TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Cover Page
 Approval Sheet
 Table of Contents
I. Statement of Purpose
II. Physical Condition of Immersion Site
a. Description
b. Reflection
c. Photos
III. Profile of Immersion Site with Organizational
Chart
IV. Weekly Diary
a. Narrative account of learning and
achievement, issues faced and
corresponding resolution
b. Reflection
V. Work Immersion Highlight
a.Description
b.Photos
VI. Gallery
VII. Updated Resume
VIII. Reflection Paper
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Since I was a kid, I was exposed to the basics of research due to the fact we
lived in an academic university that highly encourages conducting research.
Oftentimes, I see many students walk in through my mother’s office and ask for
signatures for their research manuscript. Most of them were about agriculture and
there are instances where they would discuss the significance of their study.
Although I was too young to understand it became a normal occurrence for me to
see students conducting research.

So, it was no surprise that I had my first research study when I was in
elementary. It was a daunting task despite having groupmates that were very good.
Throughout my junior and senior years in high school. I conducted a total of 3
research studies. They have aided in my basic knowledge of research that was
utilized in working for ISRDS. Due to my basic knowledge in research, I was able to
do a lot more in the fields of research and hone my communication skills with
different government officials. I hope to utilize the experiences I had with ISRDS in
my future career as a lawyer and carry the vision and goal to give back to the
community
 PHYSICAL CONDITION OF IMMERSION
SITE
The Institute of Strategic Research and Development Studies Department is
located in the upper main campus of the Visayas State University. It is a one-story
building that is beside the Eco- Park. It can hold master classes for Sociology and
they often conduct research and extensions like the MAGPANGUAPA project. The
building has many rooms that are able to accommodate all of the staff and faculty. It
has a traditional style and its walls are filled with different artworks from local
Filipino artists.

The building is very easy to spot and in the many times I went inside I always
felt it was a very accommodating environment. Not only was it due to the design
and color scheme inside the department but the faculty and staff made it very warm
and fun to be assigned in.
 PROFILE OF IMMERSION SITE WITH
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
The Institute of Strategic Research and Development Studies (ISRDS) maps
out urgent issues and problems that require timely and appropriate responses.
Specifically, it focuses on the complex RDE issues of rural poverty and the impacts
of local governance, human capital development, energy and water to achieve
sustainable agricultural progress in rural communities. In addition to its primary
functions in research and extension, the ISRDS is expanding its mandate since
June 2004, to offer degree courses thereby influencing young minds towards
positive transformation in agriculture through quality higher education.
Before becoming an Institute for Strategic Research and Development Studies on
January 1, 2002, it was popularly known as the Center for Social Research in Small
Farmer Development (CSR). CSR was established on September 5, 1981 by virtue
of Board of Trustees Resolution No. 50.
The CSR grew out of the experiences of the Community Extension Service
(CES) which started in 1975 as a Social Laboratory to carry out the extension
activities and other community-based projects of the Visayas State College of
Agriculture now Visayas State University. In 1980, the CES was renamed as
Extension Research and Development Division or ERDD when the College
extension program expanded. One year later, ERDD became the Center for Social
Research in Small Farmer Development which is now named The Institute for
Strategic Research and Development Studies. Its vision is to be a technically and
socially competent and empowered human resource, who, as a community, is able
to transform and equitably share in the benefits of a modern Philippine agriculture
and fisheries sector from a resource-based to a technology-based, globally
competitive, and sustainable industry. Its mission is to effectively transform rural
institutions required in agriculture and rural modernization through high quality and
relevant human resource development, research, and extension. Its objectives are
to conduct strategic research and policy studies in rural development. Develop new
extension methods in mobilizing rural communities. Develop high quality human
resources needed for agriculture and fisheries modernization.
 WEEKLY DIARY
Week 1
On March 3, we were deployed to our department called the Institute of
Strategic Research Department. We were welcomed with open arms among the
faculty and staff. We learned of their mission and vision to help out the different
communities surrounding VSU. They also introduced different researches where we
could help out. The experience was nothing short of exciting as they encouraged us
to involve ourselves with the different societal issues that are prevalent in society.
It was 10 in the morning and we were not expected to come in our
department. Nevertheless, our teacher helped us out and introduced us to Ma’am
MJ who was in charge of guiding us around the department. After discussing our
experiences of research and the difference of research and extension, we were
shown of the different research fields that were being conducted in the department.
There was the MAGPANGUAPA project that aimed to help gather data from
different barangays around VSU. These barangays will be able to utilize their data
easier because it has already been analyzed and documented for their
convenience. There was also a gender related study which was eye catching as it
connected gender resilient communities to farmers and the grassroots groups. We
were then informed of the many events on the month of march.
Throughout this week, I learned that it is not enough that we do research that
can help the community but we should also figure out ways on how the community
can benefit to the research directly. I am genuinely excited of the experiences and
teachings I am sure I will learn from this department.

