One such conference was the 2nd Department of Science and Technology - National Science Consortium (DOST-NSC) Scholars' Conference last February 2013, wherein all the DOST scholars gathered together to share updates regarding their theses/dissertations. I happened to take down some of the key points of how to make research 'flourish' in the Philippines, plus my own opinions, which I think do really are essential but would just forever be key points if nobody takes action.
1) Sandwich program students be given a longer time frame to be able to finish even a 'draft'
"Students can go on a sandwich program" - When these words came out of the speaker's mouth, I wanted to throw a fit and directly question their intentions. I have bad history with them regarding sandwich programs, and up to now their decision with my petition does not sit well with me.
Anyway, to build a good research program in a 'progressing' third world country like ours, we still do need help from other countries. That's why we have these yearly conferences and invite them over for them to share their expertise and open collaboration opportunities. Our professors were never stingy when it comes to sharing their connections with their students. These international researchers welcome us with open arms - yet our government has too much demands just for its scholars to get out of the country. Tayo na lang ang hinihintay, tayo pa ang madaming cheche-bureche. Don't talk about time frames, Philippine government, when you don't even have the ass to fund sandwich programs in the first place.
2) Build MS and PhD programs around a research agenda
This how M.Sc. and PhD degrees are done abroad: they start working on the research team's projects, at the same time completing coursework, before joining the mainstream research of the group. In the Philippines, it's another story. Students do coursework for one year before working on their desired theses/dissertations. Add to the bucket the long list of requirements to do before you even start your research. Also add to that list the most important part of a research: the funding. Woe to those students who paid for their own tuition (full time work, part time student) - but lucky are those who are funded by a research adviser who is currently working on a funded project. If not, who are they going to depend on when it comes to their funding? Their own pockets?
For government scholars they are allotted a certain sum to procure their materials; however, they hold back a certain amount as deposit - which I could not understand - and given to the scholar upon finishing the degree. Absurd. Ridiculous. That thesis fund sum is too low for students in the science and technology fields, by the way. Asking for additional funding will just delay everything.
So - building programs around a research agenda? Sounds cool. Allot money for that and then we can all start talking.
3) Build research teams, not individual PhDs
I totally agree with this point, but those PhDs from a certain group graduate, right? And after graduation they do what PhDs are supposed to do - write grants, search for grants, continue
4) Build a feeder system
This just means that you don't wait for applicants - you have to consciously and continuously cultivate talents. Here we have a problem - find a research group that is blessed with funds and grants. That way talents are forever coming in and there's no waiting time.
Oh yeah, grants from the government takes eons before approval. Good luck with that.
There you have it, folks. Some pointers from the government regarding the research track in the Philippines. The funny thing here is, the government is giving pointers that they themselves don't even follow.
