Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas

Photo By: Erlyn May U. Pareja

To enhance its research and extension initiatives, UP Manila conducted a two-day “Research & Extension Agenda and Guidelines Workshop” on October 9 and10, 2024, at Lyf, Malate, Manila. This workshop is part of the university’s ongoing efforts to streamline research processes and develop a comprehensive research agenda aligned with its strategic goals. The key objectives include revisiting the 2011 research manual and formulating a robust extension services plan aimed at fostering impactful community engagement.

The workshop also aims to strengthen research and extension operations as the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) undergoes a transition, reflecting its expanded focus on both research and extension initiatives. During this transition, the OVCR will assume the significant responsibility of overseeing the university’s Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS), thereby broadening its mandate and impact.

“With this transformation, the OVCR will have modified functions. First, we will promote, coordinate, and monitor the extension services and programs of the university, including external research partnerships. Another modified function is to provide training, workshops, and seminars to enhance research and extension capabilities. Lastly, the OVCR will now oversee the implementation of policies pertaining to the professional development, fellowship, and overall welfare of the REPS,” said Dr. Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio, Vice Chancellor (VC) for Research. She emphasized that this transformation is necessary to better support the university’s research and extension programs, aligning with the evolving roles within the UP system.

Day 1: Focusing on Research Priorities

“What is the research agenda of UP Manila? What truly defines the tatak UP Manila?” asked VC Dalmacio. She noted that, despite UP Manila’s significant contributions to the National Unified Health Research Agenda and its status as a core member of the Philippine National Health Research System through the UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH), the university currently lacks a documented research agenda. Establishing a clear research direction for the university is crucial.

Dr. Dalmacio acknowledged the diversity of research priorities across various colleges within UP Manila. To consolidate these priorities, she outlined the university’s research objectives, emphasizing the prioritization of specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

She further highlighted the importance of the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) 2023-2028, which encompasses eleven key themes: disease management; halal health; health security, emergency, and disaster risk management; health technology and innovation; health of vulnerable populations; health promotion; health systems strengthening toward universal health coverage (UHC); maternal, newborn, and child health; mental health; nutrition and food security; and sexual and reproductive health. By 2024, 830 studies were aligned with these goals; however, she noted that not all research conducted at the university aligns with the current agenda.

“In developing our research agenda, we should consider focus areas that align with the research priorities of the different units,” she stated. Participants were encouraged to align their college research agendas with the university’s mission, stressing the need to identify UP Manila’s strengths.

During the workshop, participants were introduced to the strategy of Futures Thinking in shaping UP Manila’s Research and Extension (R&E) Agenda. Dr. Emerito Jose A. Faraon, Director for Research Management and Translation, emphasized the importance of this approach in navigating an uncertain future. “Futures thinking involves understanding that the future is uncertain and influenced by our actions and choices. As a wise person said, ‘You are defined by the choices you make,’” remarked Faraon. He explained that Futures Thinking prepares us for change in an ever-evolving world. By exploring different scenarios, this approach allows us to stay ahead of the curve, discover new opportunities for growth and innovation, and mitigate potential risks.

Participants engaged in an interactive workshop to identify key research areas for UP Manila in alignment with the NUHRA 2023-2028, focusing on visualizing research priorities and crafting a branding concept for the Research & Extension (R&E) agenda. The afternoon session focused on aligning the research agenda with NUHRA. Day 1 also included a review of the 2011 Research Manual, with representatives from UP Manila’s University Research Ethics Committees (URECs) proposing revisions to standardize procedures. The day concluded with a consensus-building session to finalize the new UPM Research Agenda and updated research manual format.

Day 2: Strengthening Extension Services

Marian P. de Leon, PhD, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension at UP Los Baños (UPLB), oriented participants on the UPLB Research and Extension Agenda. She explained that UPLB’s AGORA (Accelerating Growth through One Research and Extension in Action) is a comprehensive research and extension agenda of the university. Meaning “marketplace,” AGORA aims to showcase and promote UPLB’s research efforts. Prof. de Leon outlined UPLB’s focus on four key areas: food security and sovereignty, one health, resilience and sustainability, and future communities, with a fifth area—social justice and cultural flourishing—launched in February 2023. Projects are funded locally and internationally, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, she introduced the R&D portal to streamline research management processes and enhance digital transformation at UPLB.

Dr. Philip Ian P. Padilla, Assistant to the Executive Director for Services & Extension at the Philippine Genome Center UP Visayas, shared insights on UPV’s research and extension agenda. He outlined the history and structure of UP Visayas, emphasizing its focus on fisheries and aquatic sciences. Dr. Padilla detailed the office’s mandate to advance research and public service, which includes developing grant proposals, establishing linkages with research institutions, and responding to regional needs. He highlighted key areas of UP Visayas’ research agenda, which encompasses fisheries conservation, environmental resources, food science, biodiversity, and marine technology.

Next Steps and Implementation

“Foster the spirit of collaboration. We should cultivate what we have begun in this workshop. Let us strive to translate our research into tangible solutions that will ultimately benefit our main stakeholders,” concluded Dr. Faraon. This workshop marks a significant step in UP Manila’s commitment to research excellence and public service, ensuring that its academic pursuits are aligned with institutional goals and responsive to the needs of the broader community.