The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) remains committed to developing future agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) professionals through its internship program by providing students with meaningful workplace learning opportunities that bridge academic learning with real-world applications.
In On July 13 and August 3, 2026, a total of 13 student-interns from the Central Mindanao University (CMU), Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), and the Visayas State University (VSU) successfully completed their 200-hour internship under the Council's Applied Communication Division (ACD). This brings this year’s total number of Science Communication Internship Program completers to 27, since February 2026.
Throughout their deployment, the student-interns gained hands-on experience in science communication, knowledge management, and public service, strengthening their competencies and preparing them for future careers related to science communication.
During their exit presentations, the student-interns showcased the project outputs they had accomplished and delivered throughout their internship. They also reflected on their learning experiences and shared observations, feedback, and recommendations to further strengthen the DOST-PCAARRD's Internship Program.
Five student-interns from Central Mindanao University (CMU) presented their internship journey through the theme, "AGHAM NA RAMDAM: Exploring the Role of Development Communication in Bridging Science and Society at DOST-PCAARRD."
These experiences provided them with a deeper appreciation of science communication and its vital role in translating research-based knowledge into information that is relevant, understandable, and accessible to various stakeholders.
Beyond accomplishing technical outputs, the CMU student-interns shared that the internship enabled them to strengthen essential workplace competencies, including time management, technical writing, documentation, multimedia production, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and professionalism. Reflecting on their internship journey, they emphasized that while they produced numerous communication outputs during their deployment, the most meaningful output they created was a better version of themselves—more confident, competent, and prepared to pursue future careers in STI.
Similarly, the student-interns from the Visayas State University (VSU) and Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) highlighted the communication outputs and projects they completed throughout their internship, including copy editing and feature writing, development of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, translation of PCAARRD Farmnews articles, and other communication-related initiatives. They also shared how the internship expanded their perspectives through various training activities, project engagements, and hands-on experiences that enabled them to apply classroom learning in a professional work environment. The student-interns likewise expressed their appreciation to their mentors and supervisors from DOST-PCAARRD, whose continuous guidance, constructive feedback, and mentorship helped strengthen their technical competencies, workplace confidence, and professional growth throughout their internship.
ACD Director Marita A. Carlos acknowledged the dedication and unwavering commitment of the DOST-PCAARRD staff in mentoring and guiding the student-interns throughout their internship. She also underscored the importance of cultivating the discipline of continuous learning, encouraging the student-interns to remain lifelong learners and to carry forward the knowledge, skills, and values they gained from DOST-PCAARRD as they continue their academic and professional journeys.
(Bottom, from left to right) Student-interns from the Visayas State University (VSU) and Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) presented their accomplishments, challenges encountered, feedback, recommendations, and key takeaways gained throughout their 200-hour internship at DOST-PCAARRD. (Image credit: OED-ARMSS, DOST-PCAARRD)
The successful completion of the internship by the students from CMU, CSPC, and VSU reflects DOST-PCAARRD's continuing commitment to providing quality experiential learning opportunities that complement academic instruction and prepare students for the demands of the professional workplace.
Through meaningful mentorship, practical learning experiences, and active participation in the Council's various programs and initiatives, the internship program equips student-interns with the knowledge, skills, values, and professional mindset needed to thrive in their chosen careers.
As the Council continues to strengthen its partnerships with the academe, it remains steadfast in bridging classroom learning with professional practice and empowering the next generation of innovators, science communicators, and leaders who will advance science, technology, and innovation (STI) for sustainable national development.