The 2nd Baguio Social Science Summit

Theme

"Transformations in the Philippine Social Landscape: the Northern Panorama"

October 17-19, 2012
RCB Dome, University of Baguio
Baguio City, 2600 Philippines

The 2BSSS is a national conference that aims to bring to Baguio City representatives from the academe, the government, the tourism sector, the youth sector, the religious sector, and civil society to engage in a scholarly exchange on the issues that currently shake the country’s social environs. It is the Summit’s intent to provide a forum where various vantage points on the current social landscape of the country and projected directions of research can be shared and scrutinized.

We therefore invite scholars to present their researches (ongoing/finished) that are related to the subthemes below.

Scholars from outside of the Philippines are also invited to attend. Interested foreign presenters may also submit the abstracts of their studies on the identified subthemes.

SUBTHEMES: 

a. modern religiosity and the Filipino public sphere
b. recent Philippine political shifts and trajectories
c. the Filipino diaspora and other mass movements
d. autonomy in the Cordillera and in Muslim Mindanao
e. studies on Philippine mountain cultures and ethnic minorities
f. displacements and forcible evictions, development projects and their impacts on local communities
g. reconstruction and conservation of tourism spaces, the social impacts of tourism
h. environmental protection and conservation
i. use of social capital and resilience of communities to disasters
j. internationalization of Philippine higher education and multicultural education
k. conditions of the LGBT community
l. online ethnography focusing on ICT and the youth  

new!! Registration rate for Students: Php1,500.oo

ABSTRACT Submission Details 

a. 400-500 words
b. Text: Times New Roman (12" font size)
c. Abstract submission should identify the subtheme it falls under and should include the full name of the author and his/her institutional affiliation. Organizers, however, have the right to redirect when needed your paper to a subtheme other than that which you have identified.
d. Submissions should be accompanied by author's academic profile (containing not more than 200 words). It should contain author's full name, contact information (email, phone/fax, office address), and academic background. The profile should also contain a photo of the author.

Abstract submissions and inquiries from interested participants may be addressed to:
Mr. Farland Valera
Department of Political Science
University of Baguio
Office Tel.: (074) 442-4915 loc. 275
Telefax: (074) 442-5367; (074) 442-8749
Email: socsummitbaguio@gmail.com; socsummitbaguio@yahoo.com; masalikot@gmail.com  

PLENARY SPEAKERS

Dr. Mark Joseph T. Calano
President, Philosophical Association of the Philippines
Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Ateneo de Manila University

Prof. Liezl Astudillo
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology, De La Salle University-Manila

The third speaker (from Mindanao) will be announced soon.  

Important Dates...
Start of Sending Notice of Acceptance - July 23, 2012
Deadline of Abstract Submission - September 8, 2012

REGISTRATION: Opens on August 1, 2012
End of Early Registration is on September 18, 2012
Early Bird Registration Rate - Php 2,000.oo
Early Bird Registration Rate (Foreign Participants) - USD 65.oo

Regular/On-Site Registration - Php 2,500.oo

We'll post an update regarding the Registration Procedure this July. Stay tuned! 

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The 2BSSS is jointly organized by:

The Department of Social Sciences and Humanities 

The Department of Philosophy 

The Department of Political Science 

University of Baguio, Philippines

THE GREAT DEBATERS

ARGDEP1 ~ Communication & Broadcasting Students
ARGDEB1 ~ Political Science & Law Students
LEAARD1 ~ Criminology Students

FOR MY DEBATE CLASSES:
As you watch the film, listen intently to the dialogs of the characters.
1. List down three strong statements (identify the name of the characters that stated them) you heard as you watched the entire movie.
2. Write the dialog (followed by the name of the character that uttered it) using 1/2 CW paper.
3. Submit at the end of the film viewing activity to the teacher assigned to supervise your class.

4. Select a compelling statement (from the entire movie) delivered by any of the characters and use that statement as the THEME of your ARGUMENTATIVE speech.  Example: "The judge is God." (By Mr. Tolson)
5. Write a 4-5 minute speech that revolves around your selected theme.
6. For MWF classes, submit a copy of your speech on February 3, 2014.  We will meet to hear & rate the speeches on February 3, 5, and 7.
7. For TTH classes, submit a copy of your speech on February 4, 2014.  We will meet to hear & rate the speeches on February 4 and 6.

See y'all! Cheers! ^_^

THE GREAT DEBATERS - Movie Synopsis

Believe in the power of words.

