Phase 3 Capacity Building on Futures Thinking and Foresight Empowers University Leaders and Researchers

Eastern Samar State University, through the Research and Development Office headed by its Vice President, Dr. Lito D. Lacaba, conducted the Phase 3 Capacity Building on University Research Futures Thinking and Foresight, on February 7-9, 2024, at the Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.
 
Capacity-building activities included research writeshops, presentations, and interactive sessions. Aptissimi Development Innovations, Inc. (ADII), spearheaded these activities in the presence of Ms. Ma. Christine F. Reyes, Director, Mr. Darwin Flores, Mr. Joel Abelinde, Mr. Godofredo Villapando, Jr., Mr. Raul Roldan, Mr. Gerardo Escara, and Mr. Eric Aseo.
 
Moreover, Mr. Emmanuel R. De Guia, Director for Strategic Partnership and Networking of PhilFutures, and Resident Futurist of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Goals, Innovations, and Futures Thinking, joined via Zoom. He added credibility and depth to the activity with his insights and perspectives on future trends and emerging technologies.
 
Participated by University leaders and researchers across ESSU campuses, the capacity-building aimed to enhance the research skills and knowledge of the participants in the field of futures thinking and foresight. Each campus has chosen a specific commodity for service: Marine Food Products (ESSU Guiuan); Tuna (ESSU Maydolong); Macroseaweeds (ESSU Main Campus); Data Center (ESSU Salcedo 1); Cacao (ESSU Salcedo 2); Bamboo (ESSU Can-avid). By honing and refining their research skills and focusing on specific products, they can identify opportunities and challenges and create tangible outcomes that will positively transform the lives of the local community and contribute to the overall progress of the nation in the future.
 
The research outputs and findings will become the basis for creating research centers at ESSU. Overall, the capability-building program proved to be a valuable platform for advancing the research capabilities of University leaders and researchers, contributing to the overall growth and development of ESSU as one of the leading institutions in the field of futures thinking and foresight. By equipping the participants with valuable tools, ESSU hopes to foster a culture of forward-thinking and strategic planning within the University, leading to innovative research that addresses the future needs and challenges of society.
 
Certificates were awarded to the participants on the third day. The awards were associated with futuristic concepts, which are as follows:
       • Aurora Borealis – Cacao (ESSU Salcedo 2)
       • Nebulae – Abalone (ESSU Guiuan)
       • Hypernova – Macroseaweeds (ESSU Main Campus)
       • Milky Way – Tuna (ESSU Maydolong)
       • Alpha Centauri – Bamboo (ESSU Can-avid)
       • Supernova – Data Center (ESSU Salcedo 1)
       • Moonshot Awardees – Macroseaweeds and Data Center
 
The University, through its University President, Dr. Andres C. Pagatpatan Jr., expresses its profound gratitude for Senator Pia Cayetano’s steadfast support for this initiative. The generosity of her Office has been instrumental in achieving the goals of the institution, making a lasting impact on its pursuit of excellence.