Saint Louis University (SLU), through the SLU Community Extension and Outreach Programs Office (CEOPO) and Biology Department of the School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), conducted an outreach program titled “Empowering Future Scientists: Science Laboratory and Field Skills for Science High School Students and Teachers” at San Isidro School of Abatan, Inc., in Buguias, Benguet, on 17 January 2025. The program aimed to enhance the scientific knowledge and practical skills of both students and teachers through hands-on activities such as microscopy and frog dissection.
During an interview, Mrs. Joyce V. Fernandez, Principal of San Isidro School of Abatan, Inc., emphasized the importance of the initiative for their school community. “We would like to upgrade the knowledge, the skills of our students so that they can be at par with the students in the city. Since our teachers sometimes could not go for training, this linkage program with Saint Louis University would really help them upgrade their strategies in teaching,” she explained.
The program featured workshops led by SLU Biology faculty that introduced participants to microscopy techniques, including preparing cheek cell and blood smear slides, observing onion cells, and performing frog dissections to explore vertebrate anatomy. Dhean Haizek L. Mayona, a Grade 12 student participant, shared how the activities changed his perspective, “Parang na-change yung view na parang boring ang science. Ngayon, mas naging interesting siya, lalo na’t medical course ang kukunin ko.”
Dr. Fatima A. Rivera, SLU Biology faculty member and program facilitator, reflected on the backstory of the initiative. “We started our extension program last year targeting CICM schools like San Isidro. Upon knowing their needs, we promised to help them with basic microscopy skills and techniques, as well as laboratory protocols. Despite challenges like outdated microscopes and the larger-than-expected turnout, we are glad to have delivered on our promise,” she said.
The success of the program was made possible through the spirit of “Binnadang,” a native term signifying mutual cooperation and communal support. This strong sense of solidarity was evident in the collaboration between SLU faculty, Biology students, and the teachers of San Isidro, ensuring that knowledge-sharing remained accessible despite limited resources.
Cydrick Jhan L. Vito Cruz, a 4th-year Biology student and Vice President for External Affairs of the SLU Biology Society, shared his hopes for the program’s impact: “Students gained new learnings, like dissecting a frog for the first time and identifying structures they hadn’t seen before. It also helped teachers understand how SLU faculty approach laboratory and lecture settings, improving their ability to mentor students.” However, the program faced challenges, particularly with outdated microscopes that relied on natural sunlight, which made light collection difficult. Cydrick noted, “These microscopes are harder to use compared to the compound microscopes at SLU. Additionally, we lacked materials for the frog dissection since we anticipated fewer students, but the turnout exceeded expectations.”
SLU previously launched the modular training program on 2024, “Enhancing the Skills of Basic Education Science Investigatory Project Advisers,” aimed at equipping CEAP-CAR Diocese of Baguio teachers with hands-on knowledge in biological science. Led by Rocillyn G. William and the SLU Biology Department, the program focused on experimental design, laboratory tools, and mentorship for student research. Through workshops addressing challenges like limited resources and student motivation, the initiative fostered collaboration and innovation, paving the way for subsequent efforts like the recent outreach at San Isidro School of Abatan, reaffirming SLU’s commitment to community-driven science education. This affirms United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals). (Article and Photos by SLU CEOPO volunteers)
