NRCP Research Journal Strengthens Publication, Urges More Submission to Boost Credibility and Visibility
In a time when evidence-based research is increasingly vital for shaping policies and driving innovation, the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST- NRCP) has been actively strengthening its peer-reviewed NRCP Research Journal as a more active platform for scientific communication, policy support for innovation, and national development.
Through its Library Enhancement Program, the Council has already conducted multiple initiatives such as editors forum, to regularize the journal’s publication schedule, attract more research submissions, and maintain high editorial standards. The journal is already indexed in reputable databases such as EBSCO and the Andrew Gonzalez International Educational Database, demonstrating its established quality. Ongoing efforts aim to further enhance its visibility and lay the groundwork for future inclusion in additional international indexing platforms such as Scopus and ISI.
As part of this initiative, NRCP recently held a hybrid writeshop at the NRCP Auditorium in Bicutan, Taguig City on October 15, 2025, to help member-researchers prepare manuscripts suitable for publication in both local and international journals.
A total of 148 researchers comprising 71 on-site and 77 online participants from Cluster III (medical, pharmaceutical, and chemical sciences) and other interdisciplinary fields attended the event. Before the main sessions, they were oriented on publication practices and standards designed to help them strengthen the quality and integrity of their research papers.
Dr. Pia D. Bagamasbad, NRCP Research Journal Editor for Cluster III, shared practical guidelines for writing and organizing primary research papers, identifying suitable journals, and addressing peer- review feedback. She also introduced participants to various citation management and statistical tools to help them strengthen the rigor and presentation of their research. She emphasized the importance of research integrity and warned against predatory publishing practices that compromise scholarly credibility.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jose Isagani B. Janairo, the journal’s Editor-in-Chief, discussed the ethical dimensions of publishing and the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in research. He also presented the journal’s milestones, the challenges it faces, and strategies to enhance the country’s publication ecosystem and encourage more high-quality submissions.
Janairo also outlined the editorial and peer-review process of the NRCP Research Journal, guiding participants on how to prepare manuscripts that align with international publication standards. He urged his co-members to actively submit their research outputs to enrich the journal’s content and visibility.
During the open forum, participants proposed approaches to widen access to NRCP publications and strengthen institutional linkages with local and state universities and colleges (LUCs and SUCs) through the National Consortium of Journal Publication. The establishment of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) within the Council to facilitate ethical review and certification of research projects was also cited.
Further recommendations included training and accrediting NRCP members as research ethics trainers in partnership with the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), and providing publication assistance for members submitting to internationally indexed journals.
NRCP Executive Director Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda emphasized that the Council is striving to scale up its research journal to make it more competitive. He also encouraged researchers to inspire others to publish quality studies that contribute to the country’s development agenda.
“Nawa ay maging inspirasyon kayo sa iba pang manunulat,” Dr. Sepeda stated.
Through its Research Information and Dissemination Division–Library Section (RIDD-LS), NRCP continues to enhance the quality of its journal and sustain support for researchers across divisions, enabling them to contribute more effectively to evidence-based policymaking, emerging technologies, and innovation. (Rose D. Dagupen//S&T Media Services)
