The Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension’s 2007 Report

Dr. Olga M. Nuñeza Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension

In 2007, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE) has strengthened its efforts towards the cultivation of a culture of research in the Institute, has institutionalized its extension programs and at the same time has increased the production of its bamboo, ceramics and other products.  Key strategies were identified to serve as focal points for the programs of the OVCRE during the year:

1. Globally competitive Research and Development, Extension and Production (RDEP)
2. Dynamic and competent human resource,
3. Highly productive and strong RDEP culture, and
4. State-of-the-art facilities.

The successful implementation of plans and programs of OVCRE during the year was the result of the collective endeavors of its different departments and units. Research activities were spearheaded by the Department of Research (DR). Researches undertaken during the year totaled 18. There were researches that were individually undertaken while other researches were undertaken jointly and were multidisciplinary in their approaches. A number of these research results were presented to local and international audiences.

Researches Undertaken

The research entitled “Macro and Microscopical Analyses of the Oocytes of Stegastes nigricans Lacepede (Pomocentridae: Labroidei)  conducted by Henry I. Rivero and Olga M. Nuneza was awarded the 2007 Outstanding Scientific Paper Award, during the 29th  National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Annual Scientific Meeting last July 11–12, 2007.

The Department of Extension (DE) led in the implementation of extension activities at the Institute.  The CAP 2015 project funded by UNDP in collaboration with PATLEPAM and MSU-IIT as the local management unit held its Seaweed Production Technology Training in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte attended by close to 100 seaweed growers. The training module in Seaweeds technology written by Olga M. Nuñeza, Alongan A. Mangorsi, and Ma. Luisa S. Orbita was piloted in the training.  This project is also in collaboration with the local government unit (LGU) of Kolambugan and the Kolambugan Seaweed Growers Association (KOSGA). Other research and extension programs of the OVCRE were carried out by the other offices of the OVCRE. The Technology Application and Promotion Unit (TAPU) was responsible for extending technical services to target beneficiaries on technologies related to housing, ceramic and bamboo. Prototype development of bamboo and ceramic products and production for income generation were also done by TAPU. The Multi-Media Information Dissemination Unit (MMIDU) published journals and research monographs during the year to disseminate research results. Monthly publication of papers delivered locally or internationally by faculty and staff were printed at the MMIDU and distributed nationally to schools and offices. The Iligan Center for Peace Education and Research (ICPER) pursued activities on peace and development. The Center for Local Governance Studies (CLGS) and the Regional Center for Human Rights Education (RCHRE) collaborated with GOs, NGOs and POs in implementing activities in the areas of their advocacies.
 
As can be gleaned from the individual reports of the different offices supervised by OVCRE, the different centers rendered quite a number of technical and consultancy services. From time to time, the OVCRE also hosted national and domestic symposia, seminars and workshops for information dissemination of research outputs and new technologies; and the development and upgrading of skills. Research activities were also supported by the OVCRE research library. This special library is maintained and run by the MMIDU and has a good collection of journals and other special collections of research materials for researchers and students.

In 2007, the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (VCRE) participated in the International Productivity Conference on Knowledge Management in Bangkok, Thailand, presented papers on biodiversity conservation in international conferences in Mahabalipuram, India and Universiti Brunie Darussalam, and presented research results in national and local fora. The OVCRE Heads of Office and staff also attended various seminars and workshops in 2007 to further develop their skills and knowledge in their areas of concern.

Developing more linkages and networks were pursued intensively in 2007 as it is an important component in the implementation of the research and extension activities of the Institute. During the year, OVCRE promoted inter agency and collaborative works for a wider impact of results and extension work.