CSU hosts NRCP’s 21st Mindanao Regional Cluster Convention and Stakeholders’ Engagement

The Department of Science and Technology - National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), in partnership with Caraga State University, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga Region, held its 21st NRCP Mindanao Regional Cluster Convention and Stakeholders’ Engagement: Strengthening Network with LGUs, HEIs, and the Third Sector from November 30, 2023 to December 1, 2023, at the HERO Learning Commons. This year’s theme for the convention was “Towards a Positive VUCAD2 Future: Science Technology and Innovation’s Role in Sustainable Development in the Mindanao Region."

University President, Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil, personally welcomed the NRCP representatives headed by Dr. Ephrime B. Metillo, Chair of NRCP Mindanao Regional Cluster. This is the first time CSU has hosted a two-day convention for the NRCP.

NRCP researchers from northern to southern Mindanao regions have gathered to meet with the local government units, higher education institutions, and the voluntary sectors to strengthen their networks and advocate adopting a research policy grounded in empirical evidence. The activity created collaboration opportunities in policy research agenda setting, resource generation, funding, and capacity building.

The first day of the convention featured poster exhibits from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and paper presentations from Northern Bukidnon State University, Ateneo de Davao University, and the Ministry of Science and Technology - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Discussions related to the benefits and roles of being an NRCP member and the oath-taking of new associates and regular members also occurred. The second day of the convention involved the stakeholders’ engagement. Featured on the second day were the plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and research presentations involving policy research for local government legislation, eco-tourism, transdisciplinary research, etc.

Through this convention, everyone who attended learned how they would be able to contribute to the sustainable development of the Mindanao region.

(VUCAD2 or Visionary, Understandable, Clear, Agile, Digital, Diverse)