To strengthen its efforts in communicating science and research outputs in the regions, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) held a training on planning and managing science and technology (S&T) exhibits and bazaars on March 5-6, 2024 at Calubcub Bay Resort, San Juan, Batangas.
With the theme, “Promoting Science and Technology (S&T) through Exhibits: Planning and Managing S&T Exhibits and Bazaar,” the two-day training was attended by regional science communication and technology transfer cluster coordinators from the 15 regional consortia of DOST-PCAARRD.
“Our regional science communication cluster coordinators and regional technology transfer coordinators are essential frontliners and partners when it comes to leading various technology promotion initiatives in the regions,” said DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora.
Dr. Ebora further elaborated the important role of exhibits in shaping the future of research and development (R&D) results utilization.
“Through exhibits, students can be exposed to the various career options in S&T, thus enticing today's youth to choose S&T and AANR-related courses in the near future and contribute later in innovation, job creation, and wealth creation,” said Dr. Ebora.
DOST-PCAARRD Applied Communication Division (ACD) Director Marita A. Carlos also emphasized the role of communication in harmonizing the promotion of R&D results through information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns and other marketing activities.
“We will help the consortia develop a more holistic exhibit and promotion plans. This will allow a sustained agri-aqua promotion via exhibit and other promotion platforms in the region,” said Dir. Carlos.
A known advocate and practitioner of science communication, Dr. Ruby Roan-Cristobal of DZRH and DZRHTV of the Manila Broadcasting Company, served as the resource person during the training. Ms. Jylyn V. Cornelio of the Western Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVAARRDEC) also shared her insights and experiences from co-coordinating the Food Security cluster exhibits in last year’s National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) held in Iloilo City.
The training program was divided into three parts – discussion of the art and science of doing S&T exhibitions; planning and mentoring; and presentation of outputs.
Participants were grouped and tasked to produce brief exhibit plans for this year’s NSTW in Cagayan de Oro City; Davao Agri Trade Expo (DATE) in Davao City; and the Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA).
DOST-PCAARRD has been actively leading and participating in numerous exhibitions to showcase the agency’s support to promote S&T among its stakeholders. This training is part of a series of non-degree training programs for the R&D network under the capacity building banner program of the agency.