THE Northern Mindanao Consortium for Health Research and Development (NorMinCoHRD) and the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (NorMinCIEERD) held a two-day workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of local researchers to secure funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The event, titled Harmonized Full-Blown Proposal Development Writeshop, took place on April 28-29, 2025, at New Dawn Hotel Plus.
The workshop focused on guiding researchers in Region 10 to craft full-scale proposals aligned with DOST’s Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program requirements, with the goal of increasing successful application rates.
Seventy-three researchers from 10 academic institutions and one local government unit participated, including representatives from Bukidnon State University, USTP-Claveria, USTP-Alubijid, Xavier University, Central Mindanao University, MSU at Naawan, City College of Cagayan de Oro, Mountain View College, La Salle University, and Cagayan de Oro City’s local government.
Participants were selected based on the approval of their concept proposals by DOST sectoral councils, which include the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP).
Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II, Chair of NorMinCIEERD and President of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) System, underscored the significance of the initiative.
“Empowering researchers with the necessary skills and guidance is crucial in ensuring their ideas move beyond papers toward real impact and implementation,” he said.
Workshop sessions provided hands-on guidance on preparing proposals using DOST’s prescribed formats and aligned with current priorities.
Breakout sessions allowed participants to present their proposals and receive technical feedback from panel evaluators.
Health-related proposals were evaluated by Ms. Melissa C. Bulao, Supervising Science Research Specialist at DOST-PCHRD; Dr. Karell Jo Calpito, S&T Fellow of DOST-PCHRD; and Dr. Roberto G. Malaluan of MSU-IIT.
For proposals aligned with PCIEERD, PCAARRD, and NRCP, evaluators included Prof. Gaudencio C. Petalcorin, Dr. Arnold A. Lubguban, and Dr. Rodel D. Guerrero of MSU-IIT.
Bulao highlighted that successful proposals often result from proponents’ willingness to collaborate and adapt within deadlines.
“Most proposals that reach approval are not necessarily the best initially, but those from proponents who work closely with evaluators and negotiate solutions to advance their projects,” she explained.
Participants expressed appreciation for the mentorship and practical advice received during the workshop.
A participant from MSU at Naawan remarked, “It’s a huge help, especially for first-time researchers seeking DOST funding. The comments and tips from the panels were very applicable.”
In addition, licensed health professionals who attended the training were awarded Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units.
Participants are expected to submit their full proposals to the DOST Project Monitoring and Information System (DPMIS) by May 15, 2025.
NorMinCoHRD and NorMinCIEERD reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing research capacity in Region 10, supporting initiatives that foster innovation and produce fundable projects to address regional and national development needs. (With a report by Jhanna Dawn Apal/DOST 10)
