BAGUIO CITY – Thirty-five (35) employees from the Research Division and Integrated Laboratory Division of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-RFO CAR) participated in the training session titled “Communicating Research Results”, which aimed to equip them on effective science communication skills last February 27-28.
The training, held at the Organic Agriculture Building Conference Hall, BABRC Compound in Dontogan, Baguio City, was spearheaded by the Agriculture and Fisheries Resources Research and Extension Development Network (AFRREDN). Experienced professionals from the Department of Development Communication at Benguet State University (BSU) and the DA-Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC CAR) served as the resource persons. They shared their best practices for writing science articles to help researchers produce effective scientific contents.
Dr. Doreen Allasiw, Assistant Professor at BSU, discussed advancing sustainable development through science communication and the role of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in science and technology writing. This session further aimed to enhance the participants’ skills in science-related news and feature writing.
In addition, Adrian Chris P. Velasco, information officer of the DA-ATI-RTC CAR, discussed the elements and principles of graphic design and visualization technique in developing information education campaign (IEC) materials from research results.
Meanwhile, in his remarks during the opening program, Research Division Chief Nicasio S. Baucas expressed optimism about engaging in the training emphasizing the importance of empowering researchers and science communicators in public service.
“Once a research paper is written, it should be produced in a form that is appropriate for the readers, conveyed appropriately to our audiences, the information, the findings, interpretations and other important information,” he underscored.
Over two days, the participants engaged in discussions and workshops on the fundamentals of news and feature writing. They also reviewed, critiqued, and presented articles and IEC materials generated from their research works.
One of the Research Division participants, Cindy Gayle Mallare, Science Research Analyst, expressed gratitude for the training conducted. “This training is indeed very helpful for us researchers, equipping us with further skills we need in communicating the results of our researches.”
The network continues to strengthen and forge strong alliances with government researchers and science communicators to effectively inform the public about government programs, research, and activities. By Vincent G. Savella