From two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and an ensemble cast lead by Washington that includes Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, comes THE GREAT DEBATERS. Inspired by a true story, THE GREAT DEBATERS chronicles the journey of Professor Melvin Tolson (Denzel Washington), a brilliant, but volatile, debate team coach who uses the power of words to shape a group of underdog students from a small African American college (Wiley College) in the deep south into a historically elite debate team. A controversial figure, Professor Tolson challenged the social mores of the time and was under constant fire for his unconventional and ferocious teaching methods as well as his radical political views. In the pursuit for excellence, Tolson's debate team receives a groundbreaking invitation to debate Harvard University's championship team. The film is directed by Denzel Washington and stars Washington, Forest Whitaker, Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker, Denzel Whitaker, and Kimberly Elise. "The Great Debaters" was written by Robert Eisele and produced by Todd Black, Kate Forte, Oprah Winfrey and Joe Roth. SOURCE: http://www.wileyc.edu/tgd.asp

Baguio Social Science Summit

1st Baguio Social Science Summit Theme
“The Philippine Social Landscape: Peering Through the Northern Lens”

November 25-26, 2011
UB Square Hall, University of Baguio
Baguio City, Philippines

Organized by the Department of Social Sciences & Humanities and the Department of Philosophy of the University of Baguio
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The First Baguio Social Science Summit is a Conference that aims to bring together scholars, teachers & students, government officials, the religious sector, and the civil society in a scholarly exchange on the issues that dominate the country’s social environs.

Revolving around the theme, “The Current Philippine Social Landscape: A Look from the Northern Lens,” this Summit will showcase discussions on Modern Filipino Religiosity vis-à-vis the Filipino Public Sphere, Health and Population Issues and Trends (including the RH Bill), and National Development from a Regional Perspective.

The Conference Registration Fee is Php700.00 inclusive of certificate of participation/attendance, conference kit, 2 morning snacks, 2 afternoon snacks, and 2 lunches. A special rate for students is set at Php550.00 provided they present a valid identification card upon registration. For international participants (those flying in from other countries), registration fee is pegged at USD20.00 which will be paid on-site.


Keynote Speakers: Plenary Sessions

Plenary Session 1 / Day 1
Dr. Isikias T. Picpican
Curator/Archivist, SLU Museum of Arts and Cultures
Topic: Filipino Religiosity as a Social Phenomenon


Plenary Session 2 / Day 2
Dr. Mark Joseph T. Calano
Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Ateneo de Manila University
Topic: Religion and the Filipino Public Sphere


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LECTURERS:

Dr. Raymundo Rovillos
PhD History – University of the Philippines Diliman
Dean, College of Social Sciences, UP Baguio

Topic: A History of Religious Activism: The Church & National Development


Dr. Gladys Marie Tamania
PhD major in Educational Management, minor in Rural Development – Benguet State University
Project Director, Leadership for Dynamic Change Research & Development Center for Professionals, Inc.
Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Philippine Military Academy, Baguio City

Topic: The Muslim-Christian Conflict and Its Social Impact on the Northern Regions of the Philippines


Dr. Armando Castañeda
PhD Development Education - University of Santo Tomas
Professor of Development Education & Philosophy in Education, UB Graduate School

Topic: National Development: Health and Population Issues Dissected


Henry L. Galuba, PhD
Director, Research and Faculty Development, Lorma Colleges, San Fernando City, La Union

Topic: Cordillera Peoples’ Participation in National Development: Issues and Prospects

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November 25, 2011 (DAY 1)

8:15-8:45 Registration
8:45-9:00 Opening Ceremonies
9:00-11:00 Plenary Session 1: Filipino Religiosity as a Social Phenomenon
11:00-11:15 Quick Break
11:15-12:00 Open Forum / Dialog
12:00-1:00 Lunch Break

1:00-2:30 Lecture 1: A History of Religious Activism: The Church & National Development
2:30-2:45 Break
2:45-4:15 Lecture 2: National Development: A Look at Health and Population Issues
4:15-4:30 Wrap-Up and Reminders


November 26, 2011 (DAY 2)

8:30-9:00 Morning Coffee Time
9:00-11:00 Plenary Session 2: Religion and the Filipino Public Sphere
11:00-12:00 Sectoral Feedback Presentation and Open Forum
12:00-1:00 Lunch Break
1:00-2:30 Lecture 3: Building New Communities: The Muslim-Christian Conflict and Its Social Impact on the Northern Regions of the Philippines
2:30-2:45 Break
2:45-4:15 Lecture 4: Cordillera Peoples’ Participation in National Development: Issues and Prospects
4:15-5:00 Closing Ceremonies
Photo-Ops

