By Jareason Fabre 

MMSU students were encouraged to pursue careers in science and technology as the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), in collaboration with MMSU, featured inspiring stories from NRCP Achievement Awardees during iSHARE: Stories of Inspiration Season 4, Episode 1, held today, September 19, at Teatro Ilocandia.

The episode, “May Magandang Bukas Mula sa Pagtuklas” (There is a Better Future in Research), gathered around 200 MMSU high school and college students. The event highlighted the 2023 NRCP Achievement Awardees, Dr. Mario Tan from the University of Santo Tomas (Division of Chemical Sciences) and Dr. Reynaldo Garcia from the University of the Philippines Diliman (Division of Medical Sciences). Both awardees shared their journeys in science and motivated students to explore research careers.

Dr. Garcia reflected on his journey from being the "crybaby in school" to becoming a senior research scientist at Cancer Research UK's Beatson Institute in Scotland. He shared how mentoring the next generation of scientists gives him a deep sense of purpose and motivation to keep pushing forward. With his background in biomedical research and technology management, he encouraged students to apply their knowledge in ways that benefit society.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mario Tan’s journey from dissecting frogs in school to working on a potential cure for Alzheimer's is a testament to the power of discipline, focus, and mentorship. Inspired by his mentors in chemistry, including one from Gachon University in Korea, Dr. Tan began exploring native plants in the Philippines in search of cures for diseases like Alzheimer’s. His research is driven by a desire to make life-saving treatments more accessible to people.

This episode was made possible through the leadership of NRCP Executive Director Dr. Bernard Sepeda and MMSU Extension Director Dr. Marilou Lucas, whose collaboration was strengthened earlier today by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for a research information translation and communication program. 

One of the attendees, Arrianne Sheenalyn Diric, an MMSU Laboratory High School student, shared her excitement, saying, “I’ve been considering a career in Biology, and hearing their stories makes me want to pursue it even more.”

MMSU Vice President for Planning and Strategic Foresight, Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano, Jr., emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting students in their scientific endeavors. “Through similar partnerships with NRCP, we aim to promote a culture of innovation and research at MMSU,” he said.

NRCP President Dr. Aimee Lynn Barrion-Dupo expressed hope that through iSHARE, more young Filipinos will recognize the importance of research and feel inspired to contribute to scientific research and technological advancements.

Now in its 4th year, iSHARE is an NRCP initiative featuring inspiring stories of Filipino researchers and scientists. The second episode of this season, featuring women in science, Dr. Cristine Villagonzalo of UP Diliman and Dr. Maria Ana Quimbo of UP Los Baños, will take place at Catanduanes State University on October 22, 2024. Episodes can be watched through the DOST-NRCP Facebook page.

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