Week 2
This week we were given the duty of building a Gender Freedom wall for the
month of March. We also attended a webinar where the speakers talked about
women empowerment and gender inclusivity in the university. Throughout this week
we continued to learn more about societal issues revolving around the
marginalization of gender and how these webinars and real talks aid in the starting
point to a better academic institution.
On March 8 we attended a webinar that talked about women empowerment
and gender inclusivity in the university. On March 10, we built a gender freedom
wall the whole day. The whole week, we learned the different values and policies
catered to being more gender inclusive as an individual towards the LGBTQ
community. I learned in the seminar that real talks and conversations that address
the discriminations the LGBTQ community faces is important for a foundation to be
laid. A top-down approach is highly recommended by the speakers where
collaborative efforts are seen all throughout creating a safe space of gender
expression.
 This experience helped us realize how important it is to be gender sensitive
and acknowledge that we, as an academic institution should set an example.
Whether it be a student or a faculty or a person of high position, we must take part
in becoming more diverse and continue to grow in order to help our society.
Week 3
This week was filled with information about climate justice and how gender
resilient communities show much improvement. We were also taught how politics
plays a big role in handling the aid of victims of the calamities in the country. It is
also important to not that with Agroecology farming, we are addressing both
environmental degradation and poverty in the uplands that leads to economic
empowerment.
On March 17, we attended a conference about climate justice and the
importance of gender responsive communities. We then made two documentations
of the following seminars. The different speakers talked about how resettlement
should be the last resort when dealing with people who are victims of calamity. How
politics plays a huge role in helping those in need and how we can adapt to a more
gender responsive community that gives space for different genders to give their
insights and ideas. It is crucial for us to know climate action and food security that is
sustainable for our diet.
All throughout the I have learned of the different struggles these people face
and the means by which they are addressed are not catered to their needs but a
small patchwork to a long-term problem. I hope in my little way, I am able to help
these people and our environment and hold other countries that are main
contributors to climate change.
Week 4
On the 24th of March, we finalized our Gender Freedom Wall and arranged
some books. Throughout arranging the books, we would find 1 or 2 topics we were
interested in. It was a calming task because of I love organizing. I hope to get an in-
depth scope to these topics in the future!
As we entered our offices in the ISRDS, we were greeted by our adviser Ms.
MJ. She told us that we would be organizing a ton of books in the Gender Resource
Center. This small room was where their students taking up their masters would
gather information from their different subjects. It was like a small library filled with
different topics such as political economy, sociological thought, and peasantry.
These topics were related to a major topic which is Sociology. It was a very fun task
to do and it took the whole day to arrange because we would stop arranging and sit
down and read a bit of any book that caught our attention. We were highly
encouraged to read 1 or 2 books that day as to have an idea of the different
subjects offered in ISRDS.
 Through this experience we were reminded of how wide the world is.
Through these books we see different perspectives and different experiences of
hardship and struggles in life. Discussions of how to organize the grassroots groups
and how we can give back to our community through our research and extension.

Week 5
On the 31st of March, we were tasked to help in the closing program of the
Women’s Month. We first helped in setting up the different poster by the MS
students of ISRDS. Their posters were unique and held so much meaning as to
what gender was for them and some even showed the marginalization the LGBTQ
faces on a day-to-day basis. After helping out with the posters, we were tasked to
put the hearts underneath selected chairs for a fun giveaway during the program.
As we continued to help out before the program, we learned and made
acquaintances with the other faculty and staff of the ISRDS (Institute of Strategic
Research and Development Studies) and GRC (Gender Resource Center).
After taking our lunch we continued helping out until it was 4pm where the
program started. A lot of students attended the closing program which was nice to
see because it felt as though these people are happy that the university is taking the
initiative to best accommodate and improve itself as an academic institution through
being more gender inclusive. The program was headed by the most powerful
women in the university which were the vice presidents at Visayas State University.
They shared who inspired them to be as successful as they currently are now. It
was a very inspiring moment to witness because they also gave advices about
being a woman as a whole and how it is very important to start from the ground up
to become an effective leader.
I realized how important being humble is in this society despite the many
achievements a person has. The powerful women in the program helped me be
inspired and be uplifted that a woman can do it too. I hope that everyone in the
program was as inspired as I was because it was truly such a moving event to be in.
Week 6
April 13
On the 13th of April, we were tasked to make our documentations. Through
this experience we learned of the different techniques and patterns as to how to
properly document an event. It also helped reflect our many experiences and
lessons that were learned throughout our stay in the ISRDS.
We went to the ISRDS on a Thursday because it was going to be a holiday
on Friday. As we went to the ISRDS we were tasked by ma’am MJ to make our
documentations on the month of march. We were also tasked to make a
documentation on the climate justice conference we attended in the RDE hall. We
also encoded the different messages written on our Gender Freedom wall and gave
suggestions as to what these messages could mean. We also documented the
closing program of the Women’s month program where the different vice presidents
that were women discussed their struggles and their experiences as people in a
significant position in the university.