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For confirmation of attendance, or further inquiries, please contact the Conference Chair, Mr. Farland Valera thru the following:
Email: masalikot@yahoo.com.ph
Office: (074) 442-4915 (local 275)

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Participants from outside Baguio City are enjoined to arrange for their lodging prior to attending the Summit. You may contact these HOTELS near the Summit Venue (University of Baguio):

HOTEL 45
Bagong Bayan St., Bargy. Salud Mitra, Baguio City (near SM City Baguio)
Tel: (074) 446-6306 / 304-2963
Cell No.: (+63) 917-700-8805
~On PROMO: All room rates are at P1,000/night (standard, deluxe) Contact the hotel for reservation.

BBCCC
Assumption Road, Baguio City (beside the University of Baguio, before SLU Hospital)
Tel: (074) 442-5872 / 444-4993 / 304-2946

CITYLIGHT HOTEL
245 Upper General Luna Road, Baguio City
Tel: (074) 442-8080

MICROTEL INN & SUITES BAGUIO
Engineer's Hill, Upper Session Road, Baguio City
(This Hotel is situated right beside the Victory Liner Station)
Tel: (074) 619-3333
Cell No.: 0922-816-8436 / 0927-516-4129
Email: baguio@microtel.ph
Website: www.microtel-baguio.com

BELFRANLT HOTEL
General Luna Road corner Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City (beside Hotel Villa Rosal)
Tel: (074) 442-5012

HOTEL VILLA ROSAL
General Luna Road corner Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City (beside Belfranlt Hotel)
Tel: (074) 444-8523 / 443-8132
Email: hotel_villa_rosal@yahoo.com
Website: www.hotelvillarosal.com

LA BREA INN
4th, 5th, 6th Floors, AYK Building, Lower Session Road, Baguio City
Tel: (074) 446-6061
Cell No.: 0917-508-7800 / 0923-280-0395

CALALILY PENSION HOUSE
24 Sandico St., Baguio City (at the back of Baguio Post Office)
Manager: Rosalina Ines
Tel: (074) 444-2841 / 423-1805

EL CIELITO HOTEL
50 North Drive, Baguio City (5-minute walk from SM City Baguio)
Tel: (074) 443-4846
Web: www.elcielitohotels.com

TAE GUK GI (Brotherhood of War)

For my Cultural Anthropology Class, Summer 2011.

Guys, just click on the title (just above) if you wish to read the review i wrote for the film...



GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. PART I. Characters.
Identify the three main characters. What roles did they play in the film? (15 points)

2. PART II. Culture & Meaning.
Name three objects (material culture) which you think are significant/important to the family relationships of the characters. What meanings do these objects carry (or what do they symbolize)? (15 points)
How did the objects contribute to the overall artistic merit of the film? (10 points)

3. PART III. Insights/Realizations.
Express how you felt about the movie (or what you think about it after watching it). Do not forget to also discuss the realizations or insights that came to your mind while watching or after you have watched the movie. (20 points)


INSTRUCTIONS & PAPER SPECIFICATIONS:
1. Present your output in computer-printed text. ^_^
2. The text must be in PARAGRAPH form; SINGLE-spacing please!
3. Use SHORT bond paper (8.5 x 11 inches). MARGIN: 1 inch on all sides.
4. Maximum of TWO (2) pages ONLY. Any excess page will be disregarded. No need for a title page.
5. DEADLINE: Saturday - May 14, 2011 (until 12 noon only).
6. NO PAPER WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DEADLINE.

COLD SUMMER, year 2011

Summer dates have come... But the days are cold and the nights are colder.
Is it that I just miss the warmth of summer? Or I am just longing for the warmth I never had during colder evenings?

MISSING KOREAN IN BAGUIO

Early this morning, I accompanied one of my boardmates to the Partas Bus terminal in Gov. Pack Road. She was to take the 8AM trip bound for Bangued, Abra, as she was going home to our hometown Manabo. Had breakfast with her while waiting for the bus to go, and read newspaper.

I left her when the bus was about to embark, then I headed to Session Road. Just when I was in front of PLDT, I saw two of my Korean students walking down the sidewalk. They just came from, perhaps, Naver internet shop - a Korean net shop. I walked faster to catch them up.

