The Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) has long acknowledged the crucial role of research in enhancing the quality of basic education. In response to this recognition, DepEd established the Basic Education Research Fund (BERF) through DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2015, which was subsequently revised by DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017. This article provides a thorough examination of the BERF guidelines, their implementation, and the impact on education research in the Philippines.

Table of Contents

The Genesis and Evolution of the Basic Education Research Fund

The Basic Education Research Fund emerged from DepEd’s commitment to evidence-based policy and program development. This section explores the historical context and rationale behind the creation of BERF.

Historical Context

Prior to the establishment of BERF, DepEd faced challenges in promoting research culture within the department. Many educators and staff members lacked the resources and support necessary to conduct meaningful research that could inform educational practices and policies. The creation of BERF addressed this gap by providing a dedicated funding source for research initiatives.

Rationale for BERF

The primary rationale for establishing BERF was to:

Encourage a research-oriented mindset among DepEd personnel
Generate new knowledge on priority education issues
Align research efforts with DepEd’s strategic goals
Optimize the use of available resources for research within the department

Evolution of BERF Guidelines

Since its inception, the BERF guidelines have undergone revisions to improve their effectiveness and address emerging needs. Key changes include:

Expansion of eligible research topics
Refinement of the application and evaluation processes
Introduction of more structured monitoring and reporting requirements
Adaptations for the COVID-19 pandemic (DepEd Order No. 26, s. 2021)

These modifications reflect DepEd’s commitment to continuously improving the BERF program based on feedback and experiences from previous implementation cycles.

Comprehensive Overview of the Basic Education Research Fund

The Basic Education Research Fund is a grant facility designed to support education research initiatives within the Department of Education. Its primary aim is to promote evidence-based policy and program development by funding research projects conducted by DepEd personnel at various levels of the organization.

Key Objectives of BERF

The BERF program has several specific objectives:

To foster a culture of research within DepEd
To generate new knowledge on priority research areas identified in the Basic Education Research Agenda
To focus DepEd’s attention on relevant and pressing education issues
To maximize the use of available resources for research within the department
To bridge the gap between research findings and policy implementation
To enhance the research skills and capacities of DepEd personnel

Alignment with DepEd’s Strategic Goals

BERF aligns closely with DepEd’s broader strategic goals, including:

Improving the quality of basic education
Enhancing access to educational opportunities
Strengthening governance and management of the education system

By supporting research in these areas, BERF contributes to DepEd’s overall mission of providing quality education to all Filipino learners.

The Basic Education Research Agenda

DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2016 established the Basic Education Research Agenda, which provides guidance for research priorities within the department. This agenda is crucial for aligning BERF-funded research with DepEd’s strategic objectives.

Key Research Themes

The Basic Education Research Agenda outlines four main themes:

Teaching and Learning
Child Protection
Human Resource Development
Governance

Cross-cutting Themes

In addition to the main themes, the agenda identifies three cross-cutting areas:

Gender and Development
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Inclusive Education

These themes ensure that BERF-funded research addresses a wide range of critical issues in Philippine education.

Eligibility Criteria and Scope of Research

Detailed Eligibility Requirements

The BERF is open to regular or permanent DepEd employees, including both teaching and non-teaching personnel. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Employment Status: Must be a regular or permanent DepEd employee
Salary Grade: Must have a salary grade of at least 11 (as per DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2015)
Administrative Record: Have no pending administrative cases
Previous Grants: Have not yet received a BERF grant for the given year
Team Size: For group proposals, have a maximum of 3 research team members

These criteria ensure that the fund supports a wide range of DepEd personnel while maintaining fairness in the distribution of research opportunities.

Comprehensive Research Scope and Funding Allocations

The scope of research projects funded by BERF can vary widely, reflecting the diverse needs and contexts within the Philippine education system. The funding allocations are structured to support research at different levels:

Nationwide or covering two or more regions:

Maximum funding: Up to Php 500,000
Duration: Maximum of 1 year
Focus: Broad, system-wide issues or comparative studies across regions

Region-wide or covering at least two divisions:

Maximum funding: Up to Php 150,000
Duration: Typically 6-12 months
Focus: Regional educational challenges or division-level comparisons

Division-wide, district-wide, or covering at least two schools:

Maximum funding: Up to Php 30,000
Duration: Usually 3-6 months
Focus: Local educational issues or school-level interventions

School or classroom-based action research:

Maximum funding: Up to Php 30,000
Duration: Typically 3-6 months
Focus: Specific classroom practices or school-level improvements

This tiered funding structure allows for a range of research projects, from small-scale classroom interventions to large-scale policy studies.

