UPLB-INREM Strengthens Capacity through Comprehensive Workshops and Training

The University of the Philippines Los Baños-Institute of Natural Resources Management (UPLB-INREM) recently held a significant series of workshops titled the Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Agenda Workshop, Strategic Planning Session, and Capacity Building Activity. This event took place on December 19-20, 2024, at The Bellevue Manila in Filinvest City, Muntinlupa City. The initiative aimed to bolster the institution’s capacity to deliver critical services in climate information and policy-making.

Day One: SSCIS Project Consultation Meeting

The first day began with a consultation meeting led by the INREM South-South Collaboration on Climate Information Services (SSCIS) Project Team. This gathering brought together INREM program heads and their designated Science Research Analysts (SRAs) to discuss the center’s research, development, and public service activities, specifically within the framework of Climate Information Services (CIS).

A Review of INREM Services

Aileen Simondac-Peria, a vital member of the project technical staff, facilitated a detailed review of INREM’s services. The review covered four interconnected programs: Collaborative Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) for Ecosystem-Based Resilience; Public Education and Capacity Building; Policy and Institutional Reforms; and Monitoring and Evaluation. This overview was essential to understand how each program contributes to the overall mission of the institution.

SWOT Analysis Workshop

The SSCIS Project Team, under the guidance of Dr. Rose Jane Peras, conducted a SWOT analysis workshop. This session aimed to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with INREM’s services. The SWOT analysis provided a comprehensive understanding of INREM’s current position in delivering CIS and highlighted areas for potential improvement.

Developing the RDE Agenda

The outputs from the workshops informed the development of INREM’s RDE agenda and strategic plan. The team ensured that their strategies aligned with the center’s role as a core member of the community of practice (CoP). This alignment is crucial for the sustainability of CIS, particularly in agriculture and fisheries.

Day Two: Capacity Building through Policy Briefs

The second day of the event was dedicated to enhancing the capacity of INREM researchers and project staff in crafting impactful policy briefs. This activity was identified as a key area of improvement based on a capacity needs assessment survey.

Expert Guidance

Regine Joy Evangelista-Javier, a distinguished resource speaker, provided valuable insights into creating effective policy briefs. Additionally, Aileen Simondac-Peria offered practical tips on branding and ensuring compliance with UP System guidelines. These expert-led sessions were instrumental in equipping the participants with essential skills.

Practical Application

The participants were given the opportunity to apply what they learned by creating and presenting draft policy briefs related to the major issues faced by their respective project teams. This hands-on experience allowed the attendees to refine their skills and prepare for future policy-making endeavors.

The Closing Remarks

To conclude the event, Dr. Juan Pulhin, the chair of UPLB-INREM, delivered a compelling closing address. He underscored the center’s critical role in advancing climate information services to foster a climate-resilient and adaptive future. Dr. Pulhin also emphasized the importance of upholding the core values and culture of INREM while moving forward.

Conclusion

The UPLB-INREM workshops and training sessions represent a significant step in enhancing the institution’s capacity to deliver critical services. By focusing on both strategic planning and skill development, the center is well-positioned to contribute effectively to climate-resilient initiatives and policy-making in agriculture and fisheries.

We invite readers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding the importance of such capacity-building initiatives. Join the conversation in the comments section below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more updates and insights on UPLB-INREM’s ongoing efforts.