55 students from various secondary schools in Guimaras learned how to create popularized science content suitable for different platforms through a Science Journo Ako seminar-workshop organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), in partnership with the DOST-Guimaras Office.

The workshop, held on November 6-7, 2024, at Guimaras Mountain Resort in Buenavista, Guimaras, equipped student participants with skills in writing and creating science news and feature stories, mobile photography and photojournalism, and content creation for social media, with science as the main topic of discussions.

As DOST VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga emphasized in his welcome remarks, much work remains to be done to bring science and technology closer to the public. Events like Science Journo Ako, an initiative of STII, help advocate for and promote the adoption of a science culture in the Philippines.

On the other hand, Rodolfo P. de Guzman, chief of the Communication Resources and Production Division of the DOST-STII, discussed the Science Journo Ako advocacy program, which aims to establish a robust ecosystem of grassroots science journalists and communicators advocating for and promoting science communication in the country.

Additionally, he noted that Science Journo Ako offers capacity-building activities to its partner institutions to create a pool of potential science communicators who will help promote S&T at the grassroots level.

The 'So What' of Our Science Stories

Jasmin Joyce S. Clarin, Information Officer III of DOST-STII, led a session on science news and feature writing, defining science communication as a way of informing and inspiring the public while bridging the gap between scientists/experts and the general public.

She explained that news stories typically include elements such as timeliness, proximity, impact, prominence, oddity, and human interest, though not all elements are necessarily present in every article.

Clarin also had students write the missing lead for a published article. The students recited their written leads, and Clarin commended them for their strong lead structures.

She emphasized important points to remember when writing a lead, such as using the type of lead that best highlights the significance of the information.

Meanwhile, Rosemarie Senora, Science Research Specialist I of DOST-STII, led a lecture on mobile photography and photojournalism. She reminded participants that “the best camera is the one you have with you, which is often your smartphone camera.”

“The keys to good photography include proper exposure,” Ms. Senora explained. “The exposure triangle—shutter speed, aperture, and ISO—is an essential skill to understand. Also, learn the fundamentals and composition techniques, zoom with your feet, and practice continuously.”

Senora explained the difference between photography and photojournalism, noting that photography captures images strategically, while photojournalism uses images to tell a story and report events. She also provided tips for writing effective photo captions, explaining that without captions, images can be taken out of context.

Additionally, Senora covered ethical considerations, such as taking the photos first and then deciding whether they should be published.

Creating Science Content for Social Media

Allan Mauro V. Marfal, Information Officer III and social media manager of DOST-STII, conducted a session on creating content for social media. He encouraged participants to maximize the potential of social media to communicate science effectively.

Marfal highlighted the unique strengths of each social media platform. “Each platform has its own features and audience, so it’s crucial to tailor your content accordingly. For instance, Facebook has a wide user base and offers features like Messenger, pages, and groups, appealing to Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers. TikTok, on the other hand, leans toward short videos and highly visual, engaging content with Gen Z and Millennials as the main audience,” he explained.

In content creation, Marfal shared tips such as outlining your content based on facts and verified sources, engaging your audience, drawing inspiration from other creators, creating segments, crafting shareable posts, designing visually appealing content, explaining technical terms simply, using social listening, and establishing monthly themes.

These insightful lectures from the resource speakers equipped the students as they visited two firms and produced a science article, at least three photos with captions, and a two-minute reel.

The training workshop is part of the Science Journo Ako Advocacy program launched by the DOST-STII in 2015. The program collaborates with academic institutions, state universities, and organizations committed to enhancing science communication and fostering a culture of science among students, faculty, researchers, and industry practitioners.

To date, Science Journo Ako has conducted more than 72 seminars/webinars, equipping over 7,000 students, researchers, and science communication enthusiasts with valuable knowledge and skills. (By Ryan Spencer P. Secadron, DOST-STII)