WMSU-ZSCMST Collaboration Fosters Innovation Culture with IP Training
Western Mindanao State University’s (WMSU) Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) of Zamboanga City collaborated to empower the faculty of Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) through a specialized training workshop. The “IP Basics and Beyond Training Workshop” aimed to equip ZSCMST faculty members with a strong foundation in Intellectual Property (IP) and the intricacies of patent drafting.
Held last June 13-15, 2023, at the Octagon Hall of the ZSCMST campus, this initiative highlights WMSU’s commitment to supporting the research endeavors of institutions within its network. By equipping ZSCMST faculty with a deep understanding of IP protection, the workshop empowers them to safeguard their own creative ideas and inventions arising from their marine science and technology expertise. This knowledge will further enable them to guide and support students in navigating the world of intellectual property, potentially leading to a surge in patentable research and development projects within ZSCMST.
The workshop covered various IP aspects like patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. Resource persons from WMSU-ITSO have provided in-depth training on identifying, registering, and protecting IP. Additionally, the agenda addressed the legalities of patent drafting, ensuring faculty can translate their research into formally recognized intellectual property.
WMSU WRITESHOP EQUIPS FACULTY WITH FUTURES-ORIENTED RESEARCH SKILLS
In a three-day intensive workshop held at the Grand Orchid Hotel from November 7 to 9, 2024, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) faculty members honed their research proposal writing skills with a focus on incorporating the futures thinking framework.
This Faculty Capacity Building: Futures Thinking Training-Writeshop targeted faculty who had previously submitted research proposals for potential funding. The writeshop aimed to equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to strengthen their proposals by integrating futures thinking methodologies.
WMSU invited two renowned experts on futures thinking, Dr. Adrian P. Ybanez and Dr. Siegfred D. Mendoza, both faculty members from Cebu Technological University. The program featured a combination of lectures and workshops. Dr. Ybanez and Dr. Mendoza delivered insightful lectures on the various aspects of futures thinking, followed by interactive workshops where participants actively revised their research proposals based on the concepts presented.
This hands-on approach allowed faculty members to immediately apply their learnings to their ongoing research. The writeshop culminated in presentations where participants shared their revised proposals, receiving valuable critiques and feedback from their peers and the resource speakers. This initiative by WMSU highlights the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence among its faculty. By equipping them with futures thinking skills, WMSU empowers its researchers to develop more forward-looking and impactful proposals that can significantly contribute to their respective fields.
CHE Conducts In-House Seminar on Research Publication
The College of Home Economics (CHE) of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) bolstered its faculty’s research capabilities through a 3-day in-house seminar-workshop held last June 20-22, 2023. The seminar invited the WMSU-RDEC-Research Utilization, Publication and Information Dissemination (RUPID) management team to serve as resource speakers, sharing their expertise on research publication.
This initiative highlights CHE’s commitment to empowering its faculty to become more prolific researchers. With the guidance of WMSU-RUPID’s management, the seminar-workshop equipped participants with valuable knowledge and skills on navigating the research publication process. The seminar covered various topics such as identifying credible academic journals relevant to the faculty’s research areas; understanding the manuscript formatting requirements of different journals; crafting a compelling research paper that adheres to scientific writing standards; developing effective strategies for submitting research papers to targeted journals; and addressing reviewer feedback and revising manuscripts for publication.
By participating in this seminar-workshop, CHE faculty gained valuable insights and practical skills that will undoubtedly enhance the quality of their research outputs. This, in turn, will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of home economics and elevate the research profile of both CHE and WMSU.
PROMOTING ETHICAL DATA GATHERING: A SUCCESSFUL SEMINAR WORKSHOP
Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) through the Office of Research Ethics Oversight Committee hosted a vital Seminar-Workshop on Ethical Considerations During Data Gathering on November 16th and 17th, 2023. Held at the Social Hall of the College of Teacher Education, the event brought together a diverse group of participants, including RESEL Officials, REOC Members, Ethics Review Panel Members, Research Coordinators, and students from various colleges.
This workshop served a crucial purpose in WMSU’s journey towards Level 2 Re-Accreditation. The Office of the Research Ethics Oversight Committee (REOC) plays a critical role in ensuring ethical research practices across the university. This workshop aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to uphold the highest ethical standards in data gathering.
By participating in this workshop, attendees gained valuable insights into the National Ethical Guidelines whereby the participants gained a thorough understanding of the National Ethical Guidelines for Research Involving Human Participants. This knowledge empowers them to conduct research with utmost respect for human dignity, rights, and welfare. Also, the participants received initial orientation on the revised Standard Operating Procedures for conducting research ethics review. This ensures a streamlined and efficient review process, benefitting both researchers and participants. The workshop shed light on protocols that may qualify for exemption from review by the REOC. This allows for expedited research processes for projects deemed to pose minimal risks or harms. The participants were empowered to become focal points for disseminating the workshop’s key takeaways to students and faculty within their respective colleges/departments. This ensures a wider reach and a more comprehensive understanding of ethical research practices across the university.
