The landscape of Philippine education governance is undergoing a critical transformation, driven by evidence-based research and collaborative partnerships between academic institutions and policy think tanks. On August 5, the 10th Socio-Economic Research Portal for the Philippines (SERP-P) Knowledge-Sharing Forum brought together educators, researchers, and policymakers to reimagine how data-driven insights can strengthen the nation’s educational framework.
OVPRED and PIDS Champion Education Governance Through Research at 10th SERP-P Forum
The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development (OVPRED), successfully hosted this pivotal event at Bulwagang Bonifacio, NALLRC Building, PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila. Moreover, the forum expanded its reach through simultaneous streaming via Zoom and Facebook Live, ensuring broader participation from the academic community.
Setting the Stage for Educational Innovation
Titled “Rethinking Education Governance Through Research,” the forum created a dynamic platform where evidence-based studies took center stage in discussions about strengthening educational governance. PIDS President Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuano opened the program with a warm welcome, followed by inspiring remarks from PUP President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi. Furthermore, these opening messages emphasized the critical role of research in shaping sustainable educational policies.
Three Pillars of Excellence: Key Presentations Unveiled
The forum featured three comprehensive presentations that addressed different facets of educational governance and innovation:
- Teacher Education Excellence: PIDS’ Jenard D. Berroya explored “Mapping Excellence in Teacher Education: The Role of Centers of Excellence in Teacher Quality,” highlighting how specialized centers can elevate educational standards nationwide.
- Future-Oriented Management: Dr. Diosdado M. San Antonio of SEAMEO-INNOTECH presented “Learning-Focused and Future-Oriented School-Based Management,” offering insights into adaptive management strategies.
- Community Impact: Dr. Jose Reuben Q. Alagaran II, Dean of the PUP College of Communication, delivered “From Campuses to Communities: Institutionalizing Advocacy Hubs for Sustainable Impact,” demonstrating how universities can extend their influence beyond traditional boundaries.
Interactive Dialogue Shapes Policy Discourse
Following the presentations, Dr. Ricky R. Rosales, Associate Professor at PUP, skillfully moderated an engaging panel discussion and Q&A session. The conversation delved deep into crucial education policies, particularly examining the roles of Centers of Excellence (COEs) and Centers of Development (CODs) in Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) across the Philippines. Additionally, participants emphasized the urgent need for establishing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Hubs in universities and advocating for increased budget allocations for research and extension projects at all educational levels.
The forum reaffirmed the shared commitment of PIDS and PUP to advance quality education through research-driven policies and practices.
Building Bridges: Collaborative Solutions for Educational Challenges
Participants, both onsite and online, actively contributed to meaningful knowledge exchange, offering diverse perspectives and innovative solutions for reimagining Philippine education’s future. Unlike traditional academic conferences, this forum fostered genuine collaboration between researchers and practitioners. The event successfully demonstrated how research-driven education policy can bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical implementation.
Aligning with Global Sustainability Goals
Anchored on PUP’s core value of Passion for Learning and Innovation, the event strengthened the culture of knowledge exchange while supporting critical United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, the forum advanced SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering collaboration and innovation in education governance.
Charting the Path Forward
The 10th SERP-P Forum successfully demonstrated that transforming education governance requires more than policy changes—it demands evidence-based research, collaborative partnerships, and sustained commitment to innovation. The insights shared during this event will undoubtedly influence future educational policies and practices across the Philippines. As the nation continues to navigate educational challenges, forums like these serve as vital catalysts for meaningful reform, ensuring that research remains at the heart of educational decision-making.
