The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) marked the 24th Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) on September 29, 2026, with a webinar on strengthening higher education institutions through research, innovation, and human capital development.
The University Training Department (UTD), in collaboration with the College of Public Administration and Disaster Management (CPADM), organized the webinar titled “Research, Innovation, and Human Capital Development for Stronger Higher Education Institutions,” which was held via Zoom and streamed on Facebook Live.
The activity supported this year’s DPRM theme, “Building Strong Institutions, Unlocking Human Capital Potential,” which highlights the role of strong institutions, public trust, and human capital development in improving productivity and the country’s long-term competitiveness.
“At the heart of every strong institution are its people,” said Dr. Marilou Pascual, UTD director, in her welcome message.
She said strong institutions require more than policies, systems, and infrastructure, stressing the importance of people’s knowledge, skills, creativity, commitment, and ability to respond to society’s changing needs.
The webinar featured four speakers who discussed practical ways to improve institutional planning, teaching, and services and strengthen the skills of faculty and personnel.
Dr. Rosemarie Casimiro discussed how research, innovation, and human capital development can work together to strengthen institutional capacity and performance while supporting sustainable development.
Dr. Julius Miano Velasco covered innovation in teaching, research, and extension, as well as technology and digital transformation, focusing on how institutions can improve their practices and respond to changing needs.
Ms. Crisdem Marie Manalang discussed faculty and personnel development, skills and competency enhancement, leadership, and lifelong learning, highlighting their role in improving institutional performance and preparing institutions for future needs.
Dr. Joseline Santos discussed research culture, institutional development, research-based planning, and evidence-based decision-making, explaining how research can guide priorities and help higher education institutions respond to changing needs.
An open forum followed each lecture, giving participants an opportunity to ask questions, clarify key points, and explore how the ideas could be applied in their institutions.
In her closing message, Jessa Mae Manialong, CPADM’s Research, Extension, and Training chairperson, emphasized that research should go beyond publication or compliance and become “something that can actually guide our decisions and improve the way we do things.”
She encouraged participants to apply at least one idea or practice from the webinar in their respective offices and colleges.
The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) leads the nationwide observance of DPRM pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 247, s. 2002, which declared September of every year as Development Policy Research Month.
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