“You have got to have the passion for S&T (science and technology) advocacy”, Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Mamayan (AGHAM) Party List Representative Angelo B. Palmones said in his inspirational message to the 30 student-participants of the Saka Iskwela Training Program held recently at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, Cotabato.
The Saka Iskwela, an initiative of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), aims to develop and promote responsible campus journalism by tapping state universities’ newsletters as venues for disseminating technologies for the agriculture, forestry and natural resources sectors.
To achieve this goal, student-writers are trained on writing for news, features, web, and radio particularly for the dissemination of agricultural science and technology; and on layouting and desktop publishing.
Palmones reminded the participants to continue honing their talents to effectively disseminate S&T. He also underscored the importance of timeliness and accuracy in news reporting.
“What comes after talent is the fee”, Palmones exclaimed in jest explaining that when one is good at in what he does, financial rewards follow.
“AGHAM will continue supporting S&T”, Palmones continued. He cited that AGHAM is currently supporting a scholarship program for students planning to take up a meteorology course in college, among other initiatives.
Incidentally, the Saka Iskwela Program was inspired by the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. The Act provides for the development and promotion of campus journalism as means of strengthening ethical values; encouraging critical and creative thinking; and developing moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth.
It has conducted trainings in 2006─2007 at the Benguet State University in La Trinidad, Benguet; Central Mindanao University in Musuan, Bukidnon; University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City, and Aklan State University in Banga, Aklan.
In 2011, the program was revived with funding from AGHAM. Thus, trainings were conducted at the Mindanao State University in General Santos City, Bicol University in Legazpi City, and USM.