DOST-NRCP Establishes Regional Chapters to Strengthen Member Engagement Nationwide

The Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), through its Governing Board, approved on June 23 the establishment of Regional Chapters under the Support to the Regional Clusters (S2RC) Program, marking a major step toward strengthening research engagement and bringing NRCP services closer to researchers across the country.

The initiative addresses longstanding challenges related to geographic distance, limited regional engagement, and access to research support services outside Metro Manila.

Under the S2RC Program, Regional Chapters will serve as NRCP’s operational arm in the regions, delivering capacity development programs, mobilizing experts, strengthening institutional linkages, and fostering collaboration among researchers, academic institutions, government agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders.

Each chapter will be composed of NRCP members residing or working within a specific region and will be led by elected Chapter officers. To strengthen coordination with the regional science and technology ecosystem, a representative from the DOST Regional Office will serve as co-chair.

The chapters will operate through committees on membership, capacity development, expert engagement, networks and linkages, and technical evaluation. These committees will spearhead initiatives aimed at expanding membership, enhancing researcher competencies, building partnerships, and supporting evidence-informed policymaking at the local level.

The newly approved chapters will complement the existing Regional Clusters, which will continue to provide strategic direction and regional perspectives. While the clusters identify priorities and emerging concerns, the chapters will translate these into concrete programs and activities on the ground.

Implementation will kick off with pilot chapters in Region II, Region VI, Region XI, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). These regions were selected based on existing engagement with NRCP, track record in previous initiatives, and their potential to advance regional research and development.

To support chapter operations, NRCP will provide up to ₱300,000 in funding for approved activities during the initial year. Operational chapters may subsequently apply for up to ₱1 million annually to implement capacity development initiatives and provide local policy and advisory support through stakeholder consultations.

The S2RC Program is expected to strengthen NRCP’s regional presence, deepen member engagement, expand access to research opportunities, and contribute to stronger regional research ecosystems and evidence-based local governance.

With the approval of the S2RC Program, NRCP takes a significant step toward building a more accessible, responsive, and inclusive research community nationwide. (Mary Charlotte Fresco)