BICUTAN, TAGUIG CITY – The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office II, successfully conducted the ScienTeach: Symposium for the Youth and the Dialogue with NAST PHL Scientists in Batanes on February 18-19, 2025.

The ScienTeach: Symposium for the Youth was held on February 18, 2025, at Boulder-Bay Residences, Basco, Batanes wherein 137 participants (75 male and 62 female) attended.

The symposium began with welcome remarks from Ms. Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, Director of NAST PHL, followed by the message of Ms. Jennifer H. Moro, Education Program Supervisor of DepEd Batanes. Ms. Nora T. Garcia, Provincial Director of the DOST-PSTO Batanes, discussed their plans and programs in the province.

Resource persons and student participants of ScienTeach: Symposium for the Youth in Basco, Batanes

The program proceeded with the presentation of the six (6) resource speakers. National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz shared her journey as a biochemist specializing in toxic peptides from the venom of fish-hunting Conus marine snails. Academician Jose Maria P. Balmaceda discussed how math stimulates the widest latitude for freedom, creativity, and imagination by applying its nature and practice in theoretical and real-life situations. The third presenter, Academician Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr., shared his in-depth knowledge of plant breeding which showcased the incredible diversity and possibilities of a career in the agriculture sciences.

In the afternoon session, Academician Aura C. Matias explained career prospects and her experiences in industrial engineering research and sustainable development; Academician Camilo C. Roa, Jr. shared his expertise as a clinician-scientist who is internationally recognized in the field of respiratory medicine. The last presenter, Academician Roel R. Suralta, ended the presentations by sharing how his experiences in the field of root science contribute to improving climate change resiliency in crops.

Resource persons (from left to right) Academician Camilo C. Roa, Jr., Academician Aura C. Matias, Academician Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr., National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz, Academician Roel R. Suralta, and Academician Jose Maria P. Balmaceda, sharing their tips and experiences on how to become a scientist during the open forum.

During the open forum, student participants were given the chance to ask questions to the resource speakers. Questions ranged from technical clarifications of the various fields to life lessons and inspirational messages from the resource speakers. The resource speakers gladly accommodated questions and interacted with them throughout the program. Afterward, student representatives from participating schools shared their impressions and learnings from the symposium. The activity concluded with the closing remarks from Academician Balmaceda, Secretary of NAST PHL.

The lecture series, which was the Dialogue with NAST PHL Scientists, was held on February 19, 2025, in Batanes via Zoom.

A total of 68 participants (21 male and 47 female) attended the event. This includes Filipino teachers, researchers, government officials, and other professionals from different institutions, local government units, and organizations.

The activity commenced with welcome remarks from Ms. Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, Director of NAST PHL. This was followed by a discussion on the plans and programs of DOST Region II by Ms. Nora T. Garcia, Provincial Director of the DOST-PSTO in Batanes. Mr. Mark Keneth C. Sumbillo, Senior Science Research Specialist from DOST-PSTO Batanes, also served as the moderator for the event.

Resource persons with Director Nora T. Garcia of DOST-PSTO Batanes and Mayor Prescila A. Babalo of Sabtang Island, Batanes.

The resource speakers proceeded with their presentations for the lecture series. National Scientist Cruz focused on tackling the importance of science, technology, and innovation to help attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Academician Balmaceda focused on explaining the mathematics of voting systems and how it allows the public to analyze social issues. Academician Rasco discussed the application of a science-informed, consumer-led approach to preventing the inter-related problems of poverty in farms, environmental degradation, and nutrition and health of consumers.

Academician Matias talked about how industrial engineering plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable development by optimizing processes, reducing waste, and improving resource efficiency. Lastly, Academician Suralta wrapped up the lecture series by presenting a responsible farming system combining climate change resiliency, productivity, and sustainability in crop production. Academician Balmaceda, Secretary of NAST PHL, concluded the lecture series with his closing remarks.

For more details, you may visit NAST Philippines’ social media account @nastphl.