USM Hosts PRC-Accredited Data Analytics Training by UPLB Experts

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM), in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Baños Graduate School (UPLB GS) and the USM Satellite Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC), successfully hosted a five-day training on 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 (𝐃𝐀𝐅 𝐗): 𝐀 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬.

The course content was tailored to participants with zero to little background in statistics or programming. It aimed to enable participants to consolidate data from various sources into customizable dashboards and reports, and to explore meaningful patterns and relationships in data. Participants were also trained on proposing research questions or objectives that effectively utilize available data analytics tools, moving beyond the limitations of previous research strategies.

The training was highly interactive, featuring both group and individual outputs from participants. UPLB experts provided personalized feedback on each output, to ensure tailored guidance. The UPLB team delivered the training in an engaging way, incorporating group work, ice breakers, and creative apps. Additionally, the UPLB team committed to ongoing post-training communication with participants to offer continued support and help them successfully deliver the required outputs. Participants who comply with all requirements will be given a Certificate of Completion by the UPLB Graduate School, in addition to the Certification of Participation they received during the training.

The training is part of the resource persons’ advocacy to equip more individuals with skills in data analytics. They emphasize that while many stand to benefit from policies informed by data analytics, there is a growing need for more professionals skilled in these tools. USM, as the host, shares this vision and recognizes the potential of data analytics to enhance the quality and relevance of research aligned with local and national agendas and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The USM Satellite SERDAC, a specialized research facility established to advance socioeconomic research and data analysis in the region and BARMM, offers an immediate platform for applying these data analytics tools. Through access to genuine socio-economic tools, cutting-edge data analytics and relevant capacity development, the USM Satellite SERDAC aims to produce quality research to generate inputs for policymakers that can enhance people’s welfare.

The Data Analytics Course was the first training offered by USM as an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Provider by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The training was accredited for 10 CPD points for Licensed Professional Teachers. It was attended by 31 participants from various units of USM and 10 participants from other institutions in the Philippines.