Evolving BARMM’s ‘research and innovation landscape’: CSU leads forum at Zamboanga City

Select researcher-executives from Caraga State University culminated their research project in collaboration with four (4) State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) today, September 19, 2023, through a two-day forum on Research and Innovation. Dr. Rowena P. Varela, the team’s project leader for the study ‘Needs Assessment of HEIs in BARMM Towards Enhancing their Research Competencies through an Institutional-Level Sustainable Professional Development Model,’ vouched that this activity not only heightens the collaboration with SUCs but also – and most importantly – provide ‘stimulus and motivation in evolving the research landscape in the region.’

Its opening activity was attended by CHED Commissioner Jo Mark M. Libre, who also leads the governing bodies of Adiong Memorial State College (AMSC), Basilan State College (BaSC), Sulu State College (SSC), and Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College (TRAC). He emphasized the value of research and innovation as the centerpiece in higher education, stressing that the research competency of the faculty members is necessary to prepare their students for inquiry-based learning.

Together with Dr. Varela is a team of resource speakers for the varied plenary sessions and training-workshops: VPEOAS Dr. Michelle V. Japitana, Dr. Jayrold P. Arcede, Dr. Elizabeth P. Parac, Dr. Raquel M. Balanay, Dr. Romell A. Seronay, Engr. Meriam Makinano – Santillan, Engr. Jojene R. Santillan, Dr. Joycelyn C. Jumawan, and Dr. Miraluna L. Herrera. The TechTalks focused on the themes: Climate Change, Sustainability, Food Security, Health, Future’s Thinking, and Education Trends to provide insights to the participants of the forum.

CSU’s Project RESEARCH Bangsamoro, a CHED Higher Education in the Context of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (HECBOL) project, commenced last March 2021. The University started the project with three (3) SUCs (TRAC, BaSC, and CotSU) and expanded to two (2) more SUCs (SSC and AMSC).

Since then, the University has created a thread of networks, research and innovation, and capacity development for and from BARMM.