BIBLIOGRAPHY VELANO, IVY JANE A. ...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012. Practices and Challenges of Science
Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in Selected Science and Technology
Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet. Benguet State University, La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Adviser: Igrelyn P. Pinos-an, BS
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to determine the profile of the respondents, the agencies sources
of information, the scientific information that they disseminate and the communication
media they used in disseminating the scientific information. Likewise, the study aimed to
identify the feedback mechanisms of the agencies towards the disseminated information as
well as the challenges faced by the agencies in managing scientific information.
The results showed that most of the respondents were young adults though they
have lengthy time experience in promoting technological and scientific information.
The science and technology agencies have various sources of scientific
information. It could be from their central office, partner agencies or arm agencies.
Likewise, they acquire information from the technicians, experts, common people like
farmers and fisher folks, books or any information materials and internet.
Some also said that the information they disseminate were based on their learned
experiences from their program implementations and research outputs.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
Meanwhile, the selected agencies convey topics that touched the major concerns
of their clients like health and agriculture. Aside from that, they also transmit
information on environment, innovations, and analyses results.
The study showed that the agencies were using various communication media in
disseminating scientific information. These include communication through radio, print,
exhibits, film showing, trainings, seminars, forums and website.
The agencies claimed that they learn their clients’ feedback by floating random
sampling surveys, evaluation sheets, and training needs assessment. Likewise, they placed
their contact number, e-mail and office addresses, wherein their clients can give their
feedback.
Since e-mails, contact numbers and addresses of the agencies are placed in the
printed materials and in their web sites, their target audiences give their feedback by
sending messages through e-mails, phone calls and text. Sometimes, they send letters.
It was found out that the major and common challenges of the respondents are lack
of fund, lack of work force, lack of utility, lack of time, insufficient data by the primary
source and unorganized flow of activities.
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were drawn:
BPI may consider establishing communication division so there will be people that would
focus on popularizing research results of the agency. Other researchers may want to focus
on the possible solutions to the challenges identified by the respondents.
Furthermore, findings of the study may be written in monograph to be shared with
community development workers and the science communicators themselves.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Five respondents per science and technology agencies were selected purposively based
on the following criteria: they should have background and experience in reporting
scientific information either in print, oral and electronic channels in the communities of
Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet for at least one year.
Based on the given criteria, the director of the agencies recommended the respondents of
the study.
Respondents’ Profile
The profile of the respondents includes age, sex, highest educational attainment, number
of years in practice as communicator of scientific information and their positions.
Age. Figure 5 shows that 10 of the respondents fall under the 21-29 category.
The 47-54 age brackets came next, with eight respondents. This was followed by the
30-38 then by 55-62 brackets holding five and two respondents, respectively. It can
be said that based on Erik Erikson’s classification (1993) most of the respondents were
young adults and were productive.
As stated by Atkinson and Murray (1985), most young adults have self-
control and responsible behavior, can tolerate frustration, can plan realistically
and implement those plans, can accept differences in others and can develop
one’s potentials.
On the other hand, it is not always true that the older a person is the more
he has wisdom. This assumption goes along with the study of Padya-os (2005)
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
10
8
6
AL
OT
4
T
2
0
21 to 29
30 to 38
39 to 46
47 to 54
55 to 62
AGE RANGE
Figure 5. Graphical presentation of the age range of the respondent
that age did not significantly related to the supervisor’s leadership in decision making,
communication and supervision.
In today’s information age, hiring of young adults even fresh graduates by many
government agencies had increased. This could possibly by the skills of the young adults
in using modern technologies like computers (Eserver, 1995).
Eserver (1995) further explained that in all job categories (from clerks to professionals)
people who know how to use computers earn more than those who do not, thus, computer
skills are essential to function effectively in the society. Meanwhile, Marwick (2002)
clarified that the older the person is, the lesser the probability that he will use modern
technologies.
Sex. Figure 6 shows that among the 25 respondents, there were more female (15) than male
(10).
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
40%
60%
Female
Male
Figure 6. Graphical presentation of sex of the respondents
Highest educational attainment. Twelve of the respondents were college graduates while
nine were masters’ degree holders and three were having their on-going
masters. Moreover, only one among the respondents is a doctorate degree holder.
Educational attainment appeared as important variable for employment. The relationship
between education level and employment showed that those with third level education were
likely to be in the professional and managerial socio-economic groups.
However, many of the respondents continue their education to masters’ degree. Seven of
the respondents explained that their level of education served as reference to promotion
and job stability.