I caught up with them in front of BDO, then I discreetly poked one of them! ^^
"Ah! Sir!" ~ one of them exclaimed, while the other one just smiled. I asked where they came from. The one I poked replied, "Home, sir." Thinking about where they just came from, I verified, "Home?" The reply was, "We are looking for someone."

As the covnersation progressed, I learned that they were looking for one of their housemates, a 19-year-old lady, who went out during the night but never returned till that time. Because they were bothered, the two of them went out to seek her in places that are frequented by their fellow Koreans. Then we parted ways in front of Prime Hotel as they said they'll head to Burnham Park.

As I was going down Session, i was thinking about what could have happened to that Korean girl... Then suddenly, things i heard from radio newscasts and articles i've read flashed back into mind.. I hope nothing bad happened to her.

THE ITNEG PEOPLE OF NORTHERN LUZON, PHILIPPINES

The Itnegs are an ethno-linguistic group occupying the land of Abra on the northwestern portion of the Cordillera Mountains of Northern Luzon and their territory extends to the slopes of the Malaya mountain range that traverses the Ilukano country (i.e. Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte).

“According to various writers, these people are descended from Chinese, Japanese, or Arabs; are typical Malay; are identical with the Igorot...” (Cole, 1922). In terms of language, their tongue has a big similarity with the prevailing lingua franca of the other tribes who dwell in Muntanyusa, in Apayao, and in Kalinga. In fact, the Maeng dialect may be considered as a variant of the tongues spoken by the Aplays and/or the I-Fontoks of Muntanyusa, and the Banaw and Masadiit dialects closely resemble those spoken in Lubuagan and Balbalan in Kalinga. Muntanyusa is how the Itnegs call the land of the Igorots towards the south of Tingguianlandia.

Province of ABRA: the heart of Itneglandia.
SOURCE: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Ph_locator_map_abra.png

In his book “Tingguian Ethnohistory: 1930-2005,” Reverend Mariano B. Laory (2006) forwards these assertions:
There are two terms given to the Tingguian tribe, Tingguian and Itneg, which refer interchangeably to the tribe. The word “Tingguian” was... used by the Spaniards to refer to all mountain dwellers. Later, the word was used exclusively for the tribe of Abra.

Etymology of the term “Tingguian.”
The indigenous peoples of Abra are collectively known as Tingguians but they prefer to call themselves “Itneg.” The term “Tingguian” might have been derived from the ancient Malay word “tunggi” meaning “mountain,” according to de los Reyes & de los Reyes (1987). Alternatively, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), as published in its official website, claims that “Tingguian” is derived from the term “tingue” meaning “mountaineers” (http://www.ncip.gov.ph/resources/ethno_detail.php?ethnoid=105). Hence, as an online article forwards, “Tingguian” refers to “The People of the Mountains” (http://library.thinkquest.org/C003235/tingguian.html).
De los Reyes & de los Reyes continue: The term “Tingguians” was originally used to refer to all mountain dwellers in the Philippines.... The term... was earlier used by the Spaniards to refer to all mountain or hill dwellers, such as those in Zambales, Bohol, Basilan and Mindanao. Later, however, the name was exclusively applied to the inhabitants of Abra and the mountains of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. The people, though, refer to themselves as “Itneg” (198).


Etymology of the term “Itneg.”
The word “Itneg” is derived, according to an online article (http://www.geocities.com/lppsec/pp/abra.htm?200721), from “i-tineg,” which literally means people living near the Tineg River. “I-tineg” is a combined form of the prefix “i-” that indicates a place of origin, and the name of one Itneg municipality and major river system in Abra – “Tineg”. Additionally, according to an interpretation by Velasco (no date), the word is derived from ”iti uneg,” (http://litera1no4.tripod.com/tinguian_frame.html) which literally means “the interior”. Also, the NCIP forwards that Itneg is what the Tingguians are known in the Samtoy (http://www.ncip.gov.ph/resources/ethno_detail.php?ethnoid=105) (Ilocano) dialect.

The Itneg Tribes
The Tingguians are composed of sub-groups known as the Itneg Tribes. These tribal groupings are the Adasen, Balatok, Banaw, Belwang, Binungan, Gubang, Inlaud, Mabaka, Maeng, Masadiit, and Muyadan/Ammutan.

