In a collaborative effort to improve the research capabilities of local educators in the province, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office of Biliran have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to launch a Training-Workshop on Conceptualization and Writing Basic and Action Research for basic education teachers in the Division of Biliran.

The MOA signing event, held today, November 21, at the university’s Hyflex Audio Visual Center, was spearheaded by BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Canezo, Jr. and DepEd Biliran OIC-SDS Dr. Roberto N. Mangaliman. The event was witnessed by key officials from both institutions, including DepEd SGOD Chief Dr. Josephine M. Casas, and BiPSU’s Vice Presidents: Dr. Susan Bentor, Dr. Roland A. Niez, and Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra. Also present were Dr. Matias Bentor, dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Dr. Alvin Ampong, director of the Extension Office, along with Faculty Regent Hon. Vennie G. Coton, SGS Extension Chairperson Dr. Ruth Sabonsolin, other department chairpersons, and SGS faculty members.

In his message, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Canezo, Jr. emphasized the importance of collaboration between the university and DepEd in advancing the quality of education in Biliran.

"This partnership is part of the values and essential roles of higher education institutions like BiPSU in serving our students and our communities. We believe that empowering teachers with research skills will help us improve education across the province," said Dr. Canezo.

Highlighting BiPSU’s role in serving students and communities, the university president urged teachers and participants to design and conduct research and innovations based on evidence.

DepEd SDS Dr. Mangaliman expressed his full support for the initiative. "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to BiPSU for being a key partner in promoting quality education in our province. This partnership is crucial for us at DepEd, especially since our teachers are pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees at BiPSU," he said.

The newly installed OIC-SDS Mangaliman also addressed the challenges in research output, noting that only two research studies have been approved, with a concerning ratio of just two research projects for every 2,300 teachers.

“This partnership will significantly enhance the skills and capabilities of our teachers and school heads. It is important to recognize that action research is not time-consuming to prepare, and it should always be rooted in data-driven decisions,” he emphasized.

The training-workshop, which will run for three years with 12 sessions, targets participants from the SGS faculty and students, DepEd Biliran Division secondary and elementary school heads, as well as public secondary and elementary school teachers.

Following the MOA signing, the discussion turned to concrete actions and ways forward. Both parties agreed that the partnership would not only aim to increase the number of research studies within DepEd Biliran but also ensure that these studies are actively utilized.

“The research outcomes should not simply be archived but should be applied to help the local community improve its educational practices,” Dr. Canezo added.

Additionally, it was agreed that BiPSU would host in-house research reviews for all teachers who have graduated from or are currently enrolled in BiPSU’s graduate programs. This step will ensure that the research conducted by these teachers is of high quality and can directly contribute to the enhancement of teaching and learning in the province.

Dr. Ernil Sumayao, a faculty member from SGS, presented the series of activities to be implemented as part of the workshop agreement.

To achieve immediate results, the groups also discussed creating a separate schedule to categorize teachers based on their level of research experience, ensuring that the training workshops meet the varied needs of participants and produce impactful outcomes.

[This article aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education]