Research Competency of Teachers in the Department of Education- Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, Philippines
Authors: Capua Roger D. , Guzman Maribel T. de , Santiago Mary Grace A. 
Published: January 2025

Objective: This study is designed to determine the research competencies of DepEd teachers, Alfonso Lista District, Ifugao which will serve as basis in crafting research enhancement program.  More specifically, it sought to find respondents’ profile as to educational attainment, trainings or seminars attended in research, number of trainings/seminars attended, research output; the research capability of the teachers in terms of the following technical skills and writing of research; the relationship of research capability of the teachers related to the educational attainment, trainings/seminars attended in research, and research output; the problems related to research are encountered by the respondents; and, course of action to enhance the research capability of the respondents.
 
Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. Teaching is a research-based profession. Thus, teachers are expected to be equipped with the technical know-how of research in order to conceptualize and conduct researches that will further improve the processes and practices in teaching and learning which are evidence-based. One way to prepare teachers is by providing training and learning opportunities where they will be exposed and be familiarized with the processes involved in conducting research.  This is in harmony with the goals of Ifugao State University which is building a strong culture of research by intensifying the conduct of research and dissemination. Also, building sustainable extension and community engagement through package and transfer knowledge and technologies to the needs of the clienteles and by establishing and sustaining strong linkages with organizations and stakeholders for resource sharing, extension program and service complementation.  Guided by these goals and objectives of the university, the proponents who are research enthusiasts have conceived the goal of instilling the impetus and love of doing research among the school heads, secondary and elementary teachers of the Department of Education Alfonso Lista District, Alfonso Lista District who are perennial partners of IFSU Potia campus in the implementation of its Teacher Education Program, both in the undergraduate and graduate programs. Faculty members of IFSU Potia campus are often invited as resource speakers to lecture on the rudiments of conducting research during their In-Service Training of DepEd teachers. The experiences and observations of IFSU faculty members during the in-service training have given the proponents the concept of crafting a more systematic and organized approach of empowering and enhancing the research capability of DepEd teachers.  This attempt is in consonance with the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001 (RA 9155) which mandates the Department of Education enact policies and mechanisms through which delivery of quality basic education may be continuously improved. To promote an environment of evidence-based decision-making, DepEd has made strides in instituting research and its utilization in policy and program development (DO 16 s. 2017, DepEd Research Management Guidelines). A lot has been written about the significance of action research in teacher education and its upshot to quality classroom instruction. Further, any scholarly work, particularly a research project, is the mover of a society. It has made is a lot of progress in all sectors like science and technology, humanities, social sciences, education and business.  This has recently gave focus to research capability as an overwhelming and remarkable interest among academics and practitioners particularly in the basic level of education. This is timely since the Department of Education had institutionalized research and encouraged teachers to engage in it to support evidence-based practice, decision-making, policy and program development (Caingcoy, 2020). In addition, Ulla, et.al, (2018) added that teachers are active participants towards the development of education by knowing the problem in the classroom. By taking an action regarding that problem, teachers become the catalysts for change and responsible agents for the improvement of their own classroom teaching and for uplifting students learning. Therefore, research is already a need not only to aid the issues in the teaching learning process but also to make a better avenue for it.   However, since the implementation of the Research Management Guidelines of the Department of Education in 2017, it is observed that teachers in the basic education level are identified as beginners or limited in terms of their research profile such as years of experience in research production, presentation and publication; and number of produced, presented, published, and work/s cited. Though, in general, the respondents' demographic and research profiles are found to be no relevance with research skills and techniques, research management and knowledge of research management.  The result of their study recommended that the school managers must design and implement capacity/capability building programs/initiatives to improve the status of research and development in the basic education sector (Gepila et.al, 2018)..
 
Method: This research employed a descriptive study which falls on the survey method that attempts to describe, explain, and interpret the research competency of teachers in the Department of Education, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao which will help the proponents in crafting research program that aims to enhance the research capability of the respondents. To achieve the objectives of the study, the proponents sought the approval of authorities both from the university and the Department of Education, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao for the conduct of the study. Upon approval, the construction and validation of the research instrument followed which later administered to the target respondents. The data gathered were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted to answer the research questions. The survey questionnaire is the primary instrument used to gather the needed data from the respondents. It is a systematically prepared form or document with a set of questions deliberately designed to elicit responses from respondents or research informants for the purpose of collecting data or information. Descriptive statistics was used to treat the data gathered.  Frequency and percentage were used for the demographic profile, while the weighted mean was computed to identify the level of research proficiency of the respondents; and, the rank order for the problems or difficulties encountered in conducting research.  To give more meaning to the data gathered, the 4 Likert scale was utilized in determining the level of competency of the respondents. The following interval scale with their corresponding computed mean ratings were employed in the study: 3.26 – 4.00: Very Competent; 2.51 – 3.25 Competent; 1.76 – 2.50 Slightly Competent; and 1.00 – 1.75 Not Competent. For the research related problems, the following scale was used: 5.00 - 4.21 – A Very Big Challenge (VBC), 4.20 - 3.41 – Big Challenge (BC), 3.40 - 2.61 – Fairly A Challenge (FC), 2.60 - 1.81 – A Slight Challenge (SC), 1.80 - 1.00 – A Very Slight Challenge (VSC)
 
Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that

Most of the respondents are holding Teacher I-III positions who are either Master’s degree holder or have MA units;
Almost all of the respondents attended seminars and training in research, but only few were able to complete, present, and publish their research;
As to technical skills and writing of research, majority of the respondents claimed that they are slightly competent.
The profile of the respondents such as educational attainment, level of training attended, number of presented and published research have no significantly relationship with their technical skills and writing of research, except for the number of completed research; and,
All the research related factors such as skills, time, motivation and support are considered by the respondents as fairly a challenge. .

 
Research Implications: Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, there is a need to improve the research proficiency of the respondents through the following recommendations:
1.The respondents must properly be oriented about the Research Management Guidelines of the Department of Education.
2.There must be provision of sufficient seminar and workshop to equip the respondents in conducting research.
3.Research funding and remuneration must also be intensified to motivate teachers in conducting research.
4.Teachers of DepEd Alfonso Lista District must be given opportunity to conduct, present and publish researches.
 
Originality/Value: This research provides a unique contribution by specifically examining the research competencies of teachers in the Department of Education in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, Philippines. It identifies gaps in technical and writing skills, highlights the challenges faced by educators in conducting research, and emphasizes the limited impact of professional qualifications and training on research output. By offering targeted recommendations, such as enhanced training, proper orientation on research management guidelines, and improved funding and incentives, this study serves as a valuable basis for crafting intervention programs that can foster a research-oriented culture among teachers. Its findings can guide policymakers and educational leaders in addressing the specific needs of rural educational districts and advancing the overall quality of educational research in the region.