In a bid to strengthen the culture of research and innovation in the education sector, the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Sultan Kudarat, in partnership with the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), conducted a three-day Capacity Building for School and District Research Coordinators in the Conduct of Science and Technology-Based Action Researches on 14-16 October 2025, in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
The training aimed to empower educators to develop and conduct science and technology-based action research – an initiative geared toward addressing persistent challenges in schools through evidence-based and technology-driven solutions.
Participants from different municipalities collaborate during the group activity as part of the Capacity Building for School and District Research Coordinators in the Conduct of Science and Technology-Based Action Researches held in Koronadal City.
The first day featured sessions led by Acd. Maribel G. Nonato, member of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Division of NAST PHL, who discussed emerging trends in science and technology-based action research. Participants engaged in a brainstorming activity on prevalent school issues, producing a list of problems and potential S&T-based solutions as their initial output. Acd. Nonato encouraged participants to integrate emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches into their research, emphasizing the use of AI, data analytics, and sustainable innovations to address classroom and community challenges. She also highlighted the importance of ethical research practices, particularly in ensuring data privacy and equitable access to technology.
Acd. Maribel G. Nonato leading a session on emerging trends in S&T-based action research.
Dr. Maribel Dionisio-Sese, 1995 Outstanding Young Scientist Awardee and Professor 12 at the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños, conducted a comprehensive workshop on writing high-quality action research proposals, guiding participants in crafting research titles, defining contexts and rationales, formulating questions, and outlining proposed innovations.
Continuing on the second day, she discussed the selection of appropriate research methods and tools for data analysis, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, credibility, and ethical conduct in research. Dr. Dionisio-Sese called on educators to develop well-structured, ethically sound proposals aligned with the Basic Education Research Agenda (BERA), transform data into actionable insights, and uphold integrity by avoiding fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
Dr. Maribel Dionisio-Sese, 1995 Outstanding Young Scientist Awardee and Professor at UPLB, conducts a workshop on crafting high-quality research proposals and refining methodologies for educator-led studies.
Meanwhile, Dr. Merdelyn Caasi-Lit, 1999 Outstanding Young Scientist Awardee and Scientist III at UP Los Banos, led sessions on effective strategies for presenting and disseminating research findings and writing publishable research papers. These discussions encouraged educators to share their studies beyond their schools and contribute to the growing body of local education research.
She urged participants to actively disseminate and publish their findings to foster a wider culture of evidence-based education. She also emphasized that teachers should practice clear, confident presentations, seek feedback, and submit their studies to peer-reviewed journals to contribute to the country’s growing body of education research.
Dr. Merdelyn Caasi-Lit facilitates a session on effective dissemination of research findings and strategies for publishing educational research.
The final day was devoted to the critiquing and presentation of action research proposals, where participants received feedback from resource speakers. This process allowed educators to refine their outputs for future implementation in their respective schools and districts.
Participants present and defend their action research proposals during the final day of the training, receiving valuable feedback from NAST PHL experts.
Participants were urged to sustain the momentum by forming research clusters within their schools and divisions, mentoring peers, and developing projects that address local education issues through science and technology-based approaches. The workshop concluded with a call for educators to transform classrooms into hubs of innovation where research guides practice, technology enhances learning, and evidence-based solutions drive positive change.
The training also underscored the need to integrate science and research into education policies and practices to ensure that innovations remain ethical, data-driven, and sustainable. As DepEd Sultan Kudarat and NAST PHL continue to promote research-based initiatives, educators are encouraged to apply their learnings and conduct science-driven action research in their schools, with school heads and district supervisors providing mentorship and support to strengthen a technology-enhanced education system (John Nikko V. Espiritu/NAST PHL).
Participants and speakers pose for a group photo during Day 1 (left) and Day 2 (right) of the capacity-building training held in Koronadal City.
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) is an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) mandated by law (Executive Order 818 s.1982) to serve as an adviser to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the cabinet on policies concerning science and technology in the country. For more updates, follow NAST Philippines’ (@nastphl) social media accounts.