Research productivity was the major issue that has cropped-up in the two day planning workshop, the first of the several strategic planning activities. The government led reforms for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) specifically the State Colleges and Universities (SUCs) greatly emphasizes the need to produce knowledge-based products.
Most SUCs in the Philippines has focused more of its efforts in producing professionals alone while research was considered not very essential. With this culture, almost all state owned HEIs like University of the Philippines has lagged behind the international scene. The need of research publication in refereed journals especially those with international circulation, presentation in international scientific fora, book publication and the likes has improved the identity of institutions in the world as a knowledge creating entity thereby improving reputation. Many universities in Asia have been very active in this area outranking the once leaders like UP, DLSU, UST, etc as one of the best universities in the world.
Conducting research in the specific area of expertise helps researcher’s understanding of his field while contributing to the body of knowledge. This practice will lead into the professor’s recognition as expert in that field, thus improving the reputation of the university as home of experts. As he publishes and presented his research work, the reputation of the institution in the international scene will improve. National and international research funding becomes possible because of the increased reputation of the university. This funding help improve further the university assets like the equipments purchased for the research undertaking, and many more. As reputation pick-up, many collaborative undertaking also improve, and with it are many opportunities at the university disposal. Quality of students seeking admission increases including international students. These are just some of the many benefits of an HEI having a very strong research culture.
The said benefits are impossible if the institution will not invest on people and infrastructure necessary in doing research activities. Allocating more on areas that will help improve capabilities of the university personnel in doing research has to be done. Understanding the important role of research in the existence and in the future of Samar State University, the President and his Vice Presidents are one in saying that the plan for the next 5 to 10 years must be anchored on this area. As knowledge creation in the university increases, other aspects such as quality education, infrastructure, quality of students produced and more importantly the employability will also improve.