Boosting Research Skills: WMSU Partners Up for Webinar Series on Socio-Economic Research
Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), through its Statistics and Data Bank Unit (SDBU), joined forces with the Satellite Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC) and the Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC) to conduct a comprehensive Webinar Series that kicked off last June 15, 2023. This initiative aimed to fortify the capabilities of researchers in Western Mindanao when it comes to socio-economic research.
The webinar series attracted a total of 604 participants, not only from WESMAARRDEC’s consortium member institutions (CMIs) but also from other institutions across the country. The series featured a range of topics relevant to socio-economic research, including:
Advanced Techniques for Research Data Collection led by Dr. Ruperto De Luna Jr. from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP)
- Presenting Socio-Economic Data in Agricultural Research by Dr. Purisima G. Bayacag, also from USEP
- Presenting Socio-Economic Data to Diverse Audiences: Tips and Best Practices delivered by Asst. Prof. Karlo Martin Karamugan of USEP
These sessions provided participants with valuable knowledge and tools to strengthen their research skills in various aspects, from gathering data efficiently to effectively presenting findings to a wide range of audiences.
This collaboration between WMSU, SERDAC, and WESMAARRDEC highlights the importance of collective efforts in empowering researchers. By providing accessible learning opportunities, the webinar series equips researchers with the necessary expertise to conduct high-quality socio-economic studies in Western Mindanao. This, in turn, can contribute to better informed decision-making that addresses the region’s specific socio-economic needs and fosters sustainable development.
Western Mindanao State University Launches Graduate Tracer Study to Enhance Alumni Outcomes
Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) is implementing a significant research initiative known as the Graduate Tracer Study. This project aims to comprehensively evaluate the experiences and career trajectories of WMSU alumni. It goes beyond simply measuring employment rates by delving into a multi-faceted analysis of graduate experiences.
The study will assess graduate satisfaction with their WMSU education, encompassing the quality of instruction, program relevance to their chosen fields, and overall preparedness for the workforce. Researchers will track career paths, examining initial job placements, current positions, and any career transitions undertaken by graduates.
A crucial aspect of the study involves investigating the specific skills and knowledge acquired at WMSU that graduates find most valuable in their careers. This analysis will provide insights into the effectiveness of the current curriculum and identify areas for potential improvement to better equip future graduates. In some cases, the study may incorporate feedback from employers to understand their perspectives on WMSU graduate preparedness and how well their skills align with industry needs.
The findings of this tracer study hold significant value for both WMSU and its alumni. The data will inform the university’s academic programs, allowing for curriculum adaptations to ensure students are equipped with the skills and knowledge demanded by the evolving job market. Insights from the study can guide WMSU in developing targeted career services and support programs to assist graduates in their job search and professional development, ultimately enhancing graduate support. Furthermore, the Graduate Tracer Study can serve as a valuable tool for highlighting WMSU’s success in preparing its graduates for fulfilling careers. By showcasing the positive impact of WMSU education on its alumni’s professional lives, the university can strengthen its reputation and attract prospective students.
WMSU Prioritizes Research Excellence with Dr. Balendres’ Publication Workshop
Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) demonstrated its unwavering commitment to academic excellence by hosting the Research Publication Seminar-Workshop: A Guide to Publishing in Free ISI, Scopus-Indexed, and ACI Journals. This highly anticipated event marked the welcome return of Dr. Balendres, a distinguished researcher gracing WMSU for the third time to share his expertise in scholarly publishing.
The opening ceremony underscored the critical role of research publication. Dr. Joel Fernando, VP for RESEL, echoed this sentiment during his welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of equipping researchers with the skills necessary to achieve impactful publication.
Spearheaded by the Office of the Research Project Development Unit under the leadership of Dr. Marvin A. Maulion and Associate Professor Junette Buslon, the workshop attracted a significant number of participants โ 180 researchers eager to refine their scholarly writing and publication skills. The seminar-workshop proved to be a valuable learning experience for WMSU’s faculty and researchers. Dr. Balendres’ established track record and expertise provided participants with practical strategies for navigating the publication process in prestigious ISI, Scopus-Indexed, and ACI journals. By fostering a culture of impactful research, WMSU empowers its academic community to make significant contributions to the global knowledge base.
Junior Researchers Level Up Statistical Skills with JAMOVI Workshop
Recognizing the importance of strong statistical analysis in research, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) conducted a Training Workshop on Advanced Statistical Analysis using JAMOVI on November 9-10, 2023. This workshop aimed to empower 26 junior researchers from various colleges with advanced statistical skills to enhance their research endeavors.
