A Research University as a World Class University

Attending the 13th Philippine National Health Research System #PNHRS2019 in Cagayan de Oro, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) organized a session on the concept of Research University as a World Class University.  As far as ranking of universities are concerned, the following Philippine universities have been included in the 2018 QS World University Rankings ASIA (2018 QS AUR): the University of the Philippines (UP), De La Salle University (DLSU), Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU), University of Santo Tomas (UST), University of San Carlos (USC), Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU IIT) and Silliman University (SU).

Dr Carmencita Padilla of the University of the Philippines explained the programs and incentives for faculty to conduct research such as further training, funding of innovative projects, monetary awards, recognition and assistance to faculty.

Fr. Miranda of the University of San Carlos defined the different types of higher education institutions according to their main motivations in teaching and how context is very important in deciding what programs to implement and what research agenda to fund.

Today,  CHED puts a premium on research as research has become a required course (even for senior high school) and a measurement of typology of university.

1.  How can research contribute to the improvement of society in general?

2.  How do we provide an encouraging environment for students and faculty to conduct research?

3.  Given that context is very important in deciding which researches to conduct, what needs can you identify in your areas that needs research?

Persons are Gifts

We met in a coffee shop and we ate pasta with coffee.  I was pleasantly surprised to realize that I had met Dr Resty Picardo previously during the #HCSMPH2019.  In fact, he took pictures of the slides of my lecture in choosing social media platforms for learning! It was their group that coined the hashtag #HIVesh.

I was happy to belong to a group that was genuinely interested in research.  In the short time that we talked in our group, I had learned a lot, and received many pointers on how to go about designing my planned research. Before we separated ways, he volunteered to give a lecture on qualitative research designs to my residents.

You see, life is like that.  You receive gifts when you least expect.