BukSU, Peace Corps Program Culminates in Policy Pitch Colloquium

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) faculty researchers presented evidence-based policy briefs during a colloquium that connected university research with recommendations for local governance and development, on August 19, 2026.

The Policy Pitch Colloquium served as the culminating activity of the BukSU Center for Local Governance and US Peace Corps training program on policy brief formulation.

University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol said the activity gave researchers an avenue to present research in a policy-oriented format.

“We want our research to move beyond academic publications and reach the people and communities who can benefit. Through this Policy Pitch Colloquium, we are giving our researchers a platform to translate evidence into clear, relevant, and practical policy briefs that can help inform decision-makers and contribute to better public policies,” said Mirasol.

The colloquium featured policy pitching and feedback from external stakeholders, with participating faculty researchers presenting completed policy briefs based on their research.

Among the policies presented were proposals to institutionalize traffic impact assessments for major development projects, adopt a 4Rs + Walkability framework, integrate transport forecasts into city planning, and deploy smart traffic management systems in Malaybalay City. Other proposals covered disaster preparedness and business continuity planning for microenterprises, establishment of a Local Economic Resilience Fund, capacity-building programs for disaster-prone businesses, and advancing PES from the Revenue Code toward a formal stand-alone PES framework.

The activity followed a training program that covered policy analysis, stakeholder mapping, evidence synthesis, policy option development, policy brief writing, policy communication, executive presentation, peer review and policy engagement strategy.

“This colloquium reminds us that research becomes truly meaningful when it is clearly communicated, widely understood, and translated into actions and policies that create positive change,” Mirasol added. (BukSU – Information Unit)