DOST-CAR, in partnership with the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) conducted a virtual webinar entitled “Invent School Program” (ISP) for students from the Flora National High School (FNHS) in Apayao on September 27-28, 2021.
The two-day ISP served as a platform to stimulate the creativity and innovativeness of the 45 participants, composed of Grade 7 to 12 high school students, and promote awareness on topics which included creativity, creative thinking skills, invention development and intellectual property rights.
“This program is the right step towards the goal of inculcating creativity and inventiveness into the minds of the youth, who are the future of this country,” said DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog in her live virtual message.
Dir. Bantog underscored that the inclusive engagement of the youth in S&T activities such as the ISP is part of the department’s tagline “Science For the People.” “This is an encouragement for these students to do their very best in their journey towards being champions of S&T at the same time catalyst of change in the future.”
DOST-TAPI lecture-workshop facilitators Engr. Richelle C. Malaay, Ms. Janeth C. Vidal, Engr. Elizabeth I. Garcia, Robert R. Verzosa and Ms. Anna Liza B. Saet guided students and teachers during the two-day event. Likewise, among those present were DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center Apayao Director Engr. Debbie Glynn Manangkil along with her staff, FNHS principal Dr.Catherine R. Caluya and teachers from the FNHS, which has an active curriculum in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Students were grouped randomly into five groups to collaborate on the activities, which culminated in the students’ presentation of problem solving skills, sharing of outputs and learning experiences, and the awarding ceremonies.
A student voiced the need for future scientists and inventors for learning programs such as the ISP. “Being creative is a must in research and this means there is always room for improvement,” said 12th grade-schooler Yvez Yvanka Castillo.
Meanwhile, teacher Mark Louie Ortega, expressed amazement on how the program was conducted in a learner-centered way, saying that it was “a great experience for teachers and learners alike to enhance students’ [knowledge and skills] and making teachers more effective.”// Rachelle Reyes & Christian Sandoval
