Students and teachers gathered at Palawan State University (PalSU) for the Science Communication Workshop to empower the next generation to translate complex research into accessible narratives using visual media and storytelling.
The initiative, held on August 18, was part of the Department of Sci-ence and Technology-Mimaropa Regional Science, Technology, and In-novation Week.
PalSU President Dr. Venzon L. Limpiada set an encouraging tone for the participants in his welcome remarks.
Dr. Aimee Lynn Barrion-Dupo, an entomologist, spider expert, and Professor 12 at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, highlighted on human-centered science storytelling in her lecture.
Barrion-Dupo emphasized the crucial distinction between simply communicating academic data and engaging in science communication, showing how humanizing complex concepts makes them relatable and easier to digest.
An avid science communicator, she is a member of the Science Communicators Philippines Inc. and is its treasurer.
Meanwhile, advocacy filmmaker and communication lecturer Sey-mour Sanchez talked about practical ways for aspiring filmmakers to con-vey scientific topics to broader audiences through documentary filmmak-ing, exploring diverse cinematic styles and narrative structures tailored to their message.
Both resource speakers are members of the 10th Indie-Siyensya Board of Judges.
Following the interactive talks, Juan Antonio Tuazon, DOST-Science Education Institute Supervising Science Research Specialist, presented the details of the Indie-Siyensya Film Festival, the Philippines’ premier science filmmaking competition designed to promote a culture of science among youth and filmmakers through visual media.
The workshop has inspired the youth to become future science communicators through filmmaking and storytelling.