26 May 2023
ScienTeach brings together eminent national scientists to share their experiences and knowledge, empowering junior and senior high school students to pursue careers in science.
BAGUIO CITY - The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST, PHL) successfully held the ScienTeach: A Symposium for the Youth in the Cordillera Administrative Region on May 20, 2023. The event, co-organized by the Department of Science and Technology-CAR (DOST-CAR), brought together national scientists to ignite a passion for science among junior and senior high school students in the region.
Academician Jaime C. Montoya, President of NAST PHL, formally opened the program. This was followed by a message of support from the Department of Education-Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR), through Mr. Asterio A. Madalla, Education Program Supervisor under the Curriculum Learning Management Division. Both eagerly welcomed the students and encouraged them to remain curious as they engage and learn the wonders of science throughout the event.
Likewise, DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, in her presentation, highlighted the various services DOST offers to support the S&T human resources needed by our country. She also stressed the importance of science, technology, and innovation as main engines for nation-building.
The event featured an impressive lineup of accomplished academicians and national scientists who took the stage to share their personal journeys, challenges faced, and innovative discoveries.
National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz shared her groundbreaking work on the biochemistry of toxic peptides derived from the venom of fish-hunting Conus marine snails. National Scientist Raul V. Fabella, on the other hand, emphasized the critical role of the manufacturing sector in steering the country's economy towards convergent growth. Academician Jaime C. Montoya spoke on the many research opportunities available to physicians outside of clinical work while Academician Camilo C. Roa, Jr. discussed the history of tuberculosis and the cutting-edge technologies that pave the way to ending the disease. The fifth presenter, Academician Cristina J. Montiel advised participants to remain critical of big data analytics and be cautious of its inherent social biases.
Three (3) Outstanding Young scientists conferred by the NAST PHL in 2022 also served as resource speakers. Dr. Ronnie E. Baticulon, the country’s renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, shared his life story and reminded the students to believe in the impossible. Dr. Maria Ruth - Pineda-Cortel, an expert on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), also recounted her journey noting that her achievements demonstrate that women have a place in STEM. Dr. Raymond Francis E. Sarmiento concluded the talks with a discussion on how artificial intelligence bridges the gap between health and information technology.
During the open forum, student-participants sounded off their questions which ranged from technical clarifications on the talks to life lessons and inspirational messages from the resource speakers.
The symposium was well-received by the students. In his impression, Mr. Akihiro Kenji M. Cautiver, a senior student from the Cordillera Regional Science High School, thanked the speakers for sharing their wisdom and inspiring a generation of budding scientists. After being inspired, he revealed his desire of becoming a National Scientist.
Ms. Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, Director of NAST PHL, closed the program on a high note.
The event was attended on-site by 104 student-participants from 22 senior and junior high schools and reached an audience of more than a thousand on its live broadcast.
Revisit the symposium at DOST-CAR and NAST PHL (@nastphl) FB Pages. Click link to watch: https://fb.watch/kJ4OL8Wqbd/
