Capiz State University (CAPSU) through Dr. Leo Andrew B. Biclar, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (RDE), along with his team Ronald A. Almanon and Jerry F. Fusin was recognized as one of the six awardees of the Catalytic Mini Grants Program during the 14th Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week Research Forum held on November 24, 2025, in Days Hotel, Iloilo City.
The event was organized by the DSWD Field Office VI and the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee VI (RJJWC VI).
Anchored on the theme “JJWA: Bata’y May Pananagutan, Gabay at Kalinga ang Kaagapay,” the regional forum highlighted innovative research concepts aligned with the Juvenile Justice Research Agenda 2025–2029, particularly focusing on strengthening programs and policies for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR) across Western Visayas.
Dr. Biclar and his team’s concept paper, “Resilience and Marginalization: A Study on Street-situated Children and Indigenous Cultural Communities in Capiz,” was formally presented during the forum, earning commendation for its regional relevance, originality, and potential contribution to evidence-based juvenile justice programs.
As part of this recognition, the team will receive a ₱26,666.00 award for his winning research concept, an incentive granted to exemplary proposals selected through the rigorous regional evaluation process.
Beyond recognition, the award signifies the beginning of a developmental journey. Awardees will undergo structured mentoring, technical coaching, and proposal refinement sessions, with completed full proposals eligible for endorsement to external funding bodies such as DOST, WVHRDC, and other partner agencies aligned with regional research priorities.
This milestone underscores CAPSU’s dedication to producing impactful, policy-relevant research that advances child protection, community welfare, and evidence-based governance in Region VI.