Ateneo DOST-CBPSME Scholars at the DOST-SEI Scholars Leadership Camp 2023

Six scholars from Ateneo De Manila University joined the transformative Scholars Leadership Boot Camp held at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City, from 7 to 11 November 2023. The participating scholars included Theresa Probadora (PhD in Mathematics Education), Victor Benitez, and Annalyn M Martin (MS in Science Education), Ella Ansay, Kier Baugbog, and Steven Cabalo (MS in Mathematics Education). Guiding the Ateneo group was Mary Grace Destura, the appointed facilitator.

This significant event, organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) through the Filipino Patriot Scholars Project, marked a milestone in the Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME). The overarching goal was to refine the scholars' leadership and organizational skills while fostering solidarity among scholars from various Luzon universities, including Bicol University (BU), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), De La Salle University (DLSU), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Philippine Normal University (PNU), Saint Mary’s University (SMU), University of the Philippines College of Education (UPCEd), and University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU).

The leadership camp opened with a talk by Ms Susana Esquirel, a Senior Science Research Specialist at DOST-SEI, elucidating the "DOST-SEI Scholarship Programs as Package of Opportunities." Engr Bernie Cangrejo, a Professor at Central Philippine University (CPU), followed with a plenary session, emphasizing the core values of a DOST-SEI Scholar: professional excellence, social responsibility, and servant leadership. The camp proceeded with testimonials from distinguished alumni-scholars, including Dr Monalisa Sasing, Deputy Director of UP-NISMED, Mr Jade Hizon, Instructor I in NEUST, and Dr Dennis Lee Jarvis Ybañez, currently serving as an assistant professor at UPOU and an alumnus of Ateneo. These testimonials underscored the opportunities and achievements made possible through the DOST scholarship.

Transitioning into the afternoon, Ms Rosejelynn Bulante from Accenture spearheaded engaging activities on communication skills such as the 'Passport Activity,' 'Mine Field,' and 'Stop. Look. Listen.' These activities not only set the stage for an interactive experience but also laid the foundation for a journey marked by growth, and the cultivation of communication skills.

Day 2 commenced with a compelling talk by Prof Michael Charleston Chua on "The Relationship between Human Rights (and Responsibilities) and Science and Technology." During this session, certain misunderstandings in the history of the Philippines were clarified, and the scientific practices of the ancestors of the Philippines were explored. This was followed by activities such as 'I Fell Tower' and 'Snakes,' designed to reinforce communication skills concepts from the previous day’s discussion. Ms Bulante returned to discuss leadership skills and conduct the interactive "Write Right" activity that emphasized cooperation and listening skills. The day continued with team-building activities such as 'Lava Flow' and 'The Tower,' that challenged groups to collaborate and innovate. Ms Ma Grace Sasota, Science Research Specialist II, set the stage for the final major activity, a role-playing session to be held on the last day, providing scholars with time to brainstorm and prepare.

On the final day of the leadership camp, Dr Josette Biyo, the Director of DOST-SEI, inaugurated the day with a speech emphasizing the importance of acquiring skills and talents. She underscored that more than the talent and skills, placing an even greater emphasis on cultivating values is essential, particularly for those in leadership roles. Following Dr Biyo's motivational speech, the scholar groups took center stage, displaying their creativity through role plays aligned with core values. A distinguished panel, consisting of Ms Bulante, Engr Cangrejo, Prof Chua, and Dr Jayeel Cornelio, evaluated and judged the performances. This segment not only provided a platform for scholars to express their artistic and innovative talents but also reinforced the camp's message of instilling and demonstrating the core values of professional excellence, social responsibility, and servant leadership.

The day continued with presentations on volunteer works and initiatives, showcasing scholars' efforts in their respective hometowns. Following these was Dr Cornelio, a professor at Ateneo, who took the lead in conducting the final plenary session on the last day of the leadership camp. His discussion centered around the youth and their commitment to the common good. Engaging the scholars in an interactive and thought-provoking session, he posed the question, "So what?" This prompted the scholars to reflect on their passions and purposes, questioning whether these aligned with the greater good.

The final activity of the camp, named "Star Gaze," required participants to collaboratively create stars by passing strings to one another. However, before passing the string, each participant had to share their experiences, addressing questions such as the lessons learned from the camp, the challenges faced, and conveying a message to the group.

The sharing of these experiences elicited heartfelt emotions, with some participants shedding tears as they realized it was the last day of the camp. The impactful sessions, engaging activities, and meaningful reflections highlighted the scholars' commitment to excellence, social responsibility, and servant leadership. For the majority, this leadership camp was not only about nurturing patriotism and love for the country but also about building love and connections with fellow graduate scholars outside their home institutions. Recognizing that they share the same path as educators in science and mathematics brought them together and despite the camp ending, the friendships and common commitment they developed will endure, making an impact on each person's journey.