SLSU-Hinunangan Faculty Earns National Certification in Impact Assessment at UP Diliman
Strengthening its commitment to research excellence and evidence-based policymaking, Southern Leyte State University – Hinunangan Campus (SLSU-HC) proudly announced the successful completion of a prestigious national training program by one of its faculty members.
Ms. Edelyn P. Nuñez, M.Sc., of the Agribusiness Department, was among the select participants of the Impact Assessment for Research, Projects, and Policies training held from June 30 to July 25, 2025 at the University of the Philippines School of Economics (UPSE) in Diliman, Quezon City.
The four-week intensive course, organized by the Philippine Center for Economic Development (PCED), brought together technical experts from national government agencies and faculty researchers from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) nationwide. All participants were awarded full scholarships to ensure access to world-class training in policy and project evaluation.
The program provided in-depth instruction on key competencies essential for impact assessment. These included programming and data visualization, foundational and advanced econometric methods, and statistical approaches such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), synthetic control, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences (DiD), and propensity score matching.
In addition, participants gained hands-on proficiency in the use of Stata and R, two powerful software tools for data analysis. These technical skills aim to enhance participants’ capacity to generate credible evidence that can guide both local and national policy decisions.
The initiative supports the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda, particularly Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By cultivating innovation, promoting strong institutions, and encouraging cross-sector collaboration, the training contributes to sustainable and inclusive development.
Ms. Nuñez’s achievement is seen as a testament to SLSU-HC’s commitment to advancing research-driven service and reinforcing the university’s role in shaping sound public policies. University officials emphasized that investing in faculty development is key to ensuring that academic research translates into tangible societal benefits.
“SLSU-Hinunangan will continue to pursue opportunities that bridge research and public service,” the administration stated, “nurturing a culture of continuous learning and lasting impact in the communities we serve.”
