Graduate scholars from various Southeast Asian countries visited the Philippines Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). The visit on March 13, 2025 is part of the DOST Scholarship Offerings for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Researchers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar (CLM).
The program allows students from the three ASEAN member states to pursue master's and doctorate in science and engineering at partner institutions such as De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines (UP) campuses in Diliman, Los Baños, and Manila. The project is being implemented by the DOST Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and monitored by DOST-PCAARRD.
DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora welcomed the scholars, expressing the Council’s strong commitment to supporting the program and its scholars.
“Rest assured that DOST-PCAARRD, in partnership with DOST-SEI, will continuously support and encourage you. Your success is our priority and we look forward to seeing you grow and thrive in your respective fields,” Dr. Ebora emphasized.
Other DOST scholarship alumni also joined the activity to provide insights into research writing and their experience in pursuing graduate studies. Among them are Ms. Leilani D. Pelegrina, Director of the Crops Research Division at DOST-PCAARRD, and Ms. Dara Clarisse Mae L. Barile, Assistant Professor at the College of Development Communication, UP Los Baños. Ms. Pelegrina is a recipient of the DOST Human Resource Development Program (HRDP); meanwhile, Ms. Barile pursued her graduate studies under the Council’s Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (GREAT) program.
Both speakers underscored the importance of seeking guidance, embracing the iterative writing process, and taking things one step at a time. ‘There is no perfect draft. Writing, rewriting, and even revising just one sentence a day will help you move forward,’ they advised.
Adding to the encouragement, Ms. New Ni Mar, an MS Agronomy candidate set to graduate this semester, reminded her fellow scholars to stay optimistic and enjoy the journey of being a graduate student. She said that they should view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. She adds that a positive mindset will help them navigate the ups and downs of research and academic life.
Closing the program, DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management, and Support Services (ARMSS) Melvin B. Carlos urged scholars to stay committed to their research and maximize the knowledge they gain.
“More than just scholars, you are future leaders and catalysts of change in science and technology. The knowledge you acquire here will not only benefit your personal and professional growth but also contribute to the development of your countries and the ASEAN region,” he stated.
Dr. Ebora and Dr. Carlos also proposed the idea of establishing an alumni association for CLM graduate scholars to foster long-term connections and collaboration among ASEAN researchers. This initiative aims to create a sustainable platform for scholars to exchange knowledge, explore joint research opportunities, and contribute to regional development.
As the scholars continue their academic journeys, DOST-PCAARRD remains committed to supporting them, reinforcing its role in advancing science and technology in the ASEAN region. The research exposure visit served not only as a venue for learning but also as a stepping stone toward stronger international partnerships that will drive innovation and progress in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sector.