Chemistry students mix passion, competence to assist Antipolo farmers

Determined to contribute to assist farming communities in Antipolo City in Rizal Province, 50 BS Chemistry and BS Materials Science and Engineering students conducted chemical analysis as part of their course requirements for NSTP12-Bigkis. The class, which was subdivided into six groups, focused on water, soil, and product content analysis as requested by their partner organizations.

At the start of the semester, the students were provided with an orientation on the NSTP12-Bigkis Program. They learned briefly about the different community partner organizations’ context. Students then individually chose the organization they would like to partner with.

They also had preparatory sessions to help them integrate with the communities. After submitting the necessary requirements such as medical clearance, parent or guardian's permission among other things, they completed a whole day of sample collection and engagement with the members of the organizations. This was done to deepen their understanding of the context of the community, their livelihood, and the different aspects of their lives that would impact the results of the research projects.

The students describe their laboratory experience as intensive and grueling. However, after numerous hours spent on experimentation and consultations with the mentors involved, they succeeded in presenting the results and recommendations to the representatives of their respective partner organizations and guest panelists. The presentation allowed their partner organizations to share their feedback and validate the results of the project. They extended their gratitude to the students for their valuable work. Michaell Galang, from Marikina River Watershed Kaysakat Association, Inc., shared that it boosted their confidence in what they do - that their tomato in oil and sundried tomato products meet government standards. 

Rowena Millare, President of San Joseph Free Farmers Association in Antipolo City, Inc., shared, “hindi namin kaya na magpa-analyze ng tubig dahil may kamahalan. Kaya, nagpapasalamat kami sa mga mag-aaral at sa Ateneo dahil kahit papaano ay nalaman namin na ligtas inumin ang tubig na iniinom namin mula sa bukal.” (We cannot afford the cost for the water testing. We are grateful to the students and to Ateneo because we feel assured that the water from the spring is safe for drinking.)

Aside from the presentations, students turned-over their final outputs to their respective partner organizations for final evaluation two weeks later. 

In the end, the chemistry students shared that they like how their NSTP12 is integrated into their core subjects - SocSc13 and Instrumental Analysis. It combines “heavy science” and the humane purpose behind laboratory analysis. One student said, “I think that this is what I was looking for in my course, the link that connects chemistry to society.”

Bigkis is a collaborative program between SocSc13 (The Economy, Society, and Sustainable Development), NSTP12, and Chem 133.02. Their course mentors are Jeans Claveria-Delos Reyes (SocSc13), Lolita G. Lagurin (Chem 133.02), and Floy V. Soriano from the Office for Social Concern and Involvement (NSTP12).

You may access some of the outputs below:

Moisture Content and Water Activity Analysis of MARIWSKA’s Dried Tomatoes and Dried Tomatoes in Oil Food Products

‘Spice Up Your Life!’: Quality Assessment and Development of the Turmeric and Salabat Enterprise of the Tulungan sa Kabuhayan ng Calawis, Inc. (TSKC)

Water Is Life: Safety Analysis of Select Spring and River Waters in San Jose, Antipolo for the San Joseph Free Farmers Association of Antipolo, Inc. (SJFFAAI)

MARIWSKA Soil Testing Group “Soil Diggers”

Analysis of the Potability of Multiple Water Sources at the Marikina Watershed Kaysakat Association

AN ANALYSIS OF THE SOIL QUALITY OF THE FARMLANDS TILLED BY THE MEMBERS OF TULUNGAN SA KABUHAYAN NG CALAWIS (TSKC)