Number of years of science communicator’s practice. Results shows that 10 of the
respondents’ experience in transferring scientific information fall under the 1-6 years
range. This was followed by 7-12, 19-24 and 25-30 then 13-18 work experience holding
seven, three and two, respectively. The result entailed that majority of the respondents
have lengthy-time experience in disseminating technological and scientific information.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
4%
12%
College Graduates
48%
Masters Degree Holders
On-going Masters
Ph.d
36%
Figure 7. Highest educational attainment of the respondents
The mean number of years of service of the respondents was 10.52 with a standard
deviation of 22.65. The finding showed that many of the respondents were
permanently employed and have stayed for quite some time in the service.
Position of the respondents. The respondents of the study were employees of the selected
science and technology agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet that were
involved in transferring scientific information.
In the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the respondents of the study were
three Science Research Specialists I (SRS 1), one Science Research Specialists II (SRS II)
and one Senior Science Research Specialist.
In the Department of Agriculture (DA), there were three Media Production Specialist I
(MPS I), one Media Production Specialist II (MPS II) and one Regulation Information
Officer.
Meanwhile, the respondents from Bureau of Plant and Industry (BPI),
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
10
8
6
AL
OT
4
T
2
0
1 to 6
7 to 12
13 to 18
19 to 24
25 to 30
NUMBER OF YEARS OF PRACTICE
Figure 8. Respondent’s number of years in practice
who served as science communicators, were researchers themselves. They were called
Agriculturists II.
On the other hand, the respondents from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
(BFAR) were called Information support staffs encompassing three respondents, one Aqua
culturist II and one Aqua technologist.
Moreover, there were two Promotion Officer I, one Health Promotion Officer III and two
Administrations Assistant II respondents from Department of Health (DOH).
Sources of Information Disseminated
by the Science and Technology Agencies
Table 1 shows that the science and technology agencies have various sources of scientific
information. It could be from their central office, partner agencies or arm
agencies. Likewise, they acquire information from the technicians, experts, common
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
Table. 1 Sources of information disseminated by the science and technology agencies
AGENCIES
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
DOST
Central office, partner agencies, books and other
information materials, experts, public and internet
DA
Central office, arm agencies, books and other
information materials, technicians, public and internet
BPI
Based on their research outputs, learned experiences
from their program implementations, books and other
information materials
BFAR
Central office, books and other information materials,
experts, fisher folks and internet
DOH
Central office, books and other information materials,
experts, public and internet
people like farmers and fisher folks, books or any information materials and internet.
Some also said that the information they disseminate were based on their learned
experiences from their program implementations and research outputs.
DOST. Shiela Marie Claver, one of the respondents, explained that some of the scientific
information they disseminate in Cordillera were from their central office. The information
they acquire from here were new technologies and results of their partner research and
development institutes like Food and Nutrition Institute (FNRI).
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
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VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
Aside from the information they acquire from their central office, Ms. Claver further
explained that some scientific information they disseminate were from their partner
agencies. Their partner agencies directly give them information materials in which they
update and reproduce.
The DOST’s partner agencies includes Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and
Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), Advance Science and
Technology Institute (ASTI), Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI),
Science Education Institute (SEI), Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) and among
others.
In addition, DOST’s source of information were experts. Accordingly, experts were invited
especially on trainings to serve as speakers and trainers. Experts together
with the common people (i.e. businessperson and farmers) were sometimes interviewed
by the DOST’s correspondents to supplement their reports in their publications. Likewise,
they read information from books, journals and internet.
DA. Like DOST, some of the scientific information disseminated by the Department of
Agriculture (DA) were from their central office.
Shirley Rosario, one of the respondents, clarified that the technology guides and some
Information Education Communication (IEC) materials were produced by their central
office. “We download the materials then we reproduce it,” she noted.
The respondents also mentioned that they acquire scientific information from their arm
agencies like Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Agricultural Training
Institute- Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-CAR), Cordillera Integrated Agricultural
Research Center (CIARC) and among others.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
They also said that some of the information they disseminate were based from the
field experiences of their technicians and banner heads. Technicians in DA pertain to the
agriculturists and field experts while banner heads pertains to their agency program leaders.
In addition, the respondents interview scientists from different agencies and grassroots like
farmers and businessperson in which these people were featured in DA magazine. The
respondents also said that they read information materials and do research from the
internet.
Two of the DA correspondents stressed on the importance of reading information materials
and conducting interview with the experts and grassroots. “We do not immediately write
articles after receiving the demand of our program banner,” Rosario said. “We read books,
we research and we conduct interview to make our articles more educating and
substantial,” she added.
BPI. Respondents from Bureau of Plant and Industry (BPI) said that the scientific
information they convey were based on their experiences that they learned during their
program implementations as well as from their research outputs.
