A PAPER documenting as best-practice-case the experience of the Ilocos Norte Science Community (INSC) in developing and managing functional networks and linkages for dynamic and productive research, development, and extension was adjudged second best during the 17th Philippine Association of Research Managers (PHILARM) National Convention held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, March 20-23.

This is the paper on “Building Science Communities: The Embedded Framework and Uni-diverse Models in Developing Networks for Dynamic and Productive Resource Generation in Research, Development, and Extension (RDE)” written by Dr. Carmelo J. Esteban, Dr. Carlos M. Pascual, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Dr. Ligaya B. Diculen, Asst. Prof.  Florecita Q. Cortero, Assoc. Prof. Zenaida H. Esteban, and Ms. Joanalyn V. Vertido.

This documented case introduces the “Embedded Framework or EmFrame” and the “Unidiverse” models or concepts in networking and linkaging.  These twin models encapsulate the 10-year (1997-2007) and still continuing nurtured tradition that made the INSC as one of the most viable and sustained science communities in the Philippines today.

According to Dr. Esteban, the paper was popularly recognized as the most fitting in terms of the theme of the convention and of the area and purpose of the competition. He said the paper will be published in the 2008 edition of the PHILARM Annual Journal.

With the win, Esteban said, MMSU now gains the distinction of having bagged the most number of best paper awards – three – in the competition. Two MMSU papers have been adjudged number one in two previous PHILARM contests.  What is of prime importance, he added, are the contributions and influence of these papers in the molding and advancement of knowledge, policy, and practice in the filed of RDE management.