By: Marga L. Taganas, CPA, MBA
Representing the College of Business Administration (CBA), Dean and Research Coordinator Dr. Cherrie Mae M. Manuel and Extension Coordinator Dr. Jolly B. Mariacos joined over 30 faculty members and coordinators at the Pocket Research Learning Program held on October 14, 2025, at the DMJF Hall.
The seminar focused on strengthening the alignment between academic inquiry and community transformation, reinforcing CBA’s commitment to evidence-based community development. Distinguished speaker Dr. Marilou M. Saong delivered an engaging lecture titled “Strengthening the Nexus of Research and Extension,” introducing five integration models—Linear, Feedback, Participatory, Integrated, and Translational. Dr. Saong highlighted that true innovation occurs when communities co-create solutions. Through their active participation, the CBA coordinators gained valuable insights on converting academic research into practical extension initiatives, including local policy advocacy and community training programs.
This engagement directly supports SDG 4: Quality Education by enriching academic instruction through evidence-based research application, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by driving sustainable community empowerment, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering cross-sectoral collaboration between academia and local communities.