The Application and Evaluation Process

Detailed Submission Procedures

The BERF application process involves several stages:

Announcement of Call for Proposals:

DepEd issues a formal call for research proposals, typically twice a year
The announcement includes priority research areas and submission deadlines

Preparation of Research Proposals:

Applicants develop detailed research proposals following DepEd’s prescribed format
Proposals must include research objectives, methodology, timeline, and budget

Submission of Proposals:

Proposals are submitted to the appropriate Research Committee (National, Regional, or Division level)
Both hard copy and electronic submissions may be required

Initial Screening:

The secretariat conducts an initial review to ensure proposals meet basic eligibility criteria
Incomplete or non-compliant proposals are returned to applicants

Committee Evaluation:

Eligible proposals undergo a thorough evaluation by the Research Committee
Evaluators assess various aspects of the proposal using standardized criteria

Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria

Research proposals are evaluated based on several factors:

Relevance and Alignment:

Consistency with DepEd’s Basic Education Research Agenda
Potential impact on education policy and practice

Methodological Rigor:

Appropriateness of research design
Feasibility of data collection and analysis methods

Ethical Considerations:

Adherence to research ethics guidelines
Provisions for protecting participant rights and well-being

Budget Appropriateness:

Justification of proposed expenses
Cost-effectiveness of the research plan

Innovativeness:

Originality of the research idea
Potential for generating new insights or approaches

Capacity Building:

Opportunities for developing research skills among DepEd personnel
Plans for knowledge sharing and dissemination

Implementation Feasibility:

Realistic timeline and workplan
Availability of necessary resources and support

Each criterion is typically assigned a specific weight in the overall evaluation score, ensuring a balanced assessment of the proposals.

Implementation and Monitoring Mechanisms

Once a research proposal is approved, a structured process for implementation and monitoring begins.

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

Before commencing the research, the grantee is required to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DepEd. This document outlines:

Research objectives and expected outputs
Timeline for deliverables
Funding schedule and amounts
Reporting requirements
Intellectual property rights and data ownership
Ethical guidelines and compliance measures

The MOA serves as a binding agreement between the researcher and DepEd, ensuring clarity of expectations and responsibilities.

Progress Monitoring

Throughout the research process, the appropriate Research Committee conducts regular monitoring activities:

Inception Report:

Researchers submit a detailed plan at the project’s start
The committee reviews and approves the inception report

Periodic Progress Reports:

Researchers provide updates on project milestones
These reports are typically submitted quarterly or bi-annually

Site Visits:

For larger projects, committee members may conduct on-site evaluations
These visits assess the progress and address any implementation challenges

Financial Monitoring:

Regular review of fund utilization
Ensuring compliance with DepEd’s financial regulations

Quality Assurance Measures

To maintain high research standards, DepEd implements several quality assurance measures:

Peer Review: Draft research reports may undergo peer review by subject matter experts
Technical Assistance: The Research Committee provides guidance and support to researchers as needed
Capacity Building: Workshops and training sessions are offered to enhance researchers’ skills

These measures help ensure that BERF-funded research meets rigorous academic and practical standards.

Fund Release and Liquidation Procedures

The BERF operates on an output-based system, with funds released in tranches based on the submission and acceptance of deliverables.

Tranche System

The number of tranches and the percentage of funds released at each stage vary depending on the scope of the research:

National/Regional level research:

First Tranche (40%): Upon approval of inception report
Second Tranche (40%): After submission of midterm progress report
Final Tranche (20%): Upon acceptance of final research report

Division/School level research:

First Tranche (80%): Upon approval of work plan
Final Tranche (20%): Upon acceptance of final research report

This system ensures that funds are released in proportion to the work completed, promoting accountability and efficient use of resources.

Funding Allocation

As per DepEd Order No. 26, s. 2021, the funding allocation for BERF is structured as follows:

75% of the allocation is exclusively used to fund research proposals from the region, schools division, and schools.
The remaining 25% may be used as additional funding for research proposals and other research-related activities.

This allocation ensures that the majority of funds directly support research projects while allowing for flexibility in supporting other research-related initiatives.

