Ozamiz City, Philippines | July 8–9, 2026 — Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to research excellence, innovation, and global academic competitiveness, the Misamis University Research Center (MURC), in collaboration with the Human Resource Department and the College of Criminology, successfully conducted the two-day Seminar-Workshop on Theory Building Research at the University's Function Hall. The activity brought together university administrators, deans, department chairpersons, faculty members, research coordinators, and researchers from various disciplines in a shared pursuit of advancing scholarly inquiry and research innovation.

The seminar featured Professor Raymund Narag, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Southern Illinois University, USA, as the distinguished resource speaker. Through insightful lectures and engaging discussions, Professor Narag challenged participants to move beyond simply applying existing theories and inspired them to develop original theoretical frameworks that can shape future research, inform policy, and address complex societal challenges.

In her welcome message, Dr. Cynthia S. Superable, Vice President for Academic Affairs, reaffirmed Misamis University's commitment to nurturing a vibrant research culture that empowers faculty members to become innovators, knowledge creators, and catalysts for community development. Throughout the seminar, participants explored the principles and practical processes of theory building, emphasizing how robust theoretical foundations enhance research quality, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the generation of meaningful solutions to real-world issues.

More than a professional development initiative, the seminar-workshop served as a platform for intellectual exchange, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. It encouraged researchers to rethink how theories emerge from evidence and how these theories can drive transformative research with lasting societal impact.