Introduction to Futures Thinking and Foresight

Solving a problem requires to consider multiple possible outcomes in order to achieve the most optimal result. As a pioneer health sciences center in the country, the University of the Philippines Manila ensures in taking steps that will lead to a more anticipated and positive future. In order for such a future to materialize, the Human Resource Development Office, in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension and the Futures Thinking Technical Working Group, conducted a Futures Thinking Educational Caravan dedicated for Research, Extension and Professional Staff (REPS). 

On October 7, 2025, the second webinar of this educational caravan entitled “Introduction to Futures Thinking and Foresight” was carried out virtually via Zoom and was attended by the REPS of the UP Manila Community. 

The first speaker, Dr. Emerito Jose A. Faraon, the current Director of Research Management and Translation Office and the current Head of the Research Grants and Administration Office, introduced the notion of futures thinking in application to the real-life setting. Dr. Faraon emphasized that futures thinking is a proactive approach in preparing for uncertainties through use of our strategic imagination that is guided by relevant data to create the future that we desire. He also emphasized that doing foresight is better when everyone and everything is heard and considered.

Dr. Carol Stephanie C. Tan-Lim, an Associate Professor at the UP College of Medicine, and an Affiliate Research Associate Professor at the National Institute of Health - UP Manila, followed through and delved into how to envision the futures for REPS within the UP community.  Dr. Tan-Lim’s presentation revolved around what is strategic foresight and its uses, as well as analysis models like the Casual Layered Analysis in order to break down the current and general observable issues into a particular narrative or story that circulates the persistence of such a problem. These strategies and models were discussed so it can be utilized in looking into possible futures that may arise and in attaining the projected future that we want.  

Lastly, Dr. Maria Llaine J. Callanta spoke about backcasting for work productivity and career alignment. She is an Associate Professor at the UP College of Medicine and a member of the core committee of the MD-PhD (Molecular Medicine) program where she graduated. Dr. Callanta focused on the intricacies of backcasting and the advantages of creating strategic goals in organizations by using backcasting as a guide. This allows the offices or the units to efficiently meet their targets without swerving far from the intended direction towards its mission and vision.

All in all, 22 participants have attended this training with the hopes of improving their work and thinking skills towards the future that they want for both their office and the university.

We, the Learning and Development Section of the UP Manila HRDO, strive to deliver caravans and training programs that are both conducive and beneficial to our fellow UP Manila constituents. 

Look out for more exciting updates on events that we’ve got for you here at our website!