Liquidation Requirements

Researchers are required to submit detailed liquidation reports for each tranche received. These reports must include:

Itemized expenses with supporting documentation
Explanation of any budget variances
Certification of fund utilization signed by the researcher and immediate supervisor

Proper liquidation is a prerequisite for the release of subsequent tranches and for closure of the research project.

Research Ethics and Quality Control

DepEd places a strong emphasis on maintaining high ethical standards and ensuring the quality of BERF-funded research.

Research Ethics Committee

DepEd plans to establish a Research Ethics Committee (REC) to evaluate compliance with research ethics. This committee will:

Review research proposals for ethical considerations
Provide guidance on ethical issues in education research
Ensure protection of research participants, especially vulnerable populations

Quality Control Process

A quality control process for completed research is being developed, which will:

Define minimum standards for quality research
Provide a tool to assess the quality of completed research
Ensure uniform implementation of standards across governance levels

This process aims to maintain the rigor and credibility of BERF-funded research.

Adaptations for the COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, DepEd Order No. 26, s. 2021 introduced several adaptations to the BERF program:

Virtual Conduct of Research Activities:

Research-related activities, including proposal evaluations and progress monitoring, may be conducted virtually
Face-to-face activities are allowed only in low-risk areas with strict adherence to health protocols

Online/Remote Data Gathering:

Proposals with online or remote data gathering methods are prioritized
Face-to-face data collection is allowed only when essential to the research design and in consideration of local risk levels

Digital Signatures:

Use of digital signatures for Memoranda of Agreement is allowed to facilitate remote processing

These adaptations ensure the continuity of research activities while prioritizing the safety of researchers and participants.

Research Dissemination and Utilization Strategies

A key aspect of the BERF is the emphasis on disseminating and utilizing research findings. This section explores the various strategies employed to maximize the impact of BERF-funded research.

Presentation of Research Results

Grantees are expected to present their research findings through various channels:

Research Conferences:

Annual DepEd Research Symposium
Regional and division-level research forums

Policy Briefings:

Presentations to relevant DepEd officials and policymakers
Engagement with local government units and education stakeholders

School-Based Dissemination:

Sharing findings during in-service training sessions
Integration into school improvement planning processes

Learning Action Cells (LACs):

As per DepEd Order No. 35, s. 2016, LACs serve as a platform for sharing research results among teachers
LACs facilitate the practical application of research findings in classroom settings

E-Saliksik: The DepEd Research Portal

DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2022 established E-Saliksik, the DepEd Research Portal, which serves as a central repository for completed research. This portal:

Archives BERF-funded research and other relevant studies
Provides access to research findings for DepEd personnel and approved external researchers
Facilitates the sharing of knowledge and best practices across the education system

Knowledge Translation

Efforts are made to translate research findings into actionable knowledge:

Development of policy briefs and research digests
Creation of infographics and other visual summaries
Integration of findings into teacher training materials

Feedback Loop

A systematic feedback mechanism is in place to:

Track the uptake and application of research findings
Identify areas where further research is needed
Inform future iterations of the Basic Education Research Agenda

These dissemination and utilization strategies aim to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that BERF-funded studies contribute meaningfully to educational improvement.

Impact and Achievements of BERF

The Basic Education Research Fund has significantly contributed to the growth of education research within DepEd. This section provides a detailed analysis of BERF’s impact and achievements.

Quantitative Achievements

In the fiscal year 2023, the BERF program demonstrated remarkable success:

Target: 560 basic research projects
Approved proposals: 2,231 out of 5,853 received
Completed studies: 678 by the end of 2023

These figures indicate a substantial increase in research activity among DepEd personnel, far exceeding the initial targets.

Regional Distribution and Analysis

The distribution of BERF grantees varied significantly across regions, revealing interesting patterns:

Region	Target	Actual Beneficiaries
NCR	35	49
I	35	40
II	35	57
IX	35	194
X	35	81
III	35	0
IV-B	35	0
VI	35	0

This regional variation suggests:

Differing research capacities across regions
Varying levels of engagement with the BERF program
Potential differences in regional priorities and support systems

Qualitative Impact

Beyond the numbers, BERF has had several qualitative impacts:

Enhanced Research Skills: Many DepEd personnel have developed stronger research competencies through participation in BERF projects.
Evidence-Based Decision Making: BERF-funded studies have informed policy decisions at various levels of DepEd.
Improved Teaching Practices: Classroom-based action research has led to innovations in teaching methods and strategies.
Strengthened Collaboration: The program has fostered collaboration among educators, administrators, and policymakers.
Increased Research Culture: There is a growing awareness and appreciation for research within DepEd.

