Bukidnon State University Workforce Engages in Forward-Thinking Research Initiatives

The University Research Futures Thinking and Foresight for Batch 2 Phase III at Bukidnon State University brought together a mix of faculty, non-teaching personnel, and department heads from various courses. This University Futures Thinking and Foresight was facilitated by the BukSU Office of the University President under the leadership of SMART BukSU President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, with Ms. Joanne Vivien B. Necosia, BukSU’s Futures Thinking Focal Person, and the Aptissimi Development Innovations, Inc. (ADII) as the training institution for this batch.

The multi-day event aimed to cultivate an innovative and forward-thinking research culture within the institution.

Dr Joy M. Mirasol, president of BukSU gave a welcome message, and former CHED Commissioner Ruperto Sanggalang followed with a message.

Here is a recap of Day 1 activity:

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:

The first day featured the presentation of research outputs from Phase II from the four commodities: Smart Workforce, Smart RDE, Smart Governance, and Smart Education. The team presented the progress and findings of the chosen commodity. These presentations highlighted the university’s commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing contemporary challenges through rigorous research.

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝟏: 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐃𝐆𝐬

Following the presentations, participants engaged in Module 1, which focused on integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their research endeavors. This module was lectured by Ms. Paulette Hernandez, ADII Coach of Smart Workforce. She emphasized the importance of aligning research projects with global sustainability targets, fostering a holistic approach to solving complex issues. By embedding the SDGs into their work, participants were encouraged to create impactful research contributing to societal well-being and environmental sustainability.

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝟐: 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬

The day concluded with Module 2, centred on “Moonshots.” This module inspired participants to think beyond conventional boundaries and envision ambitious, transformative goals for their research. Encouraging a mindset of bold innovation, the session aimed to motivate the university workforce to pursue groundbreaking projects that could drive significant advancements in their respective fields.

𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

The second day discussed practical methodologies and future-oriented strategies for research development in depth.

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝟑: 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

In Module 3, BukSU Future Thinkers were introduced to the backcasting technique. This strategic planning method involves envisioning a desirable future and then working backwards to identify the steps needed to achieve that future. The teams presented their backcasting outputs, including detailed action plans and milestones designed to bridge the gap between their current state and long-term research goals. This exercise helped clarify the pathways to achieving ambitious research objectives and reinforced the importance of strategic foresight in academic planning.

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝟒: 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥

Module 4 focused on refining research proposals. BukSU Future Thinkers learned how to structure their proposals effectively, ensuring clarity, coherence, and alignment with institutional priorities and broader societal needs. The session provided practical guidance on articulating research questions, objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes. By the end of the module, participants were equipped with the skills necessary to craft compelling and robust research proposals.

𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟑 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

The final day was dedicated to the presentation of detailed research proposals. Each team presented its refined proposals, demonstrating their integration of SDGs, backcasting insights, and innovative thinking. The session showcased the depth and breadth of Bukidnon State University’s research efforts, underscoring the institution’s commitment to excellence and forward-thinking to its stakeholders.

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲

The event concluded with a closing ceremony, during which certificates were awarded to all participants. Impressions from BukSU attendees highlighted their gratitude to the administration, ADII, and their commodity team members for the insightful and collaborative journey in Futures Thinking. Participants expressed appreciation for the support and guidance provided throughout the process, which enabled them to enhance their research capabilities and envision impactful future projects.

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐬

The detailed research proposals developed during the event will be forwarded to the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking of Senator Pia S. Cayetano. This step signifies Bukidnon State University’s commitment to contributing to discussions on national and global sustainable development and innovation. (Astred Jill A. Catolpos/ Head, Presidential Technical Operations)