NRCP REVITALIZES JOURNAL PUBLICATION WITH NEW EDITORIAL BOARD

By Glenn Ford B. Tolentino

Science Research Specialist II

RIDD-IDS, DOST-NRCP

gftolentino.nrcp.09112023@gmail.com

DOST-NRCP Bicutan, Philippines – The National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) has taken steps to revitalize its research journal, electing a new editorial board and outlining a vision for the publication as a top-tier, peer-reviewed, open-access, multi-disciplinary journal that publishes rigorous and valuable research.

The NRCP Research Journal Editorial Board met on November 8, 2023, via Zoom, with 22 distinguished members from the 13 participating scientific divisions. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, the Executive Director of the NRCP, and discussed the NRCP Journal revitalization project under his term.

Dr. Sepeda emphasized that the core principle of the project is rooted in a concept paper presented by Dr. Michael Angelo B. Promentilla, Chair of the NRCP Division of Engineering and Industrial Research. This concept paper envisions the NRCP Research Journal as a leading platform for the dissemination of high-quality research in the Philippines. To achieve this goal, the project will focus on strengthening the journal’s organizational structure, enhancing its editorial processes, and expanding its reach.

During the meeting, Dr. Sepeda stressed the importance of the NRCP Journal as a platform for NRCP members and researchers to publish high-quality research. He also acknowledged the challenges the journal has faced in recent years, including irregular publication, a decline in submissions, and a lack of technical staff to support the editorial board. However, he expressed confidence that the revitalization project will address these challenges and help the journal achieve its full potential.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas, chair of the NRCP Publication Committee and Mathematical Sciences Division, pointed out the low number of submissions among the members and encouraged all to submit journal articles to make the NRCP scholarly journal a more productive and safe space for experts, academics, and scientists to share their research findings and insghts.

The NRCP Journal Publication faced irregular publication from 2019 to 2021 due to the pandemic, with some researchers opting to submit their manuscripts to ISI indexed publications and a lack of technical staff to support the Editorial Board. However, with the guidance of the former Executive Director, Dr. Marieta Bañez Sumagaysay, and the contributions of Governing Board members and NRCP Members who served as Editors-in-Chief, these gaps were addressed.

The revitalization project also aims to provide NRCP members and researchers with a platform to publish high-quality research. Specifically, it seeks to secure and sustain funding to strengthen the organizational structure and enhance operational excellence, establish a permanent editorial board for the NRCP Research Journal, evaluate and review the NRCP Research Journal Guidelines, ensure the regularity and quality of NRCP Research Journal issues, and enhance the digital platform and web-based submission and access.

A new Editorial Board has been elected, and being recommended for final approval of the NRCP Governing Board.  

The Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editors are as follows:

The new Editor-in-Chief is Dr. Jose Isagani Janairo. He is a regular member of the NRCP and holds the position of Professor in the Biology Department at De La Salle University-Manila.

  • Dr. Feorillo Petronillo Demeterio III, Associate Editor for Cluster 1: (Division I – Governmental, Educational, and International Policies, Division VIII – Social Sciences, and Division XI – Humanities). Dr. Demeterio is a regular member of the NRCP and serves as the Executive Director of the Research and Grants Management Office at DLSU-Manila.
  • Dr. Michael Francis Ian Vega II, Associate Editor for Cluster 2: (Division VII – Engineering and Industrial Research, Division IX – Physics, and Division XII – Earth and Space Sciences). Dr. Vega is a regular member of the NRCP and he holds a professorship at University of the Philippines Diliman.
  • Dr. Ourlad Alzeus Tantengco, Associate Editor for Cluster 3: (Division III – Medical Sciences, Division IV – Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Division X – Chemical Sciences). Dr. Tantengco is a regular member of NRCP and a professor at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, and the University of Texas Medical Branch.
  • Dr. Josefina T. Dizon, Associate Editor for Cluster 4: (Division V – Biological Sciences and Division VI – Agriculture and Forestry, and Division XIII – Veterinary Medicine). Dr. Dizon is a regular NRCP member and a professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

This dedicated team will play a vital role in steering the NRCP Research Journal’s editorial direction.

The NRCP Journal revitalization project also aims to secure and sustain funding to support the journal’s operations and enhance its digital platform. Additionally, the NRCP Research Editorial Policy guidelines, as well as the web-based publication of an eJournal, will be evaluated and reviewed to ensure that they are aligned with national and international standards, Dr. Janairo remarked.

Dr. Janairo's unwavering dedication to scientific rigor and the pursuit of knowledge shines through in his acceptance message. His commitment to upholding the NRCP Official Research Publication and Editorial Board's high standards will undoubtedly steer the Council towards a future of impactful research and innovation.

The online gathering was facilitated by Dr. Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas, Chair of the Publication Committee and the Mathematical Sciences Division. Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, the Executive Director of the NRCP, presided over the meeting. The NRCP Journal Publication Secretariat, led by Mr. Joselito A. Carteciano, Division Chief of the Research Information and Dissemination Division, Ms. Lanie P. Manalo, Section Head of the RIDD-Library Section and the NRCP publication staff.

The NRCP Journal revitalization project represents a significant step forward for the NRCP and the Philippine research community. It is expected to enhance the quality and visibility of Philippine research, providing a valuable platform for researchers to share their findings with the world.