For the seventh time, as the master of ceremonies, I was incredibly honored and humbled to once again welcome participating educators and professionals, lifelong learners-cum-researchers, to the most highly anticipated Nurture 7.0, Nurturing Transformation through University Research, the 7th Problem-Research-Outcome-Based-Education or PROBE Research Forum. Setting the tone for a great start was no less than the President of the University of Nueva Caceres who champions community development in all facets of the University, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, herself a masterful educator, brilliant communicator, veteran researcher, and an exceptional leader. Putting the PROBE Research Forum into proper perspective and context was the Nurture Overall Director and Assistant Dean of the UNC School of Graduate Studies, Professor Michel P. Basister, an international scholar and an accomplished researcher. He also introduced the Board of Judges who were tasked to select the best and the finest presentation. This Research Forum is among the many initiatives of Dr. Romeo M. Sumayo Jr., UNC Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the UNC School of Graduate Studies.
The NURTURE Inspiration
Now running in its 7th research forum, Nurture is the much-anticipated culmination of research and community development initiatives of the UNC School of Graduate Studies and has been a significant part of its tradition of excellence and social responsibility. As we celebrated the research and the researchers, for the 7th time, we witnessed SGS students break boundaries and create possibilities in the name of expanding opportunities, for all. As we showcase and demonstrate the finest evidence of Problem-Research-Outcome-Based-Education or PROBE, we have joined the journey of our researchers in discovering relevant findings and charting responses to positively impact the communities.
The PROBE Learning Experience
The Problem-Research-Outcome-Based-Education (PROBE) Model used by UNC SGS in delivering our courses is quite similar to the practice of internationally renowned academic institutions. Here at UNC, most strongly in the School of Graduate Studies which is the apex of the University, we are accustomed to the “town and gown” partnership – a partnership between the “town” which is the community or the local government, and the “gown” which is the university or school.
In this socially relevant context, our academic expertise and experiences are geared toward identifying and understanding the problems of society. As academics, we come up with solutions or innovations to address such needs.
Presentations at their Finest
After rigorous selection, the graduate program research presentations which made it to this year’s PROBE Research Forum final cut were: (1.) The Viability and Sustainability of Local Coffee Production in Tinangis, Pili, Camarines Sur, presented by Mr. Carlo I. Rosco, Master in Business Administration; (2.) The Development of Project BRITEL: A Reading Comprehension Kit, presented by Ms. France SJ. Borja, Master of Arts in English; (3.) CIMS: A Computerized Inventory Management System for Calabanga Water District, presented by Mr. Al Lexus Arevalo, Master in Public Administration Program; and (4.) Fine Motor Accelerator (FIMA): A Multisensory Material for Improving Fine Motor Skills Development of Kindergarten Pupils, presented by Ms. Mona Lisa P. Apolinar, Master of Arts Major in Educational Leadership & Management Program. The Learning Supervisors and research advisers of the finalists were: Dr. Nora Elizabeth F. Maniquiz, Dr. Joy SB. Gaza, Prof. Michel P. Basister, and Prof. Ernesto R. Gurnot Jr., respectively.
Community-based Reactors
At Nurture, we welcome industry experts and representatives of partner organizations who serve as panels of reactors. They bring us to a greater appreciation of research and its potential impact on community building and lead us to a greater understanding of our role as researchers and academics in community development. For Nurture 7.0, we were joined by Ma’am Soccorro “Nanay Coring” Cardoza, the Leader of the Coffee Farmers Organization in Tinangis, and Engr. Celedonio I. Tolentino, the General Manager of Calabanga Water District (CAWADI). They expressed appreciation for the research and shared insights into its potential impact on their organization’s operations, processes, and delivery of services to its stakeholders.
Rising to the Role of Judges
During Nurture 7.0, we were delighted to be joined by our stellar Board of Judges, Dr. Ramil S. Pederio, Public School District Supervisor, and Ma’am Ma. Salve III V. Gutierrez, Senior Education Program Specialist, who both provided the researchers with valuable recommendations on areas of improvement and potential plans of action to explore. In his Keynote Message, the Chairman of the Board of Judges, Dr. Joe-Bren L. Consuelo, Education Program Supervisor, Human Resource Development Division, DepEd Region V, shared a great breadth of wisdom and reminded the academics and lifelong learners-cum-researchers to use our education to empower members of society.
Living by the UNCean Motto: Not of School, But of Life
The final stretch of the forum was the Awarding of Certificates to the recipients of the UNC-Coursera Scholarship Program and the Nurture 7.0 finalists and winners. The video entry of the Master in Public Administration Program won the PROBE People’s Choice Award while the presentation of the Master of Arts in Education Major in Educational Leadership Management Program was declared the 2023 Outstanding PROBE Project. Congratulations and carry on! Through the years, Nurture never fails to cultivate our passion and purpose to serve our fellowmen, speak for the voiceless and vulnerable, and stand for least in the society. Only by doing so our pursuit will be noble and our quest will be a pleasant gift to God.
