To further improve their social research skills, researchers of the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) underwent a three-day training on social research preparation at the Organic Agriculture Building, Baguio Animal Breeding, and Research Center (BABRC) compound, Dontogan, Baguio City on February 4-6, 2025.
Conducted by the Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research and Extension Network (AFFREDN) as part of their capability building activities, the activity aimed to capacitate the researchers with the skills needed to integrate social research in their technical studies.
Nicasio S. Baucas, Research Division Chief, emphasized that the training is an opportunity for researchers to produce quality proposals responsive to emerging needs. He also highlighted that the activity initiated by the AFFREDN, is a partnership of research and extension, through the DA-CAR and Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center-CAR joining forces for the network. The AFFREDN is a marriage of research and extension, added Research Division Assistant Chief Veronica F. Fangasan.
Resource speakers are seasoned faculty researchers from Benguet State University (BSU) Dr. Ruth S. Batani, Dr. Janet P. Pablo, Prof. Anne Heather B. Kiwang, and Prof. Precious M. Valentin. They discussed the fundamental topics on social research methods, research designs, principles of social research, as well as qualitative data analysis and interpretation. Statistical data analysis and interpretation were also tackled to provide a comprehensive understanding of mixed methods research. To ensure an output-driven approach, the participants were encouraged to prepare and present their social research proposals, which were critiqued and evaluated by the resource speakers.
Moreover, Dr. Pablo also dissected the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging participants to integrate diverse perspectives into their research designs and execution. Moving forward, capturing the essence of the activity, Baucas encouraged the participants, “Let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and cooperation. Let us explore new perspectives. Together, we can achieve greater success in our research endeavors.”
The researchers expressed their gratitude for the new insights gained. One participant reflected, “We are typically focused on technical research, but this training taught us how to tell the story behind the numbers. As Dr. Batani said, ‘Ano ang kwento sa kwenta?”