Personnel of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII participated in the Training-Workshop on Writing and Presenting Research Proposals Towards Building Science Culture in Caraga Region conducted by the Department of Science and Technology Caraga, National Academy of Science and Technology and Outstanding Young Scientists, Inc. on July 28 to 29, 2016 at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center in Butuan City.
In line with the project entitled Evaluation and Improvement of the Research Publication and IP Productivity of the DOST Research and Development Institutes funded by the Department of Science and Technology and initiated by the National Academy of Science and Technology, the training-workshop was attended by representatives of government agencies and various academes.
The first day of the training-workshop commenced with an opening ceremony wherein the Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. XIII, Dir. Dominga D. Mallonga, welcomed the participants with inspiring words. She imparted that DOST Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña urges everyone especially people from the academe to be serious about their research and development undertakings considering that the science agency is bracing for a return to its research and development (R&D) roots. “The NAST initiated the DOST funded project entitled Evaluation and Improvement of the Research Publication and IP Productivity of the DOST Research and Development (R&D) Institutes. One of the objectives of the project is to upgrade the status of research in the country,” said Dir. Mallonga. Sec. Dela Peña’s plan to redirect DOST’s thrust to be more grassroots-oriented as signified by intensifying the scholarship and research and development programs in the countryside was well received.
During the introduction, Dr. Merlyn S. Mendioro, OYSI Treasurer and UPLB Professor, acknowledged the participants and OYSI Technical Panel of Experts. Dr. Mendioro presented the rationale, overview, objectives and mechanics of the training-workshop. As it incorporates capability-building activities that will enable researchers to implement research projects and produce R&D outputs, the training-workshop primarily aims to cultivate interest and promote course of action for region-based research and development initiatives.
To encourage the participants’ research and development initiatives and endeavors, Dr. Felino P. Lansigan, Immediate Past President of OYSI and Dean of the UPLB College of Arts and Sciences, gave a presentation on The Importance of Building a Culture of Research in the Region. On the other hand, Dr. Ephrime B. Metillo, OYSI Board Member, presented the Priority R & D Agenda of Funding Agencies and Proposal Evaluation. He gave an overview of the roadmap and priority R&D of funding agencies as well as the review process for proposals by funding agencies. Dr. Metillo stated the mandate of DOST Grants-In-Aid Program, Policies and Priority Programs, “The DOST shall provide central direction, leadership and coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results therefrom are geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits for the people.” In his presentation, Dr. Metillo enumerated the government funding agencies and underscored the DOST R&D Priority Agenda. Similarly, he mentioned that the Grants-In-Aid Program of the DOST aims to harness the country’s scientific and technological capabilities by providing financial grants to S&T programs/projects to spur a sustainable economic growth for the country.
Dr. Metillo comprehensively discussed the DOST-GIA Funding Assistance Coverage as follows: 1. Generation of Knowledge and Technologies (Fundamental/Basic R&D, Applied Research, Experimental Development and Pilot Testing); 2. Diffusion of Knowledge and Technologies (Technology Transfer, Technology Receptor Capability Building and Innovation and Capacity Building); 3. Development of S&T Human/Innovative HRD and 4. Provision of Quality S&T Services, S&T Policy Advocacy, S&T Promotion and Facilities Upgrading. He also stated the selection criteria such as the eligibility of the proponent and application requirements.
The heart of the matter of the training-workshop was discussed in the lecture of Dr. Maribel L. Dionisio-Sese, OYSI President, which comprehensively discussed the Research Proposal Preparation. Dr. Dionisio-Sese expounded on the steps in the preparation of research proposal; elements/parts of a research proposal; characteristics of a well-prepared research proposal and pointers in the development of title and introduction. She also discussed the purpose of research proposals and the guides that are best followed in its preparation. A workshop on writing the title of the research proposal and its introduction followed after her lecture. The OYSI Technical Panel of Experts went around to mentor and assist the participants during the workshop.
In the afternoon, Dr. Allan N. Soriano, OYSI Board Member and Mapua Institute of Technology Professor, gave a lecture on Developing the Methodology, Gantt Chart and Budget. As a systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study, the methodology is indeed the heart of the research proposal. Dr. Soriano thoroughly discussed the elements (approach to answering questions/objectives, data needs, analytical techniques and plan for interpreting results) and guides in describing the methodology or approach. Similarly, he tackled the importance of the Gantt Chart (timetable of activities and deliverables). In addition, Dr. Soriano discussed the general pointers (technically allowable identified expenses, resources and materials) and specific pointers (objectives, methodology and activities, funding institution, capital outlay, personnel services, maintenance and other operating expenses, counterpart funding, and indirect and administrative costs) that must be taken into consideration in the budget proposal preparation. A workshop on the preparation of the Methodology, Gantt Chart and Budget was given by Dr. Soriano to the participants in order to reinforce their newly-acquired knowledge and learning experience on the subject.
The last lecture focused on Presenting the Research Proposal which was given by Dr. Allan N. Soriano. In order to assist and prepare the participants in their research undertakings, he gave a straightforward discussion on guides and pointers in presenting the research proposals by giving illustrative examples. The first day of the training-workshop ended with a mentoring workshop that prepared the participants for the presentation of their respective outputs.
On the last day of the training-workshop, the participants presented their outputs which comprised five to six slides – Title, Background/Significance/Objectives, Methodology, Budget and Gantt Chart which were critiqued by the Outstanding Young Scientists, Inc. Technical Panel of Experts. The group of personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII presented a research proposal entitled “Life After Mining: Exploring the Role of Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) Livelihood Initiatives in Empowering Claver Mining Communities” during the training-workshop.
For the final lecture, Dr. Merlyn S. Mendioro gave a presentation on the Rewards of Research. The participants learned that research broadens their scope – personally, academically and professionally. Aside from being given the chance to explore their interests, researchers gain meaningful experiences and generate new, relevant knowledge that will benefit people in society. As they strive to learn more and to do more, researchers also learn about the importance of idealism, curiosity, perseverance and collaboration in their research undertakings.
The training culminated in a closing ceremony. A good number of participants shared their impressions of the training-workshop. Some also imparted their realizations and learning experiences which the DOST organizers and the OYSI Technical Panel of Experts appreciated and took note of. The awarding of certificates was facilitated by Dr. Maribel L. Dionisio-Sese. As a final point, the OYSI President keenly acknowledged the enthusiasm and active participation of the workshop participants. The keen involvement and receptiveness of government agencies and academes that took part in the training-workshop was also recognized.