Tarlac State University's Office of University Research Development held a consultation with its stakeholders on research agenda setting on Wednesday morning (February 14) at the Academic Building, Lucinda Campus.
With the help of the Central Luzon stakeholders and the research outputs to be generated, TSU will soon meet its target to become a research university for societal transformation, focusing on producing high-value research aligned with the university's four-fold functions.
The high-value research outputs will be rolled out following the six Ps (product, publication, patent, policy, people services, places, and partnership) and two Is on socio-economic impact.
"Natuto po tayo sa mga pinag-aaralan natin at natututo po tayo sa mga tinuturuan natin, so we need to be dynamic, we need to be responsive, and what we are doing right now is being responsive to the community," Vice President for Research Development and Extension Dr. Murphy P. Mohammed said.
Hon. Dennis Norman T. Go, a TSU Board of Regents member, previously challenged the university to partner with local government units to produce research that would impact society.
"Through collaboration, we can do more. So, in this stakeholders consultation, with your inputs, with your recommendations, we could further align our researches," Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg said.
OURD Director Dr. Robert V. Marcos presented the proposed university research agenda for 2024-2026 to the stakeholders, emphasizing that such activity is vital in updating the agenda and aligning it with the communities' needs.
The research agenda, reviewed every three years, is congruent with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, specifically eradicating poverty, improving education, and elevating economic development and health while conserving natural resources.
Dr. Marcos said they are doing more than just research for the intellectuals. They produce research with a societal impact that will benefit the people. He also noted that it is high time to move out of the bubble and do basic and applied research for the general public.
Mr. Crisanto M. Perez, the executive assistant to the Capas town mayor, said the university's research on the Aetas in their municipality helped them in their projects.
He also mentioned their wish to enroll three Aeta students in the BS Nursing program next school year.
“Kulang po ang kaalaman namin sa methodology kung paano gagawin yung research. Unlike pagdating sa TSU, alam niyo na po 'yan. Kaya nga po nung nagbigay sila ng MOA sa amin, sabi ko, it is good," Mr. Perez said.
"Nagapapasalamat po kami sa TSU dahil sa inyo pong reserach sa aming mga sitio. Sana po ay magkaroon tayo ng close cooperation and coordination. Whatever result na meron kayo ay mabigyan din po kami para magamit namin sa aming plano sa LGU," he added.
Dr. Maria Elena D. David, Center for Peace, Indigenous Peoples' Resources and Development Director, affirmed the Capas representative's request since the center plans to execute a memorandum of agreement with all municipalities with Aeta communities wherein the university will share the collected research data.
Moreover, Ar. Eduardo T. Quintero, Tarlac City Planning and Development Coordinator, suggested a possible research initiative regarding transportation concerns and traffic assessment in the city.
He also added matters on water treatment facilities (monitor water quality), salt water, and drainage systems, which the university can help improve.
Ar. Quintero also shared that they are working on Tarlac City's tourism development plan and mentioned the agri-tourism potential of barangays Balanti and Central Azucarera de Tarlac.
Meanwhile, Ms. Marian S. Flores, the officer in charge and executive assistant to the La Paz town mayor, raised the idea of having TESDA vocational courses to augment the unemployment rates in the new normal.
Also present in the stakeholders' consultation are Ms. Dhannize Mae M. Pili-Caranto, Department of Science and Technology-Tarlac's Senior Science Research Specialist; Dr. Jonathan E. Lacayanga, Bataan Peninsula State University Research Director; Ms. Bernadette Joy D. Ular, Philippine Statistics Authority's Supervising Statistical Specialist; Bamban town councilor Johnny "Jaji" Sales; Ms. Victoria G. Paraggua, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Research and Extension Director; and Ms. Maria Teresa R. Bondoc, Department of Trade and Industry's Trade-Industry Development Specialist. (jlmm-OPA)
Photos by Eduardo F. Laxamana, Jr.
