Ifugao State University (IFSU) took a bold step towards a future-oriented approach today, 12 April 2024, with its first-ever Futures Thinking Research Agency In-House Review. The activity, organized by the Research and Development Center for the Ifugao Rice Terraces as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), brought together researchers, University leaders, and panelists at the Multi-Purpose Hall, IFSU Lamut (Main) Campus, with simultaneous participation via online platform.

Dr. Marissa P. Bulong, Vice President for Research, Development, Extension and Training, emphasized the importance of futures thinking as a turning point in "imagining and building a better future."  She called for "open minds to explore the enormous potential of futures thinking together."

University President Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Duyon, represented by Dr. Mary P. Caclini, Vice President for Academic Affairs, lauded the teaching and non-teaching staff for their innovative research proposals.  "This in-house review provides a golden opportunity to have your research proposals critiqued by experts from esteemed institutions," Dr. Dugyon remarked.

The event boasted a prestigious panel of academics, including Dr. Lizan P. Calina, Dean of the Development Academy of the Philippines Graduate School, and Dr. Leo Mendel D. Rosario, Assistant Professor and Program Chair of the University of the Philippines Open University - Faculty of Management and Development Studies.

Seven researchers showcased their proposals, each charting a course for the future. Dr. Florence Napew-Bahni's proposal explored "Inclusive Futures: Preferred Futures for Learners with Disabilities," while Dr. Marissa P. Bulong delved into "The Futures of Smart Greenhouse Vegetable Gardening: Towards Attaining Zero-Hunger Communities in Ifugao Province in 2040 and Beyond."

Dr. Dizon B. Tayaban's research anticipated "The Futures of Sex Education in the Philippine Basic Education: A Case Study in Rural Area," while Ms. Diana Mae D. Pimentel presented "Future-Proofing Cooperative: Navigating Uncertainty through Visionary Backcasting among Cooperative Leaders."

Ms. Evarista B. Gano examined "The Futures of Heritage Tourism Industry: Risks and Security of Tourists," and Dr. Eilene B. Bugnay investigated "The Fortified Futures of Tuwali Ifugao as an Indigenous Language Study 1: Where is our Language Going?"

Rounding out the presentations, Ms. Honeylette Baloc-Kimmayong tackled "The Plausible Futures of Swidden Farming in the Upland Communities of Ifugao."

The event concluded with Dir. Judy C. Baggo, University Director of the IRT GIAHS Center, commending all participants and emphasizing the importance of this pioneering initiative.

//DDT