The inaugural MIMAROPA: INSIGHTS which stands for Mentoring Innovations for Manuscript Advancement and Research Output Publication Academy (MIMAROPA): Innovations Nurtured through Scholarly Guidance, Harnessing Techniques and Strategies (INSIGHTS) brought together 43 educators and researchers to engage in a learning experience aimed at elevating the region’s academic research capabilities on 18-21 November 2024 in El Nido, Palawan. Hosted by Palawan State University (PSU) in partnership with CHED MIMAROPA, the event featured a diverse lineup of experts delivering impactful lectures and hands-on workshops.
CHED MIMAROPA brought together experts from CHED-CAR KABADANG Research and Publication Capacity Building to mentor participants and share their knowledge in academic research and publication. The involvement of KABADANG mentors highlighted the importance of collaboration between regions in enhancing research, which also emphasized shared goals of improving academic outputs through practical strategies and mentorship.
The program practical approaches and tools to address the challenges faced by researchers in achieving publication success while maintaining ethical standards and methodological rigor. The roster of experts included:
Dr. Erlinda C. Palaganas, a global leader in nursing and qualitative research, recognized for her contributions to healthcare equity and mentorship.
Dr. Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, an award-winning forestry and geoinformatics expert with significant contributions to environmental management and sustainability.
Dr. Thelma Domingo Palaoag, a prominent academic in artificial intelligence and data analytics, fostering innovation and knowledge dissemination.
Dr. Mark Preston S. Lopez, a Fulbright scholar with expertise in multilingual education and culturally responsive teaching.
Our very own, Dr. Jimmy Guisdan Catanes, a dynamic leader in higher education, known for advancing research and internationalization in the Philippines.
The MIMAROPA: INSIGHTS program highlighted several critical themes and outcomes that emphasized its significance in advancing scholarly work and fostering a robust research culture in Palawan State University and in the region.
The speakers collectively emphasized the pivotal role of ethical standards in maintaining the integrity of scholarly work. Ethical considerations were presented not merely as a compliance measure but as the foundation of credible and trustworthy research. Discussions underscored the importance of transparency in research processes, from data collection to analysis, and reflexivity in addressing potential biases and limitations. By reinforcing these principles, the event sought to cultivate a culture of accountability and responsibility among participants, ensuring their research contributes meaningfully to both academic and societal advancement.
The program provided researchers with a suite of practical tools to enhance the organization, analysis, and presentation of their work, bridging traditional and digital methodologies. One of the key highlights was the ANGLE Framework, which offered a systematic approach to structuring academic manuscripts. Using Excel as a dynamic tool, researchers could align their research objectives, methodologies, and findings effectively, ensuring coherence and clarity in their manuscripts. Complementing this are the introduction of the Digital Toolkits, range of online platforms and software designed to streamline research processes and improve productivity. These included tools for Reference Management, for organizing and citing sources efficiently; Data Analysis, including software like NVivo for qualitative data and SPSS for quantitative research; Plagiarism Detection tools to ensure originality and adherence to ethical standards; Writing Aids, such as Grammarly and Hemingway Editor, to refine language and improve readability. The session emphasized the importance of leveraging these digital resources to meet the demands of modern academic publishing. By integrating these tools into their workflows, researchers could not only enhance the quality of their outputs but also save valuable time and effort in the process.The combination of structured frameworks and innovative digital solutions provided participants with a robust toolkit to navigate the complexities of academic publishing effectively.
Addressing challenges in scholarly publishing, the program offered comprehensive discussions and actionable strategies to overcome these challenges. Speakers shared insights on navigating the peer review process, responding constructively to criticism, and strategically selecting journals to increase the likelihood of acceptance. By normalizing the iterative nature of writing and revision, the program encouraged participants to view challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement.
A defining feature of the event was its focus on community building. The program created an inclusive and supportive environment where participants from diverse institutions and regions engaged in knowledge sharing and intellectual exchange. The plenary discussion, in particular, exemplified this collaborative spirit, as researchers presented their outputs and received feedback from peers and mentors. This process not only enhanced the quality of individual research but also strengthened professional networks, fostering long-term partnerships and collective growth within the academic community.
The three-day MIMAROPA: INSIGHTS program culminated in a structured research workshop where participants actively engaged in the development and refinement of their research manuscripts. During this focused session, researchers applied the methodologies and strategies shared by the speakers to enhance the scholarly rigor and coherence of their work.
The workshop concluded with a plenary discussion, featuring the presentation of twenty seven (27) research outputs to the panel of mentors and peers. The manuscripts were subjected to a critical review process, with constructive feedback provided to strengthen their conceptual frameworks, methodological alignment, and overall scholarly contributions. This interactive and collegial engagement reinforced key lessons while fostering an environment of intellectual exchange and academic improvement.
The synthesis of in-depth mentoring, practical application, and evaluative discourse rendered the three-day activity both intellectually rewarding and methodologically rigorous, equipping participants with enhanced competencies and a clear trajectory toward achieving scholarly publication.
As MIMAROPA: INSIGHTS concludes, it sets the stage for future initiatives that will continue to inspire, empower, and connect researchers across the Philippines, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge remains a shared and transformative endeavor.
