Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
NEDA Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño emphasized how CMU, through Research and Development, shall contribute to the achievement of the Ambisyon 2040 in her keynote speech during the University Faculty Conference 2022, at the University Convention Center, on September 23.
Director Cariño stressed the role of the faculty in ensuring that inclusive and sustainable development can be attained through Innovation, Research, and Development.
“…[it is] very important for the faculty to be involved. Do not confine yourselves to your own respective departments, and do not confine yourselves to the fourfold functions of the University. Kinahanglan manginlabot because in the end, it is our common future that we are creating together,” Dir. Cariño added.
The University’s research agenda focuses on responding to poverty and environmental degradation through research, development, and extension. Based on the 2021 CMU Annual Report, the university has at least 59 completed research and 62 ongoing research conducted with beneficiaries all over the Philippines.
“…I’m very happy to see that you are very prolific and productive as far as research and development are concerned in this part of the world,” Dir. Cariño said.
She stated that the National and Regional Target is to remove thousands and millions of people in the quagmire of poverty by increasing employability. She said that creating green jobs and a blue economy is only possible through Research and Development.
The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 strategies, aim to reinvigorate job creation, accelerate poverty reduction, and most importantly, move towards economic transformation for prosperous, inclusive, and resilient communities—which Dir. Cariño believes CMU can contribute efficiently.
This is evident in the dissemination, utilization, and commercialization of research-generated, environment-friendly, and market-driven technologies. It is highlighted in the 2021 CMU Annual Report that 23 technologies have been promoted and adopted among the beneficiary communities and individuals.
“We are advocates of equity in terms of distribution of resources because we must give more to those who need more—But equality in terms of opportunities. Dinhi sa skwelahan everyone should have equal opportunity to compete and develop,” she added.
Moreover, Dr. Cariño also emphasized the importance of the social development agenda through quality education. She said that awards will not matter and are meaningless if graduates cannot be employed or if graduates cannot create jobs.
“We must be able to prepare our students to take on greater challenges and to take advantage of the opportunities in the Region and outside of the region. We must also be able to develop human resources nga dili lang pang empleyo ang ilang huna huna but sila mismo ang mocreate sa trabaho para sa uban.”
Furthermore, Dir. Cariño challenged the University to provide the students with the necessary tools for the application of new ideas for new outcomes. She appealed that the university must develop a culture of innovation and critical thinking among students.
“…innovation is a priority that cuts across regional equity, that cuts across smart infrastructure, that cuts across climate change. And you can certainly participate in that,” she added.
The faculty Conference is an annual forum held as part of the academic activities of the University. Aside from introducing newly hired faculty members, it also provides a venue for sharing new information and updates and facilitates the exchange of ideas and insights over issues challenging the work of the faculty. [Iyren Dalipe Neri & Mary Jane D. Bravo]
