CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—Samar State University’s (SSU) Research Center for Culture and Social Issues (RCCSI) is currently holding a three-day Research Proposal Seminar and Writing Workshop on October 1-3, 2025 at the SSU Main Campus, Catbalogan City, to strengthen research capacities and prepare quality proposals for institutional funding under RCCSI for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

The research activity gathered faculty members who seek to refine their research skills and align their studies with the priority agenda of RCCSI. Serving as the resource speaker is Dr. Jeffrey V. Ocay, University Professor of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU).

Research Foundation & Proposal Writing

The seminar opened on October 1, Wednesday, with the theme “From Basics to Identifying Research Gaps.” The first session reviewed the fundamentals of research, the elements of a research proposal, and the process of problem formulation and gap spotting. The day concluded with a workshop on identifying research problems and gaps, where participants began drafting ideas that could evolve into proposals for funding.

Today, October 2, the participants are shifting their focus to “Deepening the Proposal.” The sessions are centered on the discussion and approval of selected one-page research problems/gaps, followed by a hands-on workshop on writing the rationale of the study. The attendees are currently producing two- to three-page rationales, which are being critiqued by Dr. Ocay and the RCCSI Team led by Dir. Maria Rubi M. Parrocho.

The workshop concludes tomorrow, October 3, with the final theme “Completing and Refining the Proposal.” The final day will guide participants through writing and critiquing the literature review and methodology sections, ensuring that their proposals are not only academically sound but also ready for submission to RCCSI for funding consideration.

RCCSI is one of SSU’s Research and Extension (R&E) centers that serves as a hub for generating knowledge and practices that address cultural and social concerns. Its vision is to engage in researches and practices addressing cultural and social issues for solutions to some of the most pressing and immediate concerns of society. The current workshop reflects these thrusts, as it empowers SSU researchers to pursue researches that will address pressing community needs while contributing to broader socio-economic development.