Case Studies of Impactful Research

To illustrate the concrete impact of BERF, consider these examples:

A study on mother tongue-based multilingual education in Region II led to refined implementation strategies, improving student outcomes in early grade reading.
Action research on inclusive education practices in Region X resulted in the development of new teaching materials for students with special needs.
A division-wide study in NCR on teacher professional development informed the redesign of in-service training programs, leading to improved teacher satisfaction and performance.

These cases demonstrate how BERF-funded research translates into tangible improvements in the education system.

Challenges and Future Directions

While the BERF has achieved significant success, it also faces several challenges. This section explores these issues and potential future directions for the program.

Current Challenges

Regional Disparities:

Uneven distribution of research output across regions
Need for targeted capacity building in underperforming areas

Research Quality:

Ensuring consistently high-quality research across all levels
Balancing rigor with practical applicability

Utilization of Findings:

Bridging the gap between research and policy implementation
Ensuring research translates into improved educational practices

Sustainability:

Maintaining funding levels in the face of competing budgetary priorities
Ensuring long-term commitment to research among DepEd personnel

Scope Limitations:

Addressing the need for longitudinal and large-scale studies
Balancing small-scale action research with broader policy-oriented research

Proposed Improvements

To address these challenges, several improvements could be considered:

Targeted Capacity Building:

Implementing region-specific training programs
Establishing mentorship systems for novice researchers

Enhanced Quality Assurance:

Strengthening peer review processes
Providing more robust technical assistance throughout the research cycle

Improved Dissemination Strategies:

Developing a comprehensive knowledge management system
Enhancing partnerships with academic institutions for wider dissemination

Expanded Funding Mechanisms:

Exploring public-private partnerships to supplement BERF
Introducing tiered funding for different types of research

Broadened Research Scope:

Encouraging multi-year and multi-site research projects
Promoting interdisciplinary research collaborations

Future Directions

Looking ahead, potential future directions for BERF include:

Integration with International Research:

Facilitating collaborations with international education researchers
Aligning BERF with global education research trends

Technology Integration:

Leveraging digital tools for research dissemination and collaboration
Exploring research on educational technology and its impact

Policy Research Focus:

Increasing emphasis on research that directly informs national education policies
Developing a rapid response research mechanism for urgent policy questions

Expanded Stakeholder Involvement:

Engaging students, parents, and community members in the research process
Fostering partnerships with local government units and NGOs

Impact Assessment:

Implementing a systematic approach to measuring the long-term impact of BERF-funded research
Developing metrics to assess the return on investment in education research

By addressing these challenges and exploring new directions, BERF can continue to evolve and strengthen its role in improving Philippine education.

Conclusion

The Basic Education Research Fund represents a significant commitment by the Department of Education to promote research-based decision-making in Philippine basic education. By providing financial support and a structured framework for conducting research, BERF empowers DepEd personnel to contribute actively to the improvement of the education system.

The success of BERF in exceeding its targets for 2023 demonstrates the enthusiasm and capacity for research among DepEd personnel. It highlights the potential for grassroots-level research to inform and improve educational practices and policies. The regional variations in research output also point to areas where additional support and capacity building may be needed.

As BERF continues to evolve, it has the potential to play an increasingly important role in shaping evidence-based policies and practices in Philippine education. The challenges identified, such as regional disparities and the need for improved dissemination strategies, provide clear directions for future enhancements of the program.

Moving forward, the key challenge will be to ensure that the research conducted through BERF translates into meaningful improvements in teaching and learning across the Philippine education system. This will require ongoing commitment from DepEd leadership, continued engagement from educators and researchers, and innovative approaches to knowledge dissemination and application.

By addressing these challenges and building on its successes, BERF can continue to serve as a vital tool in the quest for educational excellence in the Philippines. It stands as a model for how targeted research funding can drive educational improvement, potentially offering lessons for other education systems around the world.

This article, “Advancing Education Through Research: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Basic Education Research Fund (BERF) for DepEd Personnel,” was authored by Mark Anthony Llego and published on August 10, 2024.