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            The Center for Research and Development Studies (CRADS) of Northern Christian College launched the first scientific forum on February 21, 2009 at the New NCC Auditorium.

            The forum aimed to determine whether the research results were ready for use, present the result to the public to avoid duplication, and to instutionalize the activity in NCC. It aims to identify research results that are useful in the development process and which could be disseminated; inculcate in the minds of researchers that disseminating research findings is an integral part of the R & D process; develop the ability and skill in presenting a paper in public, and to choose the best thesis (one plenary and one poster).

             Rev. Bucalen C. Saboy, college chaplain, started the forum with an opening prayer. Dr. Virginia A. Duldulao, dean, Academic Affairs and director, Center of Research and Development Studies (CRADS), opened the program, gave the mechanics of the forum and introduced the panel of evaluators.           

             The evaluators were; Dr. Reynaldo C. Castro, chairperson, branch manager, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Batac City; Dr. Jose B. Orosa III,  medical specialist III and head, Research Section, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHMC), Batac City; Dr. Estrella R. Calixto, director, Zonal Research Center, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Batac City; Prof. Adela N. Agnir, dean, College of Theology, and adviser and  consultant of the College of Nursing and Nursing Education, Northern Christian College, Laoag City and Dr. Felina G. Rosales, former director, Center for Research and Development, Northwestern University; part-time faculty, CASSW and staff, CRADS, Northern Christian College.           

             Dr.  Caesar I. Agnir, NCC president, said that the researchers should continue seeking ways to solve problems. He also expressed his happiness that his dream for NCC to have a research culture is gradually realized.

            There was a total of 17 papers presented, 16 from the College of Nursing and 1 from the College of Arts, Sciences and Social Work. The studies were categorized into 8 posters and 9 plenary papers. The researchers defended outputs through answers to the questions raised by the panel of evaluators.

              Before the announcement of the winners, Dr. Castro, the chairman of the panel and a national outstanding scientist said that, “it seems the presentors are not only students since they presented their papers like professionals”. He further commented that NCC research forum is “a cut above the rest”.

               The winner for best plenary paper was the study on “Factors predisposing puerpuerium women of Ilocos Norte to develop postpartum depression,” from BSN-IV B, and the winner for best poster was the study on “The pre-and post-natal practices among mothers in the northern municipalities of Ilocos Norte,” from BSN-IV D. Both papers won P5,000 cash prize from NCC. These were handed in by President Agnir and Dr. Castro.  # Giovanni Agustin and Edward Dufourt