S&T Trip with the Stars

August 26, 2011

After days of rescheduling due to suspension of classes, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) agreed to accomodate us to visit their compound. At the assembly area, we left at around 7:30 in the morning, ready for the six-hour exposure trip.

Three agencies arranged by DOST gladly met us and introduced some of their exhibits:

• Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI)
• Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI)
• Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI)

Expectedly, each of the RAPD students was attentive; taking down some notes as the various speakers told us about their institute's history, mission and vision, and services.





Touring the lab at the FNRI

 

Listening to an expert at the ITDI



Interacting with an expert at TAPI

 

On one note, the supposedly six-hour trip was shortened to three hours due to unexpected circumstances. By noon, the "call of nature" was telling them that it was time to rest and respond to grumbling stomachs. On the contrary, instead of going back to school, they were requesting to use the time to visit another institute inside the compound.*

I was given the opportunity to supervise and accompany all the RAPD students. It was (half) a day full of new discoveries about what science and technology is all about, specifically, in the real world. Each had his or her own way of devouring information bombarded at varied speeds.  Each was unique, expressing ways of interests to the topic being discussed. Some were open. Some were a bit bored. But at the end of the day, it was evident that learning outdoors was always described in one word: FUN.

 

The author (in yellow) with RAPD students with brochures and their gold lab journals.
[L-R. 1st row: Jaclyn Chua-Yap, Renz Pangilinan, Jane Abucejo, Kimo Bello, Leona Lao, Jul Mar Esteban. 2nd row: Arlo Sanico, Joma Daquioag, Ryan Tuzon. 3rd row: Paul Abella]

  

My warmest gratitude to the Stars. Till the next trips! :)
-Bick Lloren

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* later that day, PTRI called to confirm the time of visit, however, it was a surprise notice. 
**photos courtesy of Ms. RMBB (SARS adviser)