Throughout this day we reflected on our different experiences in the ISRDS.

We are truly grateful for the lessons that were taught in our department. They have
treated us with utmost respect and encourage us to be the best of ourselves and
helped us learn and be aware of ourselves and our community.
Week 7
April 28
On the 28th of April our adviser, Ma’am MJ instructed us to enjoy, participate
and document any of the two days of the VSU anniversary. Throughout the day we
went to different booths and participated in the different activities held in the lower
oval.
The much-awaited VSU Anniversary ran for about two weeks as if slowly
reaches its centennial year. VSU has been constantly and persistently improved
and made its strides internationally and locally and has therefore proved itself to be
a very globally competitive university. As a means to celebrate its founding, The
many activities showcased its strengths and capabilities. The University has
continually gathered all the farmers and fisherfolk in the region to share its different
knowledges and diverse research development as an agricultural university.
The celebration was vital for VSU as it served as one of the highlights of the
anniversary every year. The celebration was filled with techno-demonstrations and
lectures that help share to general public what the latest innovations and
information about agriculture over the past year. The event was important because
it catered to the different farmers and fisherfolk that are the true workers and have
tremendously helped our way of life. There were not only farmers and fishermen
that looked forward to the event but students and visitors across the region
observed and documented the different information transfer that occurred on the
Friday of April 28.2023.
Week 8
On the 5th of May we went to the ISRDS after how many weeks of fun filled
events. On this immersion day, we were tasked to revise our documentations. It
was also the first time we did community engagement around the near barangays in
VSU. It felt like we were doing something significant and that could contribute to the
improvement of their living conditions.
On a sunny Friday morning, I started heading to the ISRDS for another day
of learning and working experience. I was informed ahead of time that we were to
analyze our previous documentations of the different conferences we attended. I
cleaned our office and waited for my classmate to arrive in order for Ma’am MJ to
orient us and give us feedback on where we could improve on our documentation
styles. We were taught of the thick and thin description, its history and layout, and
how important it is to know about the difference between them. Ma’am MJ advised
us to explore and improve our documentations in order for us to apply what we have
learned during the morning.

My classmate and I were so excited for a small fieldwork that we would be a

part of. Ma’am MJ throughout the fieldwork was very accommodating and taught us
how to talk to the different government officials of the different barangays. We
learned so much in that small task of giving out invitations for a training program of
the MAGPANGUAPA project that was revived in order to help the communities
around VSU.I hope to improve on my people speaking skills and learn to do
fieldwork better.
Week 9
This week we helped arrange around the Gender Resource Center and
labelled the different subject in the small library. We also practiced our people skills
through calling the different local barangay officials and reminding them of the
training program to be held on May 18,2023. We then encoded our journal entries of
the different weeks we went to ISRDS.
On the 5th of May, we went to the ISRDS department for another day of work
immersion. We were told by Ma’am MJ that there were new donated books to be
organized in the Gender Resource Center room. As we headed to the farthest room
in ISRDS, we saw 4 boxes filled with books of the different subjects offered. Ma’am
MJ also encouraged us to read 1 or 2 books that piqued our interest. After arranging
and labeling the bookshelves according to the different topics, we started working
on our journal entries and revised some documentations of our work immersion.
Ma’am MJ informed us that we would be calling the different barangay officials in
order to remind them of the upcoming training for Data Collection and Visualization
on May 18. In that way we were practicing our people skills and also practiced how
we would interact with different local officials if ever there will come a time where we
need to communicate with them. After calling the barangay officials, we were
assigned to make nameplates and a backdrop for the training program and wrote
our reflection of the week.
Throughout the week, we learned about multitasking and how to help
organize events such as the upcoming training program. We hope to learn more
and improve on our people skills. We would like to thank the faculty and staff of the
ISRDS for consistently helping us learn and grow in their department.