ITNEG TRIBES & THEIR PLACES OF SETTLEMENT:
1. Adasen [Lagayan, San Juan, Tineg]
2. Banaw [Daguioman & Malibcong, and Balbalan (in Kalinga)]
3. Binungan [Baay-Licuan, Lacub]
4. Balatok [Villages of Amti, Kilong-olaw, & Danak (all in Boliney)]
5. Belwang [Dao-angan village (in Boliney)]
6. Gubang [Malibcong]
7. Inlaud [Lagangilang & Peñarrubia, Lumaba village (in Villaviciosa), Villages of Abang & Patoc(in Bucay), Langiden, San Isidro, San Quintin, Danglas, parts of Nueva Era (in Ilocos Norte)]
8. Mabaka [Lacub, Malibcong]
9. Maeng [Luba, Tubo, & Villaviciosa, and San Emilio, Banayoyo, & other Ilocos Sur towns]
10. Masadiit [Sallapadan & Bucloc, Sitio Sapdaan (in Manabo), Western Boliney (barangays poblasyon, bawiyan, and dumagas)]
11. Ammutan, a.k.a. Muyadan Tribe [Manabo]


De los Reyes and de los Reyes (1987) declare that the Tingguian sub-groups have their respective dialects and cultural practices... The territory they occupy comprises nearly 80% of Abra’s total land area. Fay-Cooper Cole, (http://bullfinch.englishatheist.org/Tingguian.html#d0e144) in his stay with the Tingguians in the period 1907-1908, noted the difference, for purposes of classification, between the lowland Tingguians and the upland Tingguians.
The lowland Tingguians, primarily the Inlauds and Ammutans, mainly inhabit the valley areas of Abra while the rest of the tribes compose the highlanders. More often than not, the lowlanders thrive on wet rice agriculture while those in the uplands are engaged in slash-and-burn agriculture and swidden farming.


REFERENCES:
Laory, M. B. (2006). Tingguian ethnohistory: 1930-2005. Laoag City, Philippines: Crown Printers.

Cole, F. C. (1922). The tinguian: social, religious, and economic life of a philippine tribe [Online]. Available at http://www.gutenberg.org/files/12849/12849-8.txt [2007, June 7].

Cole, F. C. (1915). Traditions of the tinguian: a study in philippine folk-lore [Online]. Available at http://bullfinch.englishatheist.org/Tinguian.html#d0e144 [2007, April 27].

De los Reyes, A. J., & de los Reyes, A. M. (Ed.). (1987). Igorot: a people who daily touch the earth and the sky. Baguio City: Cordillera Schools Group

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. (No date). The tingguian [Online]. Available at http://www.ncip.gov.ph/resources/ethno_detail.php?ethnoid=105 [2007, April 21].

Velasco, F. (No date). Tinguian [Online]. Available at http://litera1no4.tripod.com/tinguian_frame.html [2007, April 26].

_______. (No date). Tingguian [Online]. Available at http://library.thinkquest.org/C003235/tingguian.html [2007, April 21].

_______. (No date). Abra: provincial profile [Online]. Available at http://www.geocities.com/lppsec/pp/abra.htm [2007, April 21].

________________________________________________________
This article is an excerpt from my thesis entitled The Indigenous Peace Process of the Masadiit Itnegs of Abra. This treatise was defended in September 2008 at the University of Baguio.

ARE WE EVEN EDUCATED?

While having coffee with friends in a shop in SM, an interesting incident took place! ^^ Forgive my intrusion into other people's privacy of communication, but i think this lady just waved her protection from eavesdropping when she blurted into action that afternoon! ^^

Here's the story...

Deo, Kristian, Liv, Mae, and me were busy discussing about things while sipping freshly brewed coffee when a petite and "scantily" dressed morena lady (kasi naman, nakasuot siya ng napakaikling shorts) furiously approached the cashier and started confronting one of the lady-servers. Because i can directly see her from where I was seated, I began to take notice of her "annoyed" looks. Then she started to raise her voice like she was already shouting at one of the waitresses (as I can hear the waitress also answering her back, causing her to get the more irate).

Suddenly, she blurted, "Baka gusto mong patulan kita!" My mind immediately reacted, "It's as if you are not engaging her with your scandalous actions yet!"

Getting perhaps also pissed off, the waitress replied in a fighting-back decibel, "Baka gusto mo patulan din kita!" Hala, and they make patol each other na! Ano ba? Things are becoming exciting na!

The lady-customer went on to release bullets from her fiery mouth while the other waitresses were trying to assuade their colleague not to retaliate anymore as the customer was already obviously riding on the waters of wrath.

