The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conducted a research training directed at producing proposal submissions for external funding among faculty researchers of the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), June 5.

In collaboration with the Gender and Development (GAD), the two-day workshop is entitled “Empowering Men and Women Researchers and Extensionists of LSPU towards Effective Gender Sensitive Research Writing” held at the Research and Development Building, LSPU-San Pablo City Campus (LSPU-SPCC).

The event was conducted in partnership with the Research and Development (R&D) office, Extension and Training Services (ETS) of LSPU; and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), and Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of DOST.

Dr. Mario R. Briones, University President, explained that the research training would provide information on how to capture essential elements and requirements directly from funding institutions. 

“This research workshop is one of the numerous ways in which we can further strengthen our research capabilities, especially now when the rapidly changing times render current trends and issues today obsolete tomorrow,” President Briones said. 

Engr. Wilma G. Del Rosario, Science Research Specialist II of the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)-Laguna, explained that the research forum aimed to provide direction to LSPU research, especially aligning them with the priorities of the government and national agenda. 

Engr. Tarhata Mariano, Senior Science Research Specialist of the DOST-The Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), served as the speaker for the topics of PCIEERD Priority Areas, Funding Programs, and Documentary Requirements and Tips on How to Write a Fundable Research Proposal.

Meanwhile, Ms. Maria Teresa A. Pamplona, Science Research Specialist 1 of DOST-Calabarzon, discussed  DOST-Calabarzon Priority Areas, Grant-in-Aid (GIA) program and documentary requirements.

For her first talk, Engr. Mariano provided a background of DOST, its sectoral coverage, priority areas, mandates, and organizational structure, among others. She also provided examples of projects from creative industries that the DOST has funded such as in footwear, textile, films, and games sectors.

For her second talk, Engr. Mariano outlined the components of writing a proposal following the DOST formats, especially the 6Ps (publications, patents, products/process, people services, places and partnerships, policies) and 2Is (social impact and economic impact). 

On the other hand, Ms. Pamplona, an LSPU alumna, explained that the grant-in-aid (GIA) program provides grants for the implementation of programs/projects identified in the current DOST priorities and thrusts and supports S&T activities classified in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). 

She also shared reminders of the essential aspects of proposals to be submitted, especially aligning them with the national programs and DOST Calabarzon Key Operational Areas (KOAs) of Foresights: Blue Economy; Digital Transformation and ICT in Governance; Science Education and Capacity Building; Food Safety; Security and Nutrition; Clean, Green, and Alternative Energy; Environment and Disaster Risk and Reduction Management; and Smart Agriculture.

The resource speakers were awarded the certificate of appreciation after their respective talks. 

Dr. Delon Ching, Director for Research and Development, encouraged the participants to bring with them potential proposals for external funding on the second day for initial evaluation of the DOST resource persons. 

The second session is set on the following day, June 7, with resource persons from DOST-PCAARRD and DOST-PCHRD. Ms. Emelita P. Bagsit, Regional Director of DOST-Calabarzon, will be present in the event for the closing program.