“Our agency is a research agency and we generate technology that we personally share to
our clients,” says Juliet Ochasan, one of the respondents. She also explained that they
package their own research in which they send to their central office including Highland
Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (HARRDEC).
“Our central office is more on the administrative work of the centers,” Ochasan clarified.
Furthermore, the respondents said that they read books , journals and other
information materials to support their findings.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
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VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
BFAR. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) primarily acquire
the scientific information that they disseminate from their central office in Manila.
“The scientific information that we communicate to our clients comes from
our central office. But we only disseminate information that are relevant
to the needs of the Cordilleran’s,” Martha Estima clarified, one of the
respondents.
As in other agencies, correspondents from BFAR interview experts
to obtain expert opinion on their topic. Likewise, they do research from
the internet and read information materials like books to make their articles informative.
In addition, they interview Cordilleran fisher folks, which they feature in their magazines.
DOH. The Department of Health (DOH) also acquires the scientific information
that they disseminate from their central office. The respondents said that there are already
available information materials provided by their central office in which they reproduce.
Aside from the scientific information acquired from their central office, the respondents
said that they acquire information from the agencies program coordinator and medical
personnel.
As in other agencies, correspondents from DOH do research and read
information materials for them to expound and simply technical l terms and make their
articles informative.
Scientific Information Disseminated
by the Science and Technology Agencies
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
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Table 2 shows that the science and technology agencies convey topics that touched the
major concerns of their clients like health and agriculture. Aside from that, they also
transmit information on environment, innovations and analyses results.
DOST. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which aims to promote
environment- friendly technologies that improve the quality of life, disseminate
information about new technologies and the research results of their partner agencies.
The agency also disseminate information on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, environment
and industrial technologies.
In addition, the respondents claimed that the department likewise promulgates
information on health, innovations and analyses results.
DA. The Department of Agriculture (DA) covered general knowledge on agriculture like
food staples and food preparations of particular agriculture products. The agency
also disseminates information on crop based farming system, organic farming, soil and
water conservation management and farm mechanization.
Furthermore, the agency disseminates information on animal raising, animal health care,
feeds and feeding management. Likewise, they covered environmental issues such as
pollution analysis, prevention and mitigation.
BPI. The Bureau of Plant and Industry (BPI), one arm agency of DA,
disseminates information regarding their research outputs such as seeds and plant
Table 2. Scientific information disseminated by each science and technology agencies.
AGENCY
INFORMATION
INSTANCES
CONVEYED
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Department of Science Analyses results,
Topics on agriculture, environment,
and Technology
new technology,
industrial technology, health, and
(DOST)
innovations and
environment.
researches of
their partner
agencies
Department of
Agriculture
Food staples, crop production, crop
Agriculture
based farming system, organic farming,
(DA)
soil
and
water
conservation
management, and farm mechanization
Animal raising, animal health care, feeds
and feeding management
Environment
Pollution analysis, prevention and
mitigation.
Bureau of Plant and
Agriculture
Information about seed and plant
Industry
material production of crops and plant
(BPI)
diseases control and management.
Bureau of Fisheries
Fisheries
All information about fisheries like laws
And Aquatic Resources
and methods on how to make fishponds.
(BFAR)
Department of Health
Health
Public
health
and
well-being,
(DOH)
reproductive
health
care,
and
development and evaluation of nutrition
education and communication strategy.
material production of crops as well as technology guides about citrus, coffee
and other agricultural products.
The agency also disseminates information on plant diseases, control and management.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
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BFAR. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), another arm
agency of DA, disseminates information specifically on fisheries such as laws on fisheries,
marketing and methods on how to make fishponds.
DOH. The Department of Health (DOH), on the other hand, is concerned
with the people’s health. They disseminate information on signs and
symptoms, prevention and treatment of diseases.
According to the respondents, the topics that they disseminate were based on
current
situations.
For
instance,
DOH
disseminated
information
about
measles last summer because the agency found out that the number of
Filipino children, who died in measles, increases every year. Through their
communication channels, signs, symptoms and prevention about the
disease were explained.
Meanwhile, the agency also promulgates information on family planning, reproductive
health care and nutrition education.
Communication Media Used by
the Agencies in Disseminating
Scientific Information
The respondents mentioned that their clients were comprised of various groups in the
community, which embraces the government officials, farmers, students, scientists, science
communicators, research institutions, private sectors, businessperson, youth and
housewives. Hence, they build strategic methods to cater to the needs of their clients.
Table 3 shows the various communication media used by the agencies in disseminating
scientific information. These include communication through radio, print, exhibits, film
showing, trainings, seminars, forums and web site.
