DIP Lab Launches Mentoring Program in Region V

Photo-op with Dr. Alberto Naperi, CBSUA President and Dr. Lester Narvaez, BCAARRD Director. Photo credit to CBSUA Public Information Office

The Development Innovations and Policy Laboratory (DIP Lab) launched its Mentoring Program on Policy Analysis and Policy Research Proposal Development in Region V in collaboration with Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) and Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD), held January 13-16, 2025, at the CBSUA Main Campus University Library. The event marks the beginning of a five-month-long program that aims to strengthen policies in the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) sector.

A total of eight teams from different institutions participated in the training, namely Partido State University, Bicol University, Sorsogon State University, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture—Main Campus, Camarines Norte State College-Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Philippine Coconut Authority-Albay Research Center & Bicol University, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Calabanga Campus, Camarines Norte State College, and Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office  5. This initiative aims to equip mentees with the skills needed to develop and package policy research proposals for potential funding.

Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, President of CBSUA, delivered a welcome message to kick-off  the four-day event, emphasizing that such mentoring programs are important, particularly to researchers in the Bicol Region.

The mentoring program started with an overview of policy analysis which was facilitated by Dr. Maria Luz L. Malabayabas, project leader of DIP Lab. Ms. Dhannica Amor M. Domingo, project staff member of DIP Lab, facilitated a module and a workshop on Problem Structuring. To further reinforce the mentees’ understanding on Problem Structuring, a subsequent workshop was conducted by Ms. Karen S. Janiya, DIP Lab project staff.

The second day of the mentoring program focused on the modules developing Policy Goals and Objectives while assessing different Policy alternatives related to the mentee’s area of research. Ms. Domingo discussed a special topic on Policy Recommendations to help the participants properly identify and phrase their potential policy alternatives. The program ended with a presentation by Ms. Charmaine Angela Trillana, of the Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD) of DOST-PCAARRD, to help mentees familiarize themselves with the different forms required for submitting a policy research proposal.

The third day focused on monitoring and evaluating their policy research and key performance indicators. Ms. Domingo shared her insight through a master class on policy analytic framework, discussing her experience in the policy-making process. The DIP Lab team also conducted one-on-one consultations with the research teams to help them craft their policy research proposals.

On the last day, Ms. Therese Marie L. Quilnat, DIP Lab project staff, guided the participants in developing their research questions and objectives for their concept notes. In the afternoon session, the groups presented their proposals for the priority areas of R & D of BCAARRD. Some of the topics presented were Evaluation of the National Agri-fishery Mechanization Program’s Implementation and Outcomes in the Abaca Industry, Mainstreaming the Indigenous Farming Beliefs and Practices of the Indigenous Cultural Communities in Sorsogon, Philippines, An Pagtanom asin Pagtalubo: Strengthening Agricultural Spirit and Interest Among Youth through Curriculum Integration and Advocacy and Aligning government and civil society programs for mangrove ecosystem resilience: Policy challenges and opportunities.

Dr. Aileen V. Lapitan, Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf) of UPLB, together with Ms. Trillana, participated online and offered comments and suggestions for the mentees to work on. Dr. Rowena F. Zoilo, Regional Techno-Transfer Cluster Coordinator of BCAARRD, also provided feedback after each presentation. Dr. Zoilo also delivered the closing remarks to formally conclude the face-to-face event.

The four-day face-to face mentoring is part of a five-month mentorship program by DIP Lab to guide and develop researchers from Region V in conducting policy research that could potentially help them secure funding.

[This article is originally published in DIP Lab News and Updates]