The University of Northern Philippines through the University Research and Development Office (URDO), sustains its commitment to fostering a thriving research environment by hosting the 2025 General Orientation of Researchers on March 11, 2025, at the Tadena Hall. The whole-day event gathered 335 participants composed of faculty and non-faculty staff from various colleges and offices to explore the university’s research ecosystem, procedures, and opportunities for scholarly advancement.

Dr. Fatima Rocamora, Vice President for Research and Extension, opened the program by reaffirming UNP’s dedication to research excellence. She highlighted the importance of institutional support, collaboration, and innovation in driving impactful research.

In his keynote address, UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna underscored the university’s commitment to strengthening its research culture. Quoting Sir Isaac Newton’s famous phrase, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants,” he emphasized that research builds upon past knowledge and thrives on intellectual collaboration. He encouraged attendees to continue their research endeavors and contribute to meaningful discoveries.

While Dr. Edelyn Cadorna, URDO Director, provided an overview of UNP’s 2024 research accomplishments, attributing these successes to the collective efforts of the university’s scholars. Expressing optimism for this year, she emphasized the goal of achieving greater milestones and further strengthening the research culture at UNP. She also presented the benefits, privileges, and financial support available at the university to further motivate researchers. Through engaging audio-visual presentations, participants also learned about UNP’s journals, research centers, and laboratories.

A core part of the orientation was an in-depth discussion on research services available to the participants. URDO area coordinators, center chiefs, and coordinators presented their offices’ procedures, including steps on capsule proposal submission, research mentoring, in-house reviews, research operational plan approval, statistical services, research dissemination, intellectual property applications, and research output utilization.

Another feature of the orientation is the open forum, which provided a platform for attendees to clarify research-related procedures and concerns, particularly regarding the upcoming JC Promotion. The interactive session fostered constructive discussions between researchers and the university administration, ensuring that all concerns were addressed.

To support researchers in their work, office supplies were also distributed during the event. The program concluded with impressions from selected participants, followed by the awarding of certificates to the attendees.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Joseph Taban, Assistant Director of URDO, emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing UNP’s research initiatives. He encouraged faculty and researchers to actively engage with institutional partners, foster innovation, and maximize available resources to strengthen the university’s research culture.

The orientation provided participants with valuable insights into research policies, submission protocols, and institutional support, equipping them to navigate UNP’s research landscape more effectively. Moving forward, URDO remains committed to expanding capacity-building initiatives, enhancing mentorship programs, and reinforcing institutional support to inspire groundbreaking research within the academic community.

Article by Dean Alvin Pablico, Photos by Noelle Tacas.