The Office of the VP for Research and Extension (OVPRE) and the Office of Research Services (ORS) successfully held a research proposal pitching titled “Pan-ngangalatan: Fostering Responsible and Responsive Research” on May 19-20, 2025. The activity was held at the Research & Extension and Northern Philippine Root Crops and Training Center (NPRCTC) Buildings.
The activity aimed to provide a platform for meaningful academic dialogue and proposal improvement. According to ORS Director Ruth S. Batani, the proposal pitching is an exchange of ideas.
“Pan-ngangalatan is a Kankanaey word that means ‘conversation’, like let’s talk about what can be doable, what can we do further to enhance or on the other way around, the proponent would also be asking questions from the evaluators,” Batani said. She added that the proposal pitching is for research proponents to enhance their proposals based on the evaluators’ feedback.
The program began with an opening ceremony at the Everlasting Hall. VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres welcomed the participants and encouraged the development of a culture of research with real world impacts.
“So hopefully po, let’s increase or let’s improve the research and extension culture of Benguet State University…that’s our dream and of course huwag po natin kakalimutan yung mga stakeholders po natin, community natin, habang nag i-increase ang research culture natin, nag i-improve yung ating community na umaasa sa Benguet State University,” said Lumbres.
BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan also expressed his hopes that more faculty members will participate in research noting that in the Cordillera Administrative Region’s Regional Development Agenda, the low participation of faculty members in research and extension was noted as one of the challenges. He also reminded the participants to take the comments from evaluators positively to improve their research proposals.
Following Laruan’s message, Data Processing Division Chief Freda Kate D. Samuel gave an overview of the event and informed the participants that the activity is meant to be helpful, not to intimidate. She stressed the importance of making research useful to others.
“The most important part of research is always the recommendation. How will our research outputs be utilized? Not simply by our university, but our community as well,” said Samuel.
Afterwards, Paul Joseph A. Nuval gave a presentation titled “Responsible Use of AI in Research,” where he emphasized the proper and efficient use of Artificial Intelligence in research.
The 114 proposals presented were divided into three major clusters: 30 in the Technical Cluster, 46 in the Social Science Cluster, and 38 in the Education Cluster. Each researcher was given 10 minutes to present and 15 minutes for feedback from the panel.
The pitching sessions were held at five simultaneous venues: Solibao Hall for the Technical Cluster, Igorota and Ganza Halls for Education Clusters I and II, and Everlasting and Carnation Halls for Social Clusters I and II. Each session concluded with the awarding of certificates.
The panel of evaluators for the Technical Cluster are Darwin A. Basquial, Jones T. Napaldet, Ana B. Mendoza, Lesley Dale G. Umayat, and Mark Jenesis E. Laory. Education ClusterIwas evaluated by Janet Lynn M. Balagtey, Kara S. Panalong, and Freda Kate D. Samuel and the Education Cluster II by Apler J. Bansiong, Nick W. Sibaen, and Elizabeth A. Lascano. For Social Cluster I, the evaluators are Beverly C. Sa-ao, Paul Joseph A. Nuval, and Ruel G. Revilla. Social Cluster II had Ruth S. Batani, Stanley E. Anongos Jr., and Marilyn W. Macwes.
Batani shared in an interview that BSU’s research outputs are becoming more impactful. She noted that products such as food innovations are now being commercialized, while policy papers are influencing ordinances. She also expressed her appreciation for the growing involvement of the BSU campuses in Buguias and Bokod.
Looking ahead, the pitching event is just the first step in BSU’s research process. Batani mentioned in that proposals that pass the internal review will proceed to the Agency In-House Review stage and may be selected for presentation to the Regional Review. The outstanding studies could eventually be featured at the National Research Forum, bringing BSU’s innovations to a broader stage.
Batani also emphasized the importance of passion and collaboration in research. “Research entails so much passion, aside from training and exposure,” she pointed out.
EBawang, RFlorentino, HKDumpayan, BSebiano, JNabus, and RTitiwa
She encouraged aspiring researchers to work with experienced mentors, even in assistant roles or as saling pusa to gain valuable learning and experience.
The “Pan-ngangalatan” research proposal pitching event is a holistic initiative that significantly advances Quality Education #SDG4 by enhancing research skills, contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth #SDG8 and Innovation #SDG9 by encouraging applicable research outputs, strengthens Strong Institutions #SDG16 through evidence-based policy, and exemplifies robust Partnerships #SDG17 within and beyond the university. The overall goal is to produce “responsible and responsive research” that directly benefits the community and drives sustainable development.//JRBanisa,UPAO intern
EBawang, RFlorentino, HKDumpayan, BSebiano, JNabus, and RTitiwa