Honing Academic Leadership Prowess: Atenean CBPSME Grantees join the 2024 Scholars Leadership Camp

Eleven graduate student scholars from the Ateneo de Manila University participated in the Department of Science and Technology — Science Education Institute Scholars Leadership Camp (DOST-SEI SLC) at Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort, Clark, Pampanga, from December 3-7, 2024.

Together with 100 other scholars from Luzon, the eleven students are among the recipients of the prestigious Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME). The Ateneo delegates included Jake B. Garnace (PhD Math Ed), Jimbo Juanito B. Villamor (PhD Math Ed), Reggie V. Nalupa (MS Math Ed), Marc Helton C. Sua (MS Math Ed), Mariel A. Bravante (MS Sci Ed), Iris Mae L. Caidic (MS Sci Ed), Kaye S. Morales (MS Sci Ed), Zyra Joy S. Morillo (MS Sci Ed), Del Rose D. Salazar (MS Sci Ed), Joyce Tarcena (MS Sci Ed), and Geneena M. Villarico (MS Sci Ed).

Through the Filipino Patriot Scholars Project, the SLC was first introduced in 2021 to the scholars pursuing their master’s and doctoral studies in science and mathematics education within the recognized member universities of the National Consortium in Graduate Science and Mathematics Education (NCGSME). The program is part of DOST-SEI’s commitment to developing the scholars’ leadership and organizational skills towards growing a critical mass of science and technology (S&T) experts who will support and strengthen Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) enculturation in the country. 

The Luzon cluster of CBPSME comprises scholars from various universities, including the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), 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). Upon arrival, the scholars learned the house rules, joined six groups with members from the different universities, and participated in ice-breaker activities to get to know each other. 

Day 1 started with a Welcome Message by Dr Lorena M. Mina, CPBSME Project Director of Bicol University. This was followed by the talk on DOST-SEI Scholarships as a Package of Opportunities, presented by Ms Susana F. Esquivel, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST-SEI. She highlighted that in 2024, over 55,000 students from undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs are supported by DOST-SEI. These scholars are regarded as the great hopes that will contribute to our country’s national development through their research in Science and Technology.

Leadership modules were then discussed by distinguished speakers. Engr Bernie C. Cangrejo, a Professor of Central Philippines University in Iloilo City, spearheaded a lively discussion on the core values of DOST-SEI scholars: servant leadership, professional excellence, and social responsibility. To highlight the theme of DOST CBPSME scholars as Iskolar ng Bayan, Para Sa Bayan, Engr Cangrejo asked the scholars to reflect on their identity, their purpose, and the communities they desire to serve.  The talk was followed by testimonials from alumni-scholars: Assistant Professor Albert Andry E. Panergayo of Laguna Polytechnic State University, Dr Denis Dyvee R. Errabo of De La Salle University-Manila, and Dr Jonathan M. Barcelo of St. Mary’s University-Baguio. The segment, hosted by Engr Cangrejo, allowed the alumni-scholars to share their insights on their scholarship journey, the importance of their research to helping local communities, and their messages of resilience to the scholar-participants.

The afternoon session was facilitated by Ms Rosejelynn C. Bulante, an Instructor Analyst of Accenture. She spearheaded discussions and activities highlighting the importance of communication skills, such as ‘Kwen2han,’ ‘Stop. Look. Listen,’ ‘Wright Right,’ and ‘Shape of We’. These activities allowed the participants to break the ice, create a positive atmosphere, and learn the value of open communication in their journey. 

Day 2 kicked off with a discussion of the ‘The Scientist as a Filipino Patriot’ led by Prof Michael Charlston “Xiao” Chua of DLSU. His talk highlighted the history of Filipinos as one deeply intertwined with science and innovation. To deepen the scholars' understanding of their role as agents of change and modern-day heroes, Dr Chua compared the scholars to batekan, or skilled warriors, who used their skills to gain glory and bring development to the nation.

This talk was followed by another interactive discussion on Leadership Skills by Ms Bulante. She emphasized that grit and growth mindset are vital to building teams with the right attitudes and values. She stressed that grit and growth mindset require the key skill of self-leadership, inspired by Jack Welch's statement that “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others”. The session objectives were reinforced with team building activities such as ‘Heads Up’, ‘Go with the Flow’, and ‘The Tower’, which helped the scholars reflect on the challenges of being a leader in organizations and institutions that are constantly shifting and evolving in priorities. She emphasized that to lead a team, one must consider four things: transfer of knowledge and skills to ensure a shared vision, open communication towards meeting desired goals, time management to understand and prioritize in times that external factors affect timelines, and energy management to take a rest, reflect, plan, discuss, and work again.

Mr Robby Reyes, Science Research Specialist II, set the stage for the final major activity: a role play targeting any of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG), the role that CBPSME scholars have in helping the Philippines attain these SDGs, and how the core values manifest in these efforts. 

On the final day of the camp, the six groups showcased their talents and creativity to a distinguished panel of judges composed of Engr Cangrejo, Ms. Bulante, Prof Chua, and Prof.Romero. After a showcase of the creative talents and innovative ideas of the scholars, the Green group came out on top, with Jake B. Garnace of the Ateneo de Manila University being awarded the Best Lead Actor for his musical portrayal of a scholar who came home to introduce sustainable and science-based solutions to urban poverty.

Following the role plays, Dr Segundo Joaquin E. Romero of the Ateneo de Manila University, shared a talk on the STEM-Enabled Youth as SDG Game Changer. In the talk, he emphasized the role of STEM teachers towards building a smart, sustainable, and inclusive nation that would revolve around a culture of science. He emphasized the need for scholars to become T-experts who specialize in one field but are also well-versed and knowledgeable in other fields. This highlighted the importance of prismatic thinking for STEM educators as the key for resilience, creativity, and optimism in STEM teaching. 

To wrap up the leadership camp, the participants in their respective groups shared their experiences through the Star Gaze activity. In this activity, the scholars would pass the string to each other to represent the connections they had made over the course of the camp, with the final shape representing the strength of all the connections. As each member passed the string, they would share their experiences based on four questions: 1) Who are you now? What personal values or sense of purpose emerged?; 2) What roadblocks are you facing and how are you doing about them?; 3) What and who am I grateful for?; and 4) What is your message to your groupmates? The activity served as a platform for the scholars to find their community and support group to face the challenges of their academics and the challenges to come.

As the graduation ceremonies of the SLC began, Dr Jayeel Cornelio, the newly induced Director of DOST-SEI, gave an inspirational talk to the scholars revolving around the change that they were about to begin in their own lives. He referenced his experience in the classroom, telling the scholars that they are the changemakers needed by the country to further the greater cause of education. In his own words, Dr Cornelio told the scholars to remember that the “Filipino is worth living for” and that they could begin the change one student, one classroom, and one school at a time.

The DOST-SEI SLC was a meaningful experience for all involved, with a reminder that the core values of DOST-SEI scholars — servant leadership, professional excellence, and social responsibility — are pillars to lean on in times of doubt. It reignited the patriotism and nationalism inside each Atenean DOST-SEI scholar and reassured each of them that as the modern day bagtekan, each action they make is one that will make ripples of change towards the growth and prosperity that all Filipino learners, schools, and citizens deserve.