Training Program Prepares Faculty for External Funding Opportunities

Faculty researchers at Bukidnon State University (BukSU) are being equipped with the skills to secure external funding for research projects through a hybrid Concept Proposal Writeshop on February 20-21, 2025.

The program aimed to prepare researchers to align their proposals with the priorities of funding agencies for the 2027 cycle, including the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP).

The two-day writeshop, organized by BukSU’s Research Centers, focused on helping faculty develop research proposals that address community needs while targeting themes such as climate change modeling, health, disaster risk reduction and management, and science communication.

Experts from the University of Science and Technology of the Southern Philippines (USTP) through Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Engr. Alex L. Maureal alongside with Director for Innovation Centers and Innovations Technology Solutions Division Franch Maverick A. Lorilla, and De La Salle University (DLSU) through Director of the Academic Support for Instructional Services and Technology (ASIST) Dr. Jasper Vincent Alontaga, facilitated interactive sessions in a hybrid format to enhance proposal-writing capabilities.

“Our university’s research budget can only stretch so far. So, we really need to look at external funding opportunities,” said Ms. Elaine May M. Echavez, faculty member for the College of Arts and Science.  “Going after these grants isn’t just about the money, though. It’s also a great way to build connections with the organizations that give out the funding.”

In a statement, BukSU Research Centers emphasized the goal of increasing the success rate of faculty researchers in obtaining grants.

“BukSU recognizes the importance of securing external funding to support its research endeavors and contribute to advancements in various fields. By providing this focused training, the university aims to increase the success rate of its faculty in securing grants and ultimately boost its research capacity,” the centers shared.

The program outlined three main objectives: aligning proposals with DOST research priorities, clearly identifying needs and proposing innovative solutions, and producing competitive concept proposals ready for submission.

“I anticipate that this workshop will significantly enhance my research proposal writing skills, particularly in the context of securing external funding,” said Mr. Kierby Depalan, faculty researcher from the College of Technologies.

The Research Centers will continue to monitor and support the development of the concept proposals until their submission to funding agencies. (With report from Zyrha Jane B. Edlang, IU intern)