Focusing Research Publication on Global Issues: Evidence from the Philippines

Research in social sciences is meant to change or improve human life. Indeed, due to the complexity of life today, research is one of the best tools for change, innovation, development, and progress. The Commission on Higher Education has recently been quite aggressive in promoting research production and dissemination in all Philippine tertiary institutions. In turn, educational leaders have put pressure on educators. While conducting research has significantly increased in speed in the past few years, the number is still highly limited for those whose research outputs make it into publication. Many researchers may have the passion for publishing but do not know exactly how to go about it. Some who have managed to complete their manuscripts have had them rejected by the editorial board. Everyone is trying to get hold of the secrets of the editors. This paper presents the synthesis of a study from systematic content analysis of academic journals from 10 leading research-based educational institutions and organizations. The goal of the study was mainly to investigate how these journals’ publications are aligned with the Millenium Developmental Goals. Findings reveal that there is a consistent trend in the areas where most publications abound, while other areas are left out. Additionally, practical steps to take in writing academic papers for publication are proposed for the purposes of meeting the real needs of people through research.