TACLOBAN CITY — The recently conducted Science Journo Ako Training Workshop on September 25 - 27, 2023, at Hotel de Fides, Tacloban City, Leyte, spearheaded by the DOST - Science and Technology Information Institute with the theme "Science Journo ako goes to Tacloban City: Tips and Tricks in Creating Engaging Stories from Research Studies."
This 3-day workshop was participated by the DOST Regional Office, Consortium (EVHRDC), DOST Provincial Science and Technology Offices, and State University Colleges (SSU, LNU, BiPSU, EVSU and LNHS). Throughout the workshop, various topics were discussed, and different activities were held.
On the first day, Engr. Ernesto M. Granada, director of DOST Regional Office VIII, delivered his welcome remarks thanking the DOST - STII for making efforts to conduct this workshop in Region VIII. Furthermore, the DOST - STII Director Richard P. Burgos shared an inspirational message to all the participants to motivate them during the 3-day workshop. Mr. Timothy James Dimacali, head of UP Diliman College of Science - Science Communication Department, discussed the Basics of Science News and Article Writing. The participants also took part in article writing after the lecture and later presented their output to everyone.
On the second day, Ms. Jachin Jane Aberilla, Senior Lead-Corporate Communication of PA Properties, discussed tips and tricks for creating engaging social media content. After the lecture, the participants were tasked with creating a social media calendar on what they would post for October 2023, as well as creating social media content with complementary, relevant, and engaging stories.
On the third and final day of the Science Journo ako training workshop, Mr. Henry de Leon, a professional photojournalist of DOST - STII, discussed creating engaging stories using the camera lens. Mr. Henry de Leon shared essential tips and tricks on using smartphone cameras and DLSR Cameras during his Lecture. After the lecture, the participants visited projects funded by the DOST to capture images for the workshop. The participants were divided into two groups, one group was assigned to visit Mary's Delicacies in San Jose, Tacloban City, and the other group was assigned to visit the Artisinal Fisherfolks of Brgy. 83-A Tacloban City. At the end of the workshop, the outputs of each participant were evaluated, and awards were given to the top 3 most-voted output presentations.
To finish off the day, Dr. Ramil T. Uy, Supervising Science Research Specialist of DOST Regional Office VIII, delivered his closing remarks thanking DOST - STII, and especially the participants who actively participated in the 3-day activity. Dr. Ramil T. Uy is hopeful that everything they have learned shall be a guide to better and more effective science journalism.
