CAMILING, Tarlac (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology–National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), in partnership with Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), has launched the first episode of iShare Season 5, an initiative aimed at inspiring curiosity and encouraging future careers in science and research among the youth.
This event, attended by students and faculty from TAU, Tarlac State University, and Central Luzon State University, along with other partner institutions in the region, featured NRCP Achievement Awardees who shared their journeys in science and research.
2024 NRCP Achievement Awardee and regular member of the NRCP Division of Veterinary Medicine Eufrocina Atabay, underscored that science and research should serve as drivers of sustainable innovation, particularly in addressing challenges faced by key sectors such as agriculture.
“Science and research should be a driver and a key to sustainable innovation that can change and transform the lives of farming communities, contribute to national economic progress, and make the Philippines globally competitive, especially at this time,” she stated.
Moreover, Atabay emphasized that in the field of science, the youth should reflect on the meaning of what they are doing, especially as their work contributes to broader societal goals.
“There will come a time or a point in your life or career when progression may be enough. So we are now looking at a higher level — the meaning of what we are doing,” she added.
On her advice to the youth, Atabay said that the world of science is a long journey marked by failures, but it is important to follow one’s dreams and make things happen through hard work, dedication, and being laser-focused.
Meanwhile, 2024 NRCP Achievement Awardee and regular member of the NRCP Division of Agriculture and Forestry Josefina Dizon, described science and research as tools for building sustainable communities, especially in developing areas.
“Science and research should be able to bring about sustainable communities because without them, there can be no sustainable development,” she said.
Dizon encouraged the youth to engage in social science and community development, highlighting the importance of recognizing the full potential of every community member in driving inclusive growth.
“Dapat malaman ninyo na hindi lang dapat ready iyong mind ninyo, but ready din dapat iyong heart ninyo. To me, I consider it a vocation. You have to have the commitment, and you have to have the love for people (You should understand that not only should your mind be ready, but your heart must be ready as well),” she emphasized.
DOST-NRCP also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting aspiring scientists through various initiatives, including incentives and scholarship programs, to help build a strong pipeline of scientists and researchers in the country.
During the event, DOST-NRCP Chief Science Research Specialist Beverly Mae Dela Cruz announced the implementation of the DOST-NRCP’s Young Scientists Incentives Program, which focuses on honing the competencies of graduate school students and young faculty members in research and science while providing mentorship and resources.
“This is a new program of the NRCP that will cater to the needs of our students and young researchers. In this program, imi-mentor kayo ng mga NRCP experts, mga best scientists and researchers across the Philippines. With this, you will be provided with resources, lalo na iyong mga malapit nang mag-conduct ng research studies for thesis and dissertation (In this program, you will be mentored by NRCP experts, the best scientists and researchers across the Philippines. You will be provided with resources, especially those who are about to conduct research studies for their thesis and dissertation),” she explained.
Dela Cruz also announced the opening of the Master’s Thesis and Dissertation Manuscript Grant, which aims to support printing costs for both NRCP and non-NRCP members, helping ease financial barriers to completing their research work.
The iShare initiative is under NRCP’s Research Information Translation and Communication program, which seeks to bring science and research closer to the public, especially the youth and bridge the gap between science and society while nurturing greater appreciation for science, technology, and innovation, and supporting long-term national development. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
