(NAST PHL), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Ilocos Region, successfully kicked off the 2026 series of ScienTeach: Symposium for the Youth on February 17, 2026, as part of the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) Celebration in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

ScienTeach: Symposium for the Youth is a series of episodes that showcases various topics featuring National Scientists, NAST PHL Members, and NAST PHL awardees who are accomplished in their fields of expertise. This activity is intended for junior and senior high school students and aims to promote science and technology, bring our scientists closer to the youth, and inspire and encourage students to pursue careers in science.

A total of 73 participants (36 male and 37 female) attended the event. The symposium began with welcome remarks from Academician Jaime C. Montoya, President of NAST PHL, followed by a discussion of the region’s plans and programs by Mr. Geraldo Q. Gabriel, Supervising Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST – Ilocos Norte. Ms. Kristin R. Castillo, Project Technical Assistant IV at DOST – La Union, served as the event moderator.

The program continued with presentations from three (3) esteemed resource speakers who shared their knowledge and experience in their respective fields of expertise.

The first speaker was National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz, a leading biochemist. She discussed that her progress and success stem from thinking outside the box, by not only focusing on the biochemistry of the venom of Conus marine snails but also on how this deadly venom can be turned into a healing agent. She also explained the importance of preserving life below water and on land as a foundation for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to develop a well-functioning society and economy. NS Cruz emphasized that technical skills, alongside enhanced resourcefulness, creativity, ethical values, and collaboration, will make students successful scientists in the future and take them around the world.

The second speaker, Academician Roel R. Suralta, Career Scientist IV, shared his journey from a student in Cebu to an agricultural scientist. He talked about how he pursued his specialization in root science to improve climate-resilient crops through a multidisciplinary approach. He encouraged the students to pursue careers in science to contribute to and be part of the solution for sustainable agriculture by turning every sayang into science. Acd. Suralta also corrected misconceptions about scientists, saying that the career is rewarding, enjoyable, and offers opportunities to travel.

The last speaker was Dr. Renier G. Mendoza, 2024 Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) Awardee, who discussed how he used his expertise in mathematics and machine learning to develop an online translator from the Latin alphabet to Baybayin, an early Philippine writing system. He highlighted that one’s curiosity could turn them into critical thinkers and scientists who serve as one of the country’s problem solvers. Dr. Mendoza also summarized the benefits of being a DOST scholar to encourage students to pursue studies in mathematics, as this will provide them with many career opportunities.

An open forum was held to give student participants a chance to ask questions to the resource speakers. Their inquiries were wide-ranging, covering technical clarifications within the speakers’ fields of expertise, as well as requests for life advice as scientists.

The resource speakers gladly fielded these questions and maintained a high level of interaction with the participants throughout the program. Afterward, student representatives from the schools shared their impressions and the key takeaways from the symposium.

The activity concluded with the closing remarks from Ms. Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, Director IV of NAST PHL, represented by Acd. Suralta. They expressed their sincerest gratitude to the DOST Ilocos Region, the DOST Provincial S&T Office of Pangasinan, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region I, the resource speakers, and the students who made the event possible.

The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) is an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), mandated to recognize outstanding achievements in scientific research and development, advise the President and the cabinet on matters related to S&T, and engage in projects and programs that promote scientific productivity. For more details, visit NAST Philippines’ social media accounts @nastphl.