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DOST. The table showed that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
produces print materials as a medium of communication. The respondents also said that
they conduct film showings, exhibits, trainings and forums to increase public awareness on
technological findings. Likewise, they post information on their web site.
For print, S&T Cordillera Gasset is the official publication of the DOST-CAR. Claver, the
editor-in-chief, said that the writers of the newsletter were composed of various
contributors and are from different provincial DOST centers. She also said that the
publication is issued quarterly.
Aside from publishing on their own agency publication, correspondents from DOST
contribute articles on local newspapers. Most of them contribute in Baguio Midland
Courier, and Baguio Chronicle.
Meanwhile, the respondents said that among the Information, Education, Communication
(IEC) material, they often produce brochures (see Figure 9). Two of the respondents
explained that the IEC materials that they distributed were the standard materials coming
from the central office that they updated.
These print materials are distributed to their partner agencies, government offices, and to
their different stakeholders.
Table 3. Communication media used by the science and technology agencies.
AGENCY
COMMUNICATION
MEDIA USED
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
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DOST
Print, film showing, exhibits, trainings, forums
and the web site
DA
Radio, print, exhibits, forums, and web site
BPI
Print, exhibits, training and seminars
BFAR
Radio, print, exhibits, training and seminars
DOH
Radio, print, exhibits, seminar and web site
Moreover, the respondents explained that they conducted film showings, exhibits and
forums if they have special activities like anniversaries. These activities are annually
carried during the agency’s National Science and Technology Fair in Manila on July
and during their Northern Luzon Cluster in Benguet State University on August or October.
For trainings, the respondents explained that techno trainings were conducted region wide
on arranged schedules, based on identified training needs and approved requests. If the
regional director approved the activity, the training organizers will hold such activity
following certain guidelines.
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Figure 9. Example of brochure disseminated by DOST
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
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The respondents likewise pointed out that they invite experts who will serve as trainers. As
for 2011, the agency had conducted 54 trainings in the different places of Cordillera.
The website of DOST is www.dost.gov.ph (see Figure 10). The information about the
agency, their services, activities and programs were posted in here.
DA. The table also showed that the Department of Agriculture (DA) uses radio as a medium
of communication. The respondents said that they produce print materials like newsletters,
and various kinds of IEC materials like posters, pamphlets and brochures. They also carry
out activities like forums and exhibits. In addition, they post information in their website.
The respondents said that their agency do not conduct trainings since their arm agencies
specifically the ATI-CAR was responsible of performing the said activity.
Meanwhile, Agri Pinoy Cordillera is the official radio program of DA. This program which
is aired in Bombo Radyo was a packaged of plugs, trivia, spot news and magazine program.
The magazine program was aired every Sunday from 9:00 to 9:30 in the morning with the
use Ilocano language. On the other hand, plugs, trivia and spot news were aired from
Monday to Friday every 5:00 to 5:30 in the morning.
For print, Agri Cordillera, which is issued quarterly, is the official publication of DA (see
Figure 11). Alicia Tabano, one of the respondents, said that the correspondents
of the newsletters were also the developers of IEC materials. “We, as media
production specialists are multi- tasking,” she explained.
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Figure 10. Website of DOST
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Figure 11. The official publication of DA
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Aside from publishing on their agency publications, correspondents from DA also
contribute articles on local newspapers like Baguio Midland Courier.
All respondents claimed that their articles were hard and soft science stories, which are
written in English. Hard science stories are sometimes called spot news
or straight news while soft science stories are sometimes called feature or
timeless stories.
Brochures, leaflet, posters and calendars were the IEC print materials often produced by
the agency (see Figure 12 ). Rosario mentioned that last year, there were about five topics
produced for brochures, 15 for leaflets and five for posters, having 2,000 copies each.
These print materials were distributed to their different stakeholders and agencies like BPI,
BFAR and CIEARC.
Meanwhile, the respondents said that they carry out exhibits and forums if they have special
activities like anniversaries. They further explained that these activities are often carried
together with the world’s food day.
They also have special gathering called “Kapihan,” in which they show their yearend
accomplishments and new projects.
The website of DA is www.da.gov.ph (see Figure 13). The information about their agency,
their services, programs and activities are posted in here.
BPI. Unlike other agencies, the Bureau of Plant and Industry’s (BPI) communication
strategy was limited only in producing brochures and leaflets and conducting trainings and
seminars. However, they also carry out exhibits to present their findings. Likewise, they
post information on their websites.
