The pilot-testing of research instruments for the CHED-funded project Enhancing Access and Success in the State Universities and Colleges across Regions I, VII, and XII, Philippines was held in Tarlac State University (TSU) on May 29, 2024.

Spearheaded by the project team leaders from DMMMSU, Samar State University (SSU), and the University of Southern Mindanao (USM),  the event aimed to trial-run two research instruments prepared by the researchers in a series of online and onsite workshops.  Among the areas that were targeted by the researchers were the content, format, and delivery method of the survey questionnaire and the Focus Group Discussion Protocol.  Prior to the pilot testing, the two instruments were subjected to construct, content, and expert validity as well as revision to accommodate the validators’ input.

The researchers were welcomed by TSU President, Dr. Arnold Velasco, who was very supportive of the event. In his speech, he highlighted the role of partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in supporting this research. He expressed his enthusiasm in engaging TSU in a project such as this to improve further the implementation of higher education in the country.

Dr. Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid, Project Leader, and Director for Research from SSU, emphasized the project’s core aim which is to empower equity and foster a more inclusive and accessible higher education system.   She reiterated that the project is in support of the CHED’s mandate of ensuring that every student in Philippine HEIs is provided with quality and equitable education.

Following the pilot testing, the researchers deliberated on the final format of the two instruments.  As of this writing, the project teams in the three participating SUCs have finalized the survey instrument and the FGD Protocols for the next stage of the research study, which is data collection among SUCS in Regions I, VIII, and XII. 

(By Aniway P. Millares)