Demonstrating its commitment to community engagement and educational development, Kalinga State University has taken the lead in initiating a partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Kalinga through a community extension project focused on strengthening research capabilities among teaching and non-teaching personnel.
The first coordination meeting, held on August 07, 2025 at SDO-Kalinga, marked the beginning of this collaborative initiative. Spearheaded by the university’s Community Extension Services Office in coordination with DepEd-Kalinga headed by the new Schools Division Superintendent, the project supports the DepEd’s thrust to foster a research culture within the education sector. During the initial meeting, representatives from both the university and DepEd discussed shared goals, including the enhancement of research capacity among educators, alignment with the Basic Education Research Agenda (BERA), and the utilization of school-based data to inform research topics. Another key goal is the publication of completed studies in a collaborative research journal, which will serve as a platform to showcase the evidence-based practices and innovations of both teaching and non-teaching personnel. This initiative aims to encourage continuous learning, professional sharing, and wider dissemination of impactful research outputs.

“As a higher education institution, it is our social responsibility to share our project with the education sector, especially in the area of research,” said Dr. Marilou D. Alngag, Dean-College of Advanced Sciences of Kalinga State University. “Through this partnership, we aim to cultivate a culture of inquiry and evidence-based practice among educators and school personnel.”
During the meeting, representatives from both the state university and DepEd discussed shared goals, identified priority areas based on performance data, and laid out a preliminary plan for implementing training workshops, mentoring sessions, and technical assistance for research proposal development and to act as an external peer reviewer for the research journal before its official publication.
DepEd Kalinga officials welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the university’s proactive support in enhancing the professional growth of educators. “We are grateful for this opportunity to work closely with the university,” said Madam Gloria B. Buya-ao, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd- Kalinga. “Research is one key to solving many of the challenges we face in schools, and this project will help our teachers and staff develop practical solutions that are grounded in data and real-world experience.”
The project is set to roll out in phases, beginning with research capability-building seminars and proposal writing workshops in the coming months. Faculty members and researchers from the university will serve as resource persons and mentors, ensuring sustained support for DepEd participants throughout the research cycle. This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening the connection between the higher education and basic sectors, reaffirming both institution’s commitment to improving education through research, collaboration, and community service.
Present during the initial collaboration meeting are (from left to right): SDS Gloria B. Buya-ao, ASDS Ginadine L. Balagso of SDO-Kalinga, Dr. Marilou D. Alngag, Dean, College of Advanced Sciences, Dr. Maryjoyce D. Wangiwang, Chairman, MAEd Program, Dr. Luzviminda M. Wingnga, Chairman-Extension Services, Kalinga State University (KSU) and Marciana B. Bomowey, SEPS for Planning and Research from SDO-Kalinga.