Finally, the lady-customer condescendingly remarked to the waitress (whose head was already hanging on her neck because whe was trying to stay calm), "I GUESS YOU'RE NOT EVEN EDUCATED!" And she left. She walked speedily away throwing her feet into the air as if she was gonna be a sky walker. I noticed the heavy landing of her sole on the floor as she walked like a model parading an angry banner with her steps reaching almost one meter in length already.

While the scene was ongoing, the customers (including us) were startled and we just looked on her anticipating her every move. As soon as she sat on her chair, we started telling each other, "are you even educated?" immitating how the lady said the phrase! ^^

We were so surprised at the words she said last.

If she claimed she was educated, she should not have been that harsh to the waitress whom she described as rude during the peak of her anger. We thought that her anger has taken away the better part of her.

If one claims that the other is uneducated but he acts more uneducated than the one he despises, he just shows that his education has not really succeeded in educating him. Perhaps, this saying applies: "Educated but unlearned."

Such an event must be an eye-opener for all of us who witnessed it. Shocking yet awakening. Ridiculously scandalous but though-provoking. One thing we must all deter from happening. Lest we also be called "uneducated."

Wondering what the bruhaha was all about? ~~ Just a condiment (sugar)!

PREMODERN TO POSTMODERN PHILOSOPHY: an amateur's attempt to trace philosophical development

Pre-Modern Philosophy.
Theistic mindset rules premodern thinking. The unmoved mover is at work. History and human existence are said to have objective realities and directions. The definitions of human concepts are based on divine truths, and that these truths are necessary to establish equilibrium in society. Therefore, pre-modern philosophy is God-centered.

Modernism.
God starts to fade from the limelight as modernism enters the scene. Modern thinking gives emphasis on man as an individual, and on man as the ultimate expression of what is true. Hence, the extolling of man's feats and achievements become essential in social circles, and scientism gains stronghold. The science practiced by man becomes the panacea to be relied on when human troubles arise.

Modernism versus Postmodernism.
Postmodern thinking debunks the universality of truth as claimed by modernism. If trusting were the issue, postmodernism claims that there is no certainty of one's intention -- so, doubt is unavoidable. Doubting, questioning, skepticism -- these are characteristics of postmodernism, which are contrary to the tenets of modernism. While the scientific method is tested way of arriving tat conclusive truths, postmodernism says that these truths are relative (and may not even be applicable to a large portion of humanity). Therefore, postmodernism looks at man as an individual (similar with modernism), but one as a member of a group -- society. As a member of a group, everything becomes shared -- experiences, belief systems, truths.

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This is written by a starting student of philosophy. Please understand if there are blunders and flaws in this text. Also, please feel free to leave constructive comments. ^^ Thanks!

ACTION RESEARCH PROCESS

Issues and problems actually arise inevitably in the classroom. Oftentimes, because they recur, the teacher already becomes used to them that they (i.e issues/problems) end up being neglected and unaddressed.

These circumstances provide rich, fallow soil on which action research could flourish. Having identified the phenomenon which is to be studied, the teacher-researcher is now ready to embark onto the next step which is formulating the research problems.

The research problems are the specific queries that the teacher-researcher wants to be enlightened about. These are used as stepping-stones to gathering the data needed.

Data collection follows. This part enables the researcher to accumulate the necessary information for him to satisfy the problems earlier posed. Various data collection techniques may be utilized, such as (but not limited to) using a questionnaire/survey tool, interviewing, observing, documentary analysis, et cetera.

Data analysis, followed by data interpretation, enters the picture. This is where the researcher will group/categorize/arrange the data gathered in order to address the concerns of the research. Then, he will expound on the meanings and implications of these date. While he mixes his background knowledge to the research report, he also consults (for verification/validation) other written materials or researches to back him up.

Finally, he writes (and publishes, where possible) the research report as it already contains the conclusions he has come up with, and the recommendations he has formulated.

The second phase of the action research involves implementing the proposed action plan, and simultaneously evaluating its workability and impact. Where it fails, rescue is needed; where it fairly works, support must come in; where it does excellently, maintain it.

Then from the problems that arise, action research again starts. ^^

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This is a raw essay on the topic action research, written by a neophyte researcher.. Constructive comments are most welcome. :)
*This was a paper submitted to Dr. Lloyd Orduña (Action Research class in PhD-Development Education, 2nd Sem., 2009-2010 - University of Baguio)*