IDEya: CMC Graduate School Empowers 156 MAEd Students Through SDG-Aligned Research Training

In an era where global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and education access demand urgent attention, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a critical framework for transformative action. Research plays an important role in addressing these challenges, generating knowledge and innovative solutions that can inform policies and practices.

Recognizing the importance of aligning academic research with the SDGs, Central Mindanao Colleges (CMC) Graduate School Education hosted the IDEyA: SDG’s Learning, Training, and Practice event on October 20, 2024. This initiative empowered 156 MAEd Thesis 1 and FBEL students to integrate sustainability into their academic work, with a particular focus on SDG 4: Quality Education.

The training was led by Dr. John Vianne B. Murcia, an expert with an impressive academic and professional background. He holds a PhD in Development Research and Administration from the University of Southeastern Philippines, where he focused on innovative methodologies for research application. In addition to his doctoral studies, Dr. Murcia earned an MBA in Corporate Management from the same university and a master’s degree in Predictive Analytics from Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia, specializing in asset management and productivity. His extensive experience includes serving as the University Statistician and Research Director at the University of Mindanao, where he oversaw data collection and analysis for various opinion studies concerning Dabawenyos.

Currently, Dr. Murcia works on cutting-edge research involving machine learning and artificial intelligence, in complementarity with his role as a visiting professor at the University of Southeastern Philippines’ College of Development Management. Furthermore, he serves as the managing editor of the Journal of Economy and Enterprise Studies and recently took on the position of Vice-President for Research Development and Planning at Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. Dr. Murcia emphasized, “With the alignment of your research with the SDGs, you are not only addressing the needs of your community but also contributing to global solutions that will shape the future.” His expertise in advanced methodologies brought a forward-thinking perspective to sustainable research practices.

Dr. Gemma N. Kintanar, Dean of the Graduate School of Education, highlighted the importance of this training in developing socially responsible scholars. “This program is not just about academic success,” Kintanar stated. “It is about equipping our graduate school education students with the skills to become agents of positive change in the world.” She further highlighted that IDEyA reflects CMC’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and producing research that directly contributes to the 2030 Agenda.

CMC is dedicated to globalization, student success, and academic excellence, ensuring that its graduates are well-equipped to thrive in an interconnected world.

Through initiatives like this, CMC not only enhances the research capabilities of its students but also reinforces its role as a leader in sustainable development education.

By Erolle Linus T. Miranda,

Institutional Marketing and Communications Officer

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