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Figure 12. Example of brochure disseminated by DA
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Figure 10. Website of DA
Figure 13. Website of DA
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Ochasan again explained that their agency’s main work is to generate information and their
information dissemination activity is embedded within their work but it is not extensive.
She also said that their main concern is to guide and provide technical assistance to their
clients.
Nancy Aspura, one of the respondents, seconded Ochasan’s remark. She explained that
they communicate their research outputs to their clients but their communication
program is not extensive.
“Our job is focused on generating technology but we are still in contact with our clients,”
she said. “We share our researches to our clients but our communication program is not
that extensive,” she added.
Apura further explained that they do not produce magazines and newspapers because their
central office in Manila was responsible for it.
She also said that the researchers themselves were responsible of making brochures or
leaflets of their own research (see Figure 14). For 2011, 400 IEC materials having different
titles were produced by the researchers of the agency.
The respondents explained that they conduct trainings or seminars if they have special
projects and if the project is funded. They were also invited as speakers or resource persons
in some trainings and seminars.
The respondents pointed out that they conduct trainings and seminars upon request of their
clients. They also said that they used vernacular languages mixed with English and Tagalog
during their activity. For 2011, 10 batches of trainings were conducted by the agency.
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Figure 14. Example of brochure disseminated by BPI
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As for other agencies, BPI also carries out exhibits if they have special occasions like
anniversaries. According to the respondents, research outputs and technology guides are
presented in their exhibits.
Meanwhile, the website of BPI is www.bpi.da.gov.ph (see Figure 15). The information
about their agency, their services, programs and activities are posted in here.
BFAR. The table shows that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
produces print materials as a medium of communication. In addition, they conduct exhibits,
trainings and seminars to guide and raise the understanding of the fisher folks in Cordillera.
To promote the researches and programs of BFAR, the respondents mentioned
that their agency is currently establishing their own regional website.
The respondents, on the other hand, explained that they do not have radio programs
but they invite employees from broadcasting stations like Bombo Radyo and ABS-CBN to
broadcast researches from their agency.
Cordillera Fisheries Review is the official publication of BFAR. Rodalyn Foronda, one of
the respondents, said that only few write articles in their publication that is why they are
not able to produce it quarterly. “We do lots of things and our job is not concentrated in
writing only. Paul Joseph Nuval explained, one of the respondents. “We also travel and
attend trainings,” he added.
Meanwhile, Foronda said that they have magazines (see Figure 16) wherein fisher folk’s
lifestyles were featured. Last year, they produced a magazine entitled Yu-Yu otherwise
known as loaches.
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Figure 15. Website of BPI
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Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
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Figure 16. Magazine of BFAR
The correspondents of BFAR claimed that their articles were hard and soft science stories,
which were written in English. They also mentioned that their articles were
development communication (dev’t com) in approach. Nuval and Foronda said
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
that the training they had during their college years was also the practice that
they perform in their careers.
Moreover, the respondents said that the IEC materials they disseminate
comes from their central office in which they reproduce. There were about 11, 500 pieces
of brochures reproduced by the agency for 2011. The brochures have different titles, which
is more on technology demonstration.
For trainings and seminars, Martha Estima, one of the respondents explained that
the training or seminar that they conduct follows a two way process.
Estima said that Local Government Unit (LGU) would request from them. However before
they conduct trainings, they examine first if the training asked by their clients is there need.
“We validate first the needs of our clients to the LGU before we conduct trainings,” Estima
explained.
In addition, the respondents said that they used vernacular languages mixed with English
and Tagalog during their activity.
The respondents mentioned that they had conducted 19 trainings for 2011 in the different
places of Cordillera. These trainings were subdivided into three areas. There were 17
trainings conducted for aquaculture, six for regulatory and six for post-harvest.
Seminars were conducted every time the agency has projects.
Like other agencies, BFAR carries out exhibits if they have special activities like
anniversaries and special occasions. The respondents claimed that they carry out exhibits
during festivals like Lang-ay festival, Abra festival, and Strawberry festival.
DOH. The Department of Health (DOH) uses radio as a medium of communication. The
respondents said that they produce print materials like newsletters, and various kinds of
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IEC materials like posters, pamphlets and brochures. They also carry out activities like
seminars and exhibits. Likewise, they post information in their website.
The respondents explained that they do not have radio programs but they invite
employees from broadcasting stations like Bombo Radyo and ABS-CBN to broadcast
researches and events from their agency.
In addition, they have radio plugs that were played in DZWT and DZWK from Monday to
Friday every 7:30 in the morning and between 5:00 t0 6:00 in the afternoon. According to
the respondents, they produce and air three plugs every month.
Health voice is the official publication of DOH. Rosella Bahni, one of the respondents, said
that the publication is issued three times a year.
