The University of San Agustin successfully held its inaugural University Personnel Growth and Research Advancement for Development and Excellence (UPGRADE) on March 24-26, 2025. This three-day academic celebration showcased the research capabilities, scholarship, and creative works of Augustinian faculty and staff from various colleges, departments, and non-academic units.
Under the theme “Fostering Interdisciplinary Research for a Sustainable and Resilient Future,” UPGRADE 2025 represented a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to building a vibrant and sustainable research culture. This theme emphasizes the critical importance of collaborative research across different academic disciplines to address various challenges across the regions of the Philippines and globally. By bringing together diverse perspectives and methodologies, interdisciplinary research enables more comprehensive solutions to sustainability issues and builds resilience in communities facing environmental, social, and economic pressures. The University of San Agustin recognizes that today’s most pressing problems require integrated approaches that transcend traditional academic boundaries.
What made UPGRADE 2025 particularly innovative was its inclusive approach, bringing together both academic faculty and non-academic personnel in the pursuit of research excellence. This groundbreaking initiative challenged traditional workplace roles by empowering administrative staff to engage in research activities alongside faculty members.
The event featured notable speakers including Dr. Marieta B. Sumagaysay, Professor 12 from the University of the Philippines Tacloban College and former Executive Director of the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines, who delivered the keynote address. Dr. Donne Jone P. Sodusta, Assistant Professor from the Division of Professional Education at the University of the Philippines Visayas and a researcher in indigenous education and social movements, also shared valuable insights with the participants.
For the non-academic personnel who undergoes research, the participants benefited from the guidance of experienced mentors including Dr. Alexander Balsomo, Prof. Rosemarie Java, Ms. Sheena Balinsoy, and Dr. Geneveve Parreño-Lachica, who provided support throughout their research process.
The three-day event featured a diverse range of activities that commenced with an opening ceremony and keynote address by Dr. Marieta Sumagaysay, followed by poster presentations showcasing innovative studies from various disciplines. The event also featured oral paper presentations held on March 26, 2025 where faculty members presented their research to peers and experts, promoting scholarly discourse and constructive feedback. On March 26, 2025, it included a Writeshop on Writing Publishable Manuscripts at Sam’s Hotel, designed to guide faculty members in converting their research findings into publishable work and simultaneously featured a Research Proposal Pitching event where non-academic personnel presented their research proposals.
A standout moment of UPGRADE 2025 was the Research Proposal Pitching event which saw participation from fourteen university units and offices. This pioneering program allowed administrative staff to embrace the role of researchers, with many studies focused on enhancing office operations and processes.
The non-academic personnel researchers received valuable feedback from an exceptional panel of judges including Dr. Garry C. Cachuela, Ms. Windy T. Dela Cruz, and Dr. Matthew T. Lasap.
The success of UPGRADE 2025 was made possible through the leadership of Director Mr. Normon Laurista of the Research and Publications Services (RPS) Office and the RPS team, with invaluable support from Rev. Fr. Aimark Asor, OSA (VP for Admin and Finance), Atty. Ela Cristina Tan Lopez (HRMO Director), and Dr. Jonel P. Saludes (VP for Research and Global Relations). Special mention to Mr. Arvin Zulueta, Mendel Institute Coordinator and Chair of UPGRADE 2025 and the Research Management Group Coordinators.
By encouraging both faculty and non-academic personnel to engage in research, the University of San Agustin is breaking down traditional barriers and promoting a culture of curiosity, innovation, and continuous professional development. UPGRADE 2025 serves as a powerful reminder that research is not confined to academic departments but can be a transformative tool for growth across all organizational levels.
The university looks forward to building on this successful inaugural event and continuing to strengthen its research culture in the years to come. (TSA)