Week 10
 This week was the last week of our work immersion at the Institute of
Strategic Research and Development Studies. As we spent about 80 hours in this
department, we have learned and acquired so much knowledge, and we are truly
grateful for the wonderful opportunity given to us by the faculty and staff. We hope
to carry these lessons and realizations and continue to grow as mindful individuals
that strive to serve the community. On May 18, we arrived at the ISRDS at 10 am to
catch up on the training program offered in the department for the MAGPANGUAPA
project. We observed the software (KoboCollect) they were being trained on and
learned how it was very easy to use and can be personalized compared to google
docs.
The people in ISRDS and GRC were very devoted to helping these
government officials in the gathering of socio-economic data in their barangay.
Despite having spent only 2 hours that day, we learned a lot and engaged with
different people, and continued to learn and sharpen our people skills. On May 19,
we were informed that we would be designing brochures for the BIDANI project and
PNEA project. We were also tasked to make a poster for the ISRDS. We spent the
whole day designing and diligently sharing our ideas and opinions on what would
look good.
Furthermore, we then had an afternoon snack with the faculty and staff, and
interacting with them and listening to their bits of advice made us feel melancholy
that it was our last day. Despite that though, we are very happy that we were
assigned to this department, and we would never forget the experiences and
lessons that were given to us in ISRDS. We would like to thank Ma’am Lilian B.
Nunez for accommodating us in ISRDS and continuing to help us although out our
immersion. To Doctor Ma. Aurora Teresita W. Tabada, for welcoming us and
teaching us about the different societal issues our community faces. To Ma’am
Merry Jean for being our mentor and being ever so patient with us whenever we
have questions. To Ma’am Gina A. Delima for entertaining our questions and
sharing to us fun facts about climate justice and gender sensitivity. To everyone at
ISRDS, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you!
 WORK IMMERSION HIGHLIGHT

Week 5
On the 31st of March, we were tasked to help in the closing program of the
Women’s Month. We first helped in setting up the different poster by the MS
students of ISRDS. Their posters were unique and held so much meaning as to
what gender was for them and some even showed the marginalization the LGBTQ
faces on a day-to-day basis. After helping out with the posters, we were tasked to
put the hearts underneath selected chairs for a fun giveaway during the program.
As we continued to help out before the program, we learned and made
acquaintances with the other faculty and staff of the ISRDS (Institute of Strategic
Research and Development Studies) and GRC (Gender Resource Center).

After taking our lunch we continued helping out until it was 4pm where the
program started. A lot of students attended the closing program which was nice to
see because it felt as though these people are happy that the university is taking the
initiative to best accommodate and improve itself as an academic institution through
being more gender inclusive. The program was headed by the most powerful
women in the university which were the vice presidents at Visayas State University.
They shared who inspired them to be as successful as they currently are now. It
was a very inspiring moment to witness because they also gave advices about
being a woman as a whole and how it is very important to start from the ground up
to become an effective leader.

I realized how important being humble is in this society despite the many
achievements a person has. The powerful women in the program helped me be
inspired and be uplifted that a woman can do it too. I hope that everyone in the
program was as inspired as I was because it was truly such a moving event to be in.

GALLERY
UPDATED RESUME
 REFLECTION PAPER
Throughout the 80 hours I spent in ISRDS I learned a lot from my experiences I
never would have learned in any other department. It has taught me the importance
of proper work ethic and the significance of good team communication. The values I
was exposed to were heightened because the faculty and staff were in an
environment where they celebrate each small or big win of each other. The times I
enjoy a lot is when we eat together in the small dining room and they would share
their experiences to different places and their previous research studies and how
well it is doing now. Our instructor at ISRDS was always very patient and calm
when guiding us. She created an environment where we weren’t scared to ask
questions and experience a situation and learn a lot from it.

We were able to learn a lot from ISRDS because the people there were very fun to
be with. They taught us a lot of important issues our society faces on a daily. They
also taught us the importance of being gender sensitive and how it is important for
an academic institution to give back to the community. We are truly grateful for the
wonderful opportunity to continuously learn in that type of environment where
everyone is cheering for your success and is patient with your growth as a student. I
would also like to thank our Work Immersion teacher who is very patient with our
progress and is consistent in checking up on us and how we are doing with our
work immersion. We thank you for giving us your precious time and energy Sir!