Aside from publishing on their agency’s publications, correspondents from DOH
contributed articles on local newspapers. Most of them contributed in Baguio Midland
Courier.
Meanwhile, the respondents said that some of the print IEC materials that
they disseminate in Cordillera were from their central office. However, they explained that
they also produce information materials that were from their head promotion cluster.
For 2011, Bahni announced that their agency was able to produce more than 30,000 copies
of posters, flyers, leaflets, brochures and flip charts holding different topics of the
programs. The materials were about leptospirosis, women healthy lifestyle, “iwas
stress”, health care and “bawal manigarilyo”,
Like other agencies, respondents claimed that they carry out exhibits if they
have special occasions like anniversaries and if they have special program.
They said also that they conduct seminars in the different provinces
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of Cordilleran if their agency has advocacies and special programs. Their
clientele for the seminars were government officials and provincial medical officers
like midwife and nurses.
As for 2011, DOH was able to conduct more than 150 seminars in the different
provinces of Cordillera.
The website of DOH is www.doh.gov.ph (see Figure 17). As of other agencies, the
information posted in their website is about their agency, their services, programs and
activities.
Feedback Mechanisms of the Agencies
Towards the Disseminated
Information
To improve the services provided by the respondents, Table 4 shows that the agencies
exercised various approaches in acquiring their clients’ feedback.
Radio. The respondents from DA claimed that they learn their clients’ comments and
suggestions by conducting random surveys. Accordingly, they let their audiences assess
their program as well as the anchors way of delivery.
In addition, they encourage their listeners to evaluate their program through text messages
and phone calls. Aside from acquiring feedbacks through phones, the respondents noted
that their clients sometimes send them letters.
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Figure 17. Website of DOH
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Table 4. Feedback mechanisms of the agencies towards the disseminated information
COMMUNICATION
AGENCIES
AGENCIES FEEDBACK
MEDIA
MECHANISMS
Radio
DA
Conducts random survey
DOH
Conducts survey
DA
Float evaluation sheets
DOST
Place e-mail and contact numbers on the print
materials for comments and suggestions
BFAR
Place e-mail and contact numbers on the print
materials for comments and suggestions
DOH
Place e-mail and contact numbers on the print
materials for comments and suggestions
BPI
They let the materials be evaluated by their
agency heads and co-workers
Film Showings and
DOST
Float evaluation sheets to the audience
Exhibits
DA
Float evaluation sheets to the audience
BPI
Float evaluation sheets to the audience
BFAR
Float evaluation sheets to the audience
DOH
Float evaluation sheets to the audience
Trainings and seminars DOST
Float training needs assessment and
questionnaires after the activity
BPI
Float training needs assessment and
questionnaires after the activity
BFAR
Float training needs assessment and
questionnaires after the activity
DOH
Float training needs assessment and
questionnaires after the activity
website
DOST
Encourage audience to post their comments by
placing their contact addresses on the web site.
DA
Encourage audience to post their comments by
placing their contact addresses on the web site.
BPI
Encourage audience to post their comments by
placing their contact addresses on the web site.
DOH
Encourage audience to post their comments by
placing their contact addresses on the web site.
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On the other hand, respondents from DOH said that they do not have feedback mechanisms
for radio plugs. “We have no feedback mechanism for plugs but we take our audience
feedback by chance if we conduct survey,” Bahni explained.
Print. The Department of Agriculture (DA) floats evaluation sheets for them to know the
essential things needed to be strengthened on their print materials.
Meanwhile, respondents from DA as well as respondents from Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
(BFAR) and Department of Health (DOH), said that they place their agency’s e-mail and
contact numbers on their printed materials.
Since e-mails, contact numbers and addresses of the agencies were placed on their printed
materials, their target clients give their feedback by sending messages through e-
mails, phone calls and text messages. Sometimes, personal letters were given to them.
Moreover, the respondents from the four agencies said that they let their
supervisors assess first their output before they mass-produce it.
On the other hand, respondents from the Bureau of Plant and Industry said that they let
their printed materials be evaluated first by their agency heads and co-workers before they
mass-produce their printed materials.
Film showings and exhibits. It was observed that all the agencies were conducting film
showings and exhibits. According to four respondents, exhibits and film showings were
one of the best strategies in presenting technologies and scientific outputs. To improve their
activity, the agencies were floating evaluation sheets. There, their audiences assess the
activity by answering the evaluation sheets floated by the agencies.
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Trainings and seminars. As for trainings and seminars, all the agencies, except for DA,
float training needs assessment and questionnaires after the whole activity. There, the
agencies clients assess the activity by answering the training needs assessment floated by
the agencies. They assess the topic, the speaker’s way of delivery, venue and among others.
