To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), the Public Service Committee hosted a four-day series of free short training courses for UP Los Baños Research, Extension and Professional Staff (UPLB REPS). Held on August 10-11 and 17-18, 2023 in INSTAT lecture and computer laboratories, the workshops aimed to equip the UPLB REPS with fundamental statistical skills for their diverse endeavors.

The first day kicked off with Prof. Zita VJ. Albacea, PhD, delving into “Statistics in Research”, followed by a practical training workshop on “Data Management and Visualization” by Assistant Professors Ronald R. Roldan, Jr.,  Leonard Allan F. Almero, Ramoncito G. Cambel, and Reanne Len C. Arlan. A total of 22 REPS actively participated in the session. The second day focused on “Experimental Designs”, with Assistant Professors Marie Joy L. Relente and Mark Jay P. Dating, alongside Mr. Jemuel Dave B. Dorado and Ms. Vanessa Anne E. Lindayag, engaging 21 participants in insightful discussions.

Moving to day three, the focus shifted to “Regression and Correlation Analysis”, where Associate Professor and Director Liza N. Comia, PhD., along with Assistant Professors Cambel, Lara Paul A. Ebal, PhD and Edrun R. Gayosa, guided 22 participants through hands-on exercises. The final day wrapped up with “Survey Operations”, guided by Associate Professors Nancy A. Tandang, PhD and Joyce DL. Grajo, PhD, and Assistant Professors Jared Jorim O. Mendoza and Maurice C. Borromeo, with 23 participants gaining valuable knowledge.

Overall, the participants expressed their appreciation for the insightful sessions and valuable skills gained. Many actively encouraged the continuation of such initiatives for ongoing professional development. This successful program by INSTAT underscores its commitment to empowering UPLB REPS with the tools they need to excel in their respective fields.

~Lara Paul A. Ebal