THE Professional Schools of the University of Mindanao inspires students to conduct studies relevant to the field of expertise and to the sectors they represent with the results that enhance discussions.
Along the process of completing their theses and dissertations, researchers are required to present and inform the results, conclusions and recommendations of their studies to the populace. A public forum is organized and conducted with supervision from the mentors and professors taking into consideration the initiative of the researchers.
On February 17, 2018, aspirants for Doctor in Business Administration and Masters in Public Administration joined forces in realizing a public research forum and community extension project with the theme: "Better Public Service through Research."
The forum aims to establish new researches to contribute to better public service in Public Administration. It also served as one of the community extension activities of the Professional Schools of the University of Mindanao.
The mentors lead by the Dean of Professional Schools Dr. Eugenio S. Guhao, D.M., guided the aspirants to ensure that the information will be properly disseminated to the stakeholders.
The invited panel of expert reactors were Prof. Roby V. Pagong, PhD, College Instructor at University of Southeastern Philippines; Prof. Karl P. Campos, PhD, College Instructor at University of Southeastern Philippines; Dr. Fatma Idris, MPA, DRD, Ceso V, a public servant currently leading the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Davao; and Police Superintendent Romuelda B. Empleo, MPA Commission Officer of the Philippine National Police and a dedicated public servant for 21 years.
Other stakeholders from Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Davao, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa)-Davao, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), academe and several private institutions also actively participated during the forum.
The first presenter was Helen Grace C. Legorio, an instructor from the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep). Her dissertation is entitled, "Causal Model of Hotels and Employees' Satisfaction."
Legorio, who is in the realm of Business Administration, wanted to improve the employees' welfare of Hotel industry in Davao City.
Subsequently, Jesserie O. Parabacuel, Court Interpreter III of Regional Trial Court Branch 3-Nabunturan, presented his thesis entitled, "Transactional Leadership and Workplace Engagement of DAR Region XI Employees."
Parabacuel, being a former employee of Provincial Agrarian Reform Office of Compostela Valley (Paro-ComVal) under Program Beneficiaries Division (PBDD), envisioned enhancing leadership skills and engagement of employees in DAR-Davao.
Ruby-Ann C. Molinos imparted her study, "Work Stressors and Interpersonal Conflict in Organization of PNP in Region XI." As one of the PNP non-uniformed personnel, she desired to know the causes of stress among PNP personnel in the region and recommended possible solutions.
Thereafter, the thesis entitled, "Political Skills and Citizenship Behaviour of Davao City Residents," was expounded by Kenn Butch C. Restificar. As campus missionary, Restificar sought to know the civic abilities of the people of Davao City especially in this highly political era.
Then, Novelyn DJ Auxilio, explained her thesis entitled, "Therapeutic Community Modality Program and Wellness of Female Inmates in Davao City" As jail officer, Auxilio affirmed the need for psychiatrist and psychologist in jail facilities. This study also upholds the Gender and Development (GAD) in the BJMP.
The sixth presenter was Carmelo T. Elaya, the OIC-regional director of Owwa-Davao. He presented his thesis entitled, "Entrepreneurship Attitude and Psychological Well-Being of the OFWs under BalikPinas! BalikHanapBuhay! Program."
Elaya found out in his study that overseas Filipino workers are very innovative especially in entrepreneur, as they imbibe the different entrepreneurial styles they had experienced from the countries they formerly work. This study will also enable the Owwa to assess and intervene possible ways and means in helping the returning OFWs.
Lastly, Maridel S. Duque talked about her thesis entitled, "Employee Relationship Management Practices & Attitudes Towards Work of DAR Employees."
Duque, the regional Information and Communication Technology Officer II of DAR-Davao, envisioned to give recommendations that would fill the gap between the management practices and attitudes of DAR employees in their respective functions.
All presented studies were painstakingly conducted by the researchers. The panel of reactors, stakeholders and all other participants much appreciated the results and considered the recommendations arising from the conclusions.
Brenna Mae T. Concepcion, Agrarian Reform Program Technologist (ARPT) from DAR-Compostela Valley, wished that the researches will be considered as basis for interventions in the respective concerned organizations and eventually will benefit the general public.
Dr. Victoria O. Ligan, DPA, program coordinator of DPA and MPA, assured the participants and the stakeholders that the public will benefit from these studies as one of the ultimate goals of learning in the Professional Schools of the University of Mindanao.
The program ended with a closing remarks of Jesserie O. Parabacuel, who stressed that the forum is a confirmation that research is a catalyst for better public service.
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The researchers would like to give thanks to those who became part of the success of this public forum: Dr. Eugeno S. Guhao, DM - Dean of the Professional Schools; Dr. Victoria O. Ligan, DPA - MPA/DPA Program Coordinator; Sitti Rogaiya L. Apadan, RSW - Community Extension Project Coordinator; Dr. Ana Raissa T. Trinidad, PhD - Research Coordinator; Lovely Diwata; and to all faculty and staff of University of Mindanao Professional Schools. (Jesserie O. Parabacuel)