Website. All the agencies except for BFAR had websites. According to the respondents,
they come to know if their website is being visited by looking at the number of views.
Furthermore, the respondents said that they encouraged their clients to tell their comments
by placing their contact addresses on their websites. Thus, their clients give their feedback
by posting their comments on their websites.
“Suggestions or comments are entertained openly for our improvement,” said Patrick
Pineda, one of the respondents. “Besides the suggestions will serve as assessment or
evaluation of our work,” he added.
After the agencies had received the evaluation, comments and suggestions of their clients,
the employees of the agencies will meet and discussed on the matter. Then the result of
their meeting will be applied on their next activity.
This collaborates with Schramm’s study (1964) which states that in order to achieve social
change information must also flow from the audience. As supported by Flores (1978), the
people must participate if not directly at least by feeding back their thoughts, their own
feelings, their felt needs and their aspirations. He further stated that if feedbacks come from
people, it becomes the basis for decision-making and planning processes. Without a
feedback system, Parker (1977) pointed out that development programs could not be
sufficiently responsive to local needs and conditions, much less succeed.
Challenges Faced by the Respondents’
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in Managing Scientific Information
Some of the respondents claimed that most of the time, their interviewees are busy and
sometimes provide insufficient data. Therefore, their schedule was affected since they need
to return for another interview.
Some also admitted that they still have the feeling of panic whenever they
interview a researcher although they have enough training on interviewing.
Although the respondents faced problems on generating information, they explained that
they are still able to furnish the tasks trusted to them by managing their time, by being
optimistic, patient and resourceful. They also explained that they conduct research if their
interviewees provide them insufficient data to come up with better outputs.
Meanwhile, many of the respondents mentioned that fund was their major problem in
developing their material. Accordingly, the printed material does not last long since the
material is computer generated.
In addition, many of them said that they faced difficulty in coming up with interesting
articles because they were pressured with time. This is because their tasks were
not concentrated with single activity only.
Some also faced problems in the editing process. They mentioned that there was no
standard editing style since there was no hierarchy of editing. “Everybody does their
own editing style,” Nuval shared.
Moreover, some of the respondents confessed that they faced difficulty in packaging
materials that were appealing since they lack equipments like laptops and camera. “These
disadvantages result to the low quality of our output,” Crisante Rosario remarked, one of
the respondents.
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In addition, many respondents claimed that there is no job orientation especially on their
functions, thus, they were confused and become inconsistent with their work.
In terms of disseminating the information, the respondents claimed again that fund was
their major problem. Many of the respondents mentioned that the materials were not well
distributed to the end users due to lack of financial support to fund the printing of the
material.
On the other hand, the audience was the major problem of the trainers and organizers. Fund
and time were not their major concerns but the participants themselves. Martha Estima,
trainer from BFAR, said that most of their participants were not their target clients. “Our
target clients send other people as their representatives,” she noted.
Nancy Aspura, trainer from BPI, seconded Estima’s remark. She said that their target
audience were busy and they do not want to be disturbed even if they know that
the program is important and intended for them.
Prescila Maramba, a respondent from BFAR, further explained that their audiences are not
easy to convene due to distances. She said that only few attend the training since
participants are coming from far places especially in rural provinces.
The finding of the study is related with the study of Ramos (2007). It was also found
out in her study that the problems encountered by the implementers were lack of fund to
finance the program, the lack of interest or time of the participants and poor cooperation of
the participants.
For easy access, storage and update of information materials, all the agencies except for
BFAR were using database.
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The agencies that use database denied that they face problems in storing and retrieving the
information that they need. Accordingly, manipulation of the system is not complicated
since there are people in charge of the process especially the Information
Technology (IT) graduates.
The respondents also explained that they have data management unit that preserve and
maintain materials in a stable repository. The management also builds up and classifies
information and technology relevant to the sector.
As for those who do not use database, they said that they do not face any problem because
they are used with the process although accessing, managing and updating of information
materials takes a lot of time.
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SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted from December 2011 to March 2012.
Twenty-five respondents were chosen purposively in the selected science and
technology agencies that are found in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet. The research
institutions were Department of Science and Technology regional office (DOST-CAR),
Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Plant and Industry- Cordillera Administrative
Region (BPI-CAR), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Department
of Health (DOH).
In order to obtain holistic and in-depth information, Focus Group Discussion (FGD)
was used as the main instrument. In addition, survey questionnaire was furnished to
determine the respondents profile.