The workshop built upon a previous training on Basic Statistical Analysis using JAMOVI held in September 2023. This continuity ensured participants could develop their skills progressively.
The workshop focused on JAMOVI, a free and open-source software known for its intuitive interface. JAMOVI simplifies complex statistical procedures with its drag-and-drop functionality, making it accessible to researchers with varying levels of statistical background.
Resource speakers, Assistant Professors Reymond Paragas, Maydalyn Esperat, and Angelyn Sanchez, all from WMSU’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics, equipped participants with advanced statistical techniques. These included tests for association and independence in using the chi-square test to determine relationships between variables, correlational analysis in understanding the strength and direction of relationships between variables, linear regression in forecasting future values based on existing relationships, and logistic regression in analyzing data with binary outcomes.
The workshop emphasized practical learning through hands-on activities and real-world datasets. Participants actively applied various statistical techniques using JAMOVI, gaining valuable experience in interpreting results and drawing meaningful insights from their data.
Furthermore, the workshop fostered collaboration. Participants engaged in discussions, shared experiences, and sought guidance from the resource speakers and peers. This interactive approach nurtured a supportive research community and facilitated future collaboration. The Training Workshop on Advanced Statistical Analysis using JAMOVI proved to be a valuable investment in the professional development of WMSU’s junior researchers. With their newly acquired skills, these researchers are now better equipped to conduct robust research, make sound data-driven conclusions, and contribute significantly to their chosen fields. Ultimately, the workshop empowered them to excel in their research endeavors.
“Conduct of Training-Workshop on Basic and Advanced Statistical Analysis using JAMOVI on February 28 โ March 1, 2024 in WMSU ESU Ipil Campus, Ipil Zamboanga Sibugay”
Building a Foundation for Excellence: WMSU College of Medicine Completes Research TRAIning
In February 2023, the College of Medicine at Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) took a significant step towards strengthening its research capabilities. From February 20 to 24, a dedicated group of seventeen faculty members participated in a comprehensive Basic and Applied Research Training-Workshop held at the CHE Hostel Function Room.
This intensive program aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of evidence-based medicine research. Through a series of lectures, interactive workshops, and hands-on exercises, faculty members gained a thorough understanding of the research process, from formulating research questions to effectively analyzing and disseminating research findings.
The curriculum emphasized the importance of evidence-based medicine, a core principle in modern medical practice. By grounding their research in robust evidence, faculty members are empowered to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and ultimately improve patient care outcomes.
The workshop fostered a collaborative learning environment, where participants actively engaged with the material and shared their expertise with their peers. This exchange of knowledge not only enriched the learning experience but also fostered a sense of community among the College of Medicine’s research faculty.
The successful completion of the Basic and Applied Research Training-Workshop marks a pivotal moment for the WMSU College of Medicine. By investing in the research development of its faculty members, the college is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the field of medical research. This, in turn, will not only benefit the academic standing of the institution but also contribute to advancements in healthcare practices, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for the wider community.
WMSU Fosters Regional Research Capacity with Omics Forum and Hands-on Workshop
Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) strengthened its role as a hub for scientific advancement by hosting the event โBringing Omics Closer to Zamboanga: Forum on Molecular Biology and Omicsโ on February 25, 2025, at the WMSU-CTE Social Hall. The activity gathered faculty, researchers, and students to engage in meaningful discussions and practical learning on the emerging field of omics, a discipline central to modern biological research and innovation.
The program formally opened with remarks delivered by Dr. Marvin A. Maulion, Director of the Research Centers Operation Office (RCOO), on behalf of the Vice President for Research, and Extension. In his message, Dr. Maulion emphasized WMSUโs steadfast commitment to advancing research and development in strategically significant scientific fields such as molecular biology and omics. His address underscored the universityโs mission to build research capacity that not only supports academic advancement but also contributes to regional and national development.
The forum served as an essential platform for knowledge dissemination and capacity building, introducing participants to the principles, applications, and transformative potential of omics in health, agriculture, and environmental studies. Complemented by hands-on workshops, the event provided participants with practical training, thereby enhancing their technical skills and research readiness in this specialized field.
By organizing this initiative, WMSU reaffirmed its dedication to equipping the regional research community with cutting-edge knowledge and tools necessary for innovation. The Omics Forum and Workshop not only broadened the scientific perspectives of its participants but also positioned the university as a proactive leader in promoting advanced research methodologies in Western Mindanao.
