the fulfillment of the Philippines’ Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation and Futures Thinking through the OVP-RDE.
Deans and directors from instruction and research offices for Futures Thinking and Value Creation assembled at the USM Commercial Building on Jan. 17 and 18, 2024.
Jalaine Joyce Malabanan, former chief of the Center for Futures Research at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), discussed the Futures Thinking and Value Creation for Statement and Workshop, highlighting the importance of planning the future for the next generation.
Marife Lacaba, director of Samar Island Center for Adult Education and Technology Learning (Sicaetl) of Samar State University (SSU), tackled Futures Thinking in Higher Education and Maximizing Value Creation.
Workshops took place after each session with the guidance and expertise of Emmanuel de Guia, resident futurist and representative of Sen. Pia Cayetano as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking (SDGIFT).
Garcia, the program leader of USM Futures Thinking, said the activity was “a venue where we plan to address the concerns of the future and shape the landscape of tomorrow.”
For their impressions, Ivy Mar Cabornida, faculty member from the USM College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences (Chefs), and Maricel Dayaday, dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT), conveyed their gratitude for the workshop, highlighting their realization of knowing the value and impact of USM in the community.
The activity was coordinated with Cabasan and professor emeritus Edward Barlaan.