Graduate-scholar researchers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar (CLM) conducted a research-exposure visit at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) on July 14, 2023.
The scholars are under the DOST- Science Education Institute (SEI) project, “Scholarship Offerings for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Researchers (CLM) - Batch 2, 3, and 4.” DOST-PCAARRD, CLM project’s monitor, hosted the visit and provided a platform where the scholars could gather ideas on how to conduct and finish their thesis and dissertations and complete their graduate degrees.
In his message, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora expressed that the Council is pleased to host the research exposure visit and expressed its commitment to supporting and encouraging the scholars in their MS and PhD journeys.
“We always commit to contributing to developing our researchers’ capacity and providing opportunities to accelerate and promote an excellent S&T culture in the ASEAN Region,” added Dr. Ebora.
In the first part of the program, the graduate scholars were toured around the DOST-PCAARRD Main Building, the DOST-PCAARRD Innovation and Technology Center (DPITC), and the DOST-PCAARRD eLibrary. They were also toured around the Science for Convergence of Agriculture and Tourism (SciCAT) site managed by the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in the afternoon.
In the latter part of the program, DOST-PCAARRD scholars under the DOST-Human Resource Development Program (HRDP): Dr. Paul Jersey G. Leron, Senior Science Research Specialist from the PCAARRD-Applied Communication Division (ACD) and Mr. Eugenio G. Afalla, Jr., Senior Science Research Specialist of the PCAARRD’s Office of the Executive Director; shared their research studies and experiences during their own graduate-study journey.
(Left) Dr. Paul Jersey G. Leron and (Right) Mr. Eugenio G. Afalla, Jr. sharing their research studies and experiences during their own graduate studies journey (Photo credit Mr. Alfredo Bebis, Jr., PCMD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Dr. Leron reminded the graduate scholars to have daily, weekly, and monthly goals to keep track of the deliverables in their courses. He also emphasized that one should not compare themselves to the progress of other graduate students as writing theses/dissertations is not a race. What is important, he added, is to always move forward every day. On the other hand, Mr. Afalla, a graduate of the Class of 2023, shared his research to the graduate scholars and emphasized the need to be adaptive to challenges in writing and conducting their research. He also suggested to tap their network of friends and colleagues for support in discussing their focused research.
DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services (ARMSS) Melvin B. Carlos closed the program and encouraged the graduate scholars to continue their excellent work, especially in their thesis and dissertation.
“I cannot underline enough the need for more graduates to engage in the scientific world, as we need more young and innovative experts to further advance the S&T sector and its allied fields in the ASEAN Region. Always strive to make a positive impact in your respective communities and for your fellow countrymen and continue the unyielding drive towards distinctive excellence. DOST-PCAARRD is one with you in celebrating your achievements,” said Dr. Carlos as he closed the program.
The Scholarship Offerings for ASEAN Researchers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar (CLM) – Batch 2, 3, and 4 project
The project evolved after the 9th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology (IAMMST-9) in October 2016 at Siem Reap, Cambodia. DOST offered 10 scholarship slots and 50 training slots for Cambodians to commemorate the 60th year of the Philippines-Cambodia Bilateral Relations. This initiative has been extended to Lao PDR and Myanmar researchers as part of the ASEAN-help-ASEAN scheme for CLM.
The main goal of the project is to promote human resource development in engineering and sciences for sustainable socio-economic development of the ASEAN region, particularly in CLM. Funded by DOST through the ASEAN STI Partnership Contributions from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2024, Batches 2, 3, and 4, which have a total of 23 scholars. Five MS scholars and a PhD scholar have already graduated from Batch 2.