“Dr. Marvin A. Maulion, Director of the Research Centers Operation Office (RCOO) with participants of OMICS forum and workshop“
Strengthening Research Quality: WMSU Conducts PAWIM Writeshop
In line with its commitment to research excellence and quality assurance, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), through the Research Development and Evaluation Center (RDEC), conducted a two-day Research Procedures and Work Instructions Manual (PAWIM) Writeshop on July 24โ25, 2025, at the RDEC Conference Room, Zamboanga City.
The writeshop formed part of RDECโs continuing efforts to strengthen the universityโs research management system and ensure full readiness for the forthcoming ISO 9001:2015 External Quality Audit scheduled on August 27, 2025. Designed as a collaborative working session, the activity focused on the review, revision, and finalization of existing PAWIM documents to align with updated research policies, standard operating procedures, and ISO requirements. Active participation was ensured by RDEC officials and staff, particularly those directly engaged in documentation and the implementation of quality management protocols. Through rigorous discussions and critical evaluation, the participants worked toward refining the manual to guarantee consistency, accuracy, and compliance across all research-related processes within the university.
The conduct of the PAWIM Writeshop reaffirms WMSUโs proactive stance in fostering a culture of accountability and standardization in research administration. By aligning institutional practices with internationally recognized quality management systems, the university not only strengthens its internal processes but also reinforces its credibility as a leading center of research and innovation in the region.
“Dr. Reynante E. Autida, RDEC Director, together with the Research Unit Heads and Staff during the Research PAWIM Writeshop , conducted n July 24. 2025 , at the RDEC Conference Room, WMSU, Zamboanga City“
WMSU RDEC Conducts Capacity Building Training-Writeshop on Advanced Mixed Methods Research Methodologies
In a focused effort to enhance the methodological capabilities of its research community, the Research Development and Evaluation Center (RDEC), operating under the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension Services and External Linkages (RESEL) at Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), successfully conducted a two-day Training-Writeshop on Mixed Methods Research from March 27 to 28, 2025. The initiative was designed to equip WMSU researchers with the sophisticated theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to effectively employ mixed methods approaches in their scholarly inquiries.
The significance of the event was underscored by the participation of Dr. Maribel R. Gaite, the Founding President of the Philippine Association of Mixed Methods Researchers & Emergent Scholars (PAMMRES), who served as the primary resource person and facilitator. Dr. Gaite’s profound expertise in the field provided attendees with authoritative guidance on the design, implementation, data integration, and analysis specific to mixed methods research paradigms.
Institutional support for this capacity-building endeavor was prominently displayed. Dr. Marvin A. Maulion, Head of the WMSU Research Project Development Unit (RPDU), delivered the formal welcome remarks, setting the stage for the intensive workshop. Furthermore, Dr. Joel G. Fernando, Vice President for RESEL, conveyed an inspirational message on behalf of WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, reinforcing the university administration’s commitment to advancing research quality through continuous professional development of its faculty and researchers.
Mixed methods research, which involves the systematic integration of quantitative and qualitative data within a single study, is increasingly recognized for its ability to provide more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of complex phenomena compared to single-method approaches. The training-writeshop presumably covered key aspect s including, but not limited to, various mixed methods design (e.g., convergent, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential), data collection strategies, techniques for integrating quantitative and qualitative datasets, and navigating the analytical challenges inherent in such approaches.
This RDEC initiative represents a strategic investment by WMSU in elevating the methodological rigor and versatility of its research enterprise. By fostering advanced competencies in mixed methods research, the university seeks to empower its researchers to tackle multifaceted research questions more effectively, ultimately enhancing the depth, validity, and potential impact of WMSU’s contributions to scholarship and evidence-based practice.
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) and Intellectual Property (IP) Valuation Assistance Workshop for JRMSU
The RAISE Team of the Research Development and Evaluation Center (RDEC) spearheaded a pivotal capacity-building activity at the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) Conference Room, Dapitan City. The initiative was led by Dr. Reynante E. Autida, RDEC Director, together with Engr. Swidin S. Husin, RDEC Associate Director, and Engr. Arvic S. Francisco, TBIU and IPTBM-ITSO Coordinator, with support from the RDEC staff.
Central to the engagement was a comprehensive Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) and Intellectual Property (IP) Valuation Assistance Workshop, which aimed to equip JRMSU researchers, innovators, and faculty members with technical skills vital for safeguarding innovations and maximizing their commercial potential. Through a series of intensive sessions, participants gained insights on identifying patent conflicts, conducting IP valuation, and aligning innovations with national technology transfer frameworks.
In conjunction with the workshop, the team also facilitated the RAISE Regional Technology Management System (RTMS) Data Updates and Monitoring, reinforcing the accuracy of regional research records and strengthening the monitoring of technology commercialization initiatives. This dual undertaking reflects RDECโs commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among higher education institutions in Mindanao, positioning JRMSU as a vital partner in advancing research productivity, technology development, and regional socio-economic growth.
