University research in the Bicol Region, Philippines: Topic choices, dissemination, and ranking metrics

Ryan V. Dio, Higino A. Ables, Lovely O. Escalora, Ritzelda A. Deri, Susan S. Janer and Sheryl S. Solano
Sorsogon State University, Philippines

The quality of universities' research dissemination efforts underpins how knowledge is shared, accessed, and applied, shaping its contribution to socially responsive, locally relevant, and sustainable development. Using a descriptive-documentary design, bibliometric data (Scopus and Google Scholar), institutional documents, patent records, and ranking indicators (AD Scientific Index and EduRank) were analysed across nine state-funded universities and colleges in the Bicol Region, Philippines. Findings indicate that research productivity and visibility are associated with institutional funding and dissemination mechanisms. However, a mismatch is observed between dominant research outputs and pressing regional challenges, particularly poverty reduction and inclusive development. The invisibility of generated knowledge through research perpetuates a cycle of limited citations, funding, and collaborations, marginalising Bicol region's universities in national and global research landscapes. Our study argues for complementary regional metrics that better capture social relevance, community engagement, and locally grounded knowledge. Strengthening open-access dissemination, inter-institutional collaboration, and alignment with regional priorities may enhance both research visibility and societal impact.
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Authors: Dr Ryan V. Dio (corresponding author) is a Professor VI in the Graduate School, Sorsogon State University, Philippines. He is the current Vice-President for Research, Extension and Training of the same university. He actively pursues studies for the development of research and extension initiatives of the university at par with the global standards. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4170-8828 Email: ryan.dio@sorsu.edu.ph Dr Higino A. Ables is a retired professor at University of the Philippines, Los Banos. He conducted the first nationwide study of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines in 1987 with a grant from the Ford Foundation. He served as a consultant at the Sorsogon State University. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2866-0384 Email: mambolao15@gmail.com Lovely O. Escalora is a Licensed Professional Teacher, holding a BS Education Major in Mathematics. Currently, she is working at the same institution as an instructor, teaching both high school and college students. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9874-0860 Email: lovelyescalora15@gmail.com Dr Ritzelda A. Deri earned a PhD in Mathematics Education with 30 years of experience in teaching Mathematics and Professional Education. She has served as Program Chair and as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Sorsogon State University, where she currently holds the position of Professor VI. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5001-5185 Email: raderi@sorsu.edu.ph Dr Susan S. Janer is a Professor VI at Sorsogon State University and is currently the Dean of the Graduate School. She previously served as Director of Research and Development from 2010 to 2015. She holds a PhD in Educational Foundations and two masters degrees in Chemistry Education and Administration and Supervision. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0483-1752 Email: sihjaner@sorsu.edu.ph Sheryl S. Solano is an Intellectual Property staff member of the Sorsogon State University, Philippines. She served as a patent agent for several products and technologies derived from research by the faculty members at the university. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4602-0802 Email: shsolano@sorsu.edu.ph Please cite as: Dio, R. V., Ables, H. A., Escalora, L. O., Deri, R. A., Janer, S. S. & Solano, S. S. (2025). University research in the Bicol Region, Philippines: Topic choices, dissemination, and ranking metrics. Issues in Educational Research, 36(2), 475-495. http://www.iier.org.au/iier36/dio.pdf