by: Alicia D. Rivera
Baguio City — In a strategic effort to enhance research capacity and culture at the University of Baguio Laboratory Elementary School (UBLES), school leaders and faculty gathered with representatives from the Research Innovation and Extension and Community Outreach (RIECO) office for a focused meeting on July 2. The purpose was to align research initiatives with the institution’s goals.
Held at the school library, the meeting aimed to achieve two main objectives: first, to clarify and identify the specific research needs of students and faculty, guiding the development of a comprehensive Research Reskilling Program for the 2025–2026 academic year; and second, to draft specific research policies tailored for UBLES, which will be integrated into the university’s broader research framework.
During the discussion, RIECO staff presented the university’s research goals, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a research mindset from early education. Faculty shared current practices, challenges, and aspirations related to action research and inquiry-based learning for students.
The discussion focused on two objectives. First, participants collaboratively clarified the research needs of students and faculty to prepare for the upcoming Research Reskilling Program. Faculty shared insights on their research capabilities, challenges in classroom research, and the support they need to engage in meaningful research. The needs of students, especially in developing basic research skills fit for elementary students, were also examined.
Second, the group discussed creating specific research policies for UBLES that complement the university’s overall research framework. Topics included mechanisms for institutional support, ethical research practices, integrating research into the school’s curriculum, and opportunities for faculty mentorship and collaboration. The aim is to foster a sustainable research culture that empowers teachers and introduces students to the principles of inquiry and investigation.
UBLES Principal Dr. Julius T. Gat-eb expressed appreciation for RIECO’s initiative, saying, “This meeting is an important step toward empowering our teachers and students to be active participants in knowledge generation. With the right support, we can create a vibrant research culture even at the elementary level.”
This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, promoting inclusive and equitable learning opportunities and lifelong skills. By reskilling teachers and preparing students for inquiry-based learning, UBLES and RIECO contribute to developing informed, reflective, and research-minded future citizens.
The meeting concluded with both parties committing to draft a policy framework and a detailed reskilling plan, reinforcing the school’s role as a nurturing ground for research excellence and innovation at the basic education level.
