The OVCRD Report (May 2011-April 2014).2.10.14 | Page 77

This Proactive stance strongly manifested in the OVCRD’s execution of its Stewardship role, prompting stricter implementation of policies that were hitherto marginally observed, reforms in policies and procedures where they are needed, and establishment of new programs and activities that would further push forward research and creative work in the University. Among other things, these initiatives resulted in management of project funds, the updating of R&D institutional committees, an expanded network for intellectual property commercialization and deployment, higher accreditation for OVCRD’s scholarly journals Notwithstanding the scale and pace of implementation of these initiatives, the OVCRD remained fully cognizant of the importance of Stewardship within the organization; as such, it also ensured staff welfare through activities ranging from formal skills-enhancement workshops to cozy office get-togethers. In line with its Proactive thrust, the OVCRD also launched intensified and coordinated campaigns to address the challenges of increasing applications for the various research and creative work grants, enhancing intellectual property protection, accelerating technology transfer, widening the dissemination of UP Diliman’s research and creative work outputs, and generating more manuscript submissions to UP Diliman’s scholarly journals. The basic challenge of responsible Stewardship, after all, is not only taking good care of those that are already within reach, but also being more inclusive – and more expansive – in one’s service delivery. The OVCRD’s first strategy for Expansion, therefore, was amplifying its Proactive thrust. Its second – and main – strategy was Innovativeness. The OVCRD introduced new administrative procedures for project management, new editorial policies for its journals, and new protocols for technology transfer. The Office took on new functions: the management of the Research Dissemination Grant (RDG) Program , previously administered by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA), and serving as the Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) for UP Diliman. The OVCRD also implemented new programs, notably, the Source of Solutions Grant, the Gawad Chanselor sa Natatanging Mananaliksik sa Filipino, and the Paliwanagan sa UP Diliman colloquium series.