Results were interpreted according to the objectives of the study. Results showed
that most of the respondents were young adults based on Erik Erikson’s (1975)
classification. There were more female respondents than male wherein most of them were
college graduates. As for their work practice, majority of have lengthy-time experience in
promoting technological and scientific information.
The science and technology agencies have various sources of scientific
information. It could be from their central office, partner agencies or arm agencies.
Likewise, they acquire information from the technicians, experts, common people like
farmers and fisher folks, books or any information materials and internet.
Some also said that the information they disseminate were based on their learned
experiences from their program implementations and research outputs.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
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Meanwhile, the selected agencies convey topics that touched the major concerns of
their clients like health and agriculture. Aside from that, they also transmit information
on environment, innovations and analyses results.
The respondents mentioned that their audiences were comprised of various groups
in the community, which embraces the government officials, farmers, students, scientists,
science communicators, research institutions, private sectors, businessperson, youth and
housewives. Hence, they build strategic methods to cater the needs of their audiences.
The study showed that the agencies were using various communication media in
disseminating scientific information. These include communication through radio, print,
exhibits, film showing, trainings, seminars, forums and website.
The agencies claimed that they learn their audiences’ feedback by floating random
sampling surveys, evaluation sheets, and training needs assessment. Likewise, they placed
their contact number, e-mail and office addresses, wherein their clients can give their
feedback.
Since e-mails, contact numbers and addresses of the agencies are placed in the
printed materials and in their web sites, their target clients give their feedback by sending
messages through e-mails, phone calls and text. Sometimes, they send letters.
The major and common challenges faced by the respondents in managing scientific
information were lack of fund, lack of work force, lack of utility, lack of time, insufficient
data by the primary source and unorganized flow of activities.
Meanwhile, many of the respondents pointed out that their work, as communicator
is not confined only to one area. For instance, writers do not just write articles but also
develop IEC materials like videos and leaflets, thus, they are mandated to do multi-tasking.
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Nevertheless, the respondents claimed that they were still able to meet their purpose
and objectives despite of the problems that they encountered.
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the following conclusions were derived:
1. The science and technology agencies’ main sources of information vary but
all of them used primary and secondary sources to support their reports.
2. The scientific information imparted by the science and technology agencies
cover wide range. It included agriculture, environment, health and innovations.
3. Print, exhibits and websites were the communication media commonly used
by the agencies in disseminating scientific information.
4. Among the agencies, BPI has no extensive communication program since
their main concern is to generate technology.
5. Of the several varied challenges faced by the science communicators, their
tasks and objectives were still met.
Recommendations
From the conclusions, the following are recommended:
1. BPI may consider establishing information dissemination division so there will
be people that would focus on popularizing research results of the agency.
2. Other researchers may want to focus on the possible solutions to the challenges
identified by the respondents.
3. Findings of the study may be written in monograph to be shared with community
development workers and the science communicators themselves.
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VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012. Practices and Challenges of Science
Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in Selected Science and Technology
Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet. Benguet State University, La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Adviser: Igrelyn P. Pinos-an, BS
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to determine the profile of the respondents, the agencies sources
of information, the scientific information that they disseminate and the communication
media they used in disseminating the scientific information. Likewise, the study aimed to
identify the feedback mechanisms of the agencies towards the disseminated information as
well as the challenges faced by the agencies in managing scientific information.
The results showed that most of the respondents were young adults though they
have lengthy time experience in promoting technological and scientific information.
The science and technology agencies have various sources of scientific
information. It could be from their central office, partner agencies or arm agencies.
Likewise, they acquire information from the technicians, experts, common people like
farmers and fisher folks, books or any information materials and internet.
Some also said that the information they disseminate were based on their learned
experiences from their program implementations and research outputs.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
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Meanwhile, the selected agencies convey topics that touched the major concerns
of their clients like health and agriculture. Aside from that, they also transmit
information on environment, innovations, and analyses results.
The study showed that the agencies were using various communication media in
disseminating scientific information. These include communication through radio, print,
exhibits, film showing, trainings, seminars, forums and website.
The agencies claimed that they learn their clients’ feedback by floating random
sampling surveys, evaluation sheets, and training needs assessment. Likewise, they placed
their contact number, e-mail and office addresses, wherein their clients can give their
feedback.
Since e-mails, contact numbers and addresses of the agencies are placed in the
printed materials and in their web sites, their target audiences give their feedback by
sending messages through e-mails, phone calls and text. Sometimes, they send letters.
It was found out that the major and common challenges of the respondents are lack
of fund, lack of work force, lack of utility, lack of time, insufficient data by the primary
source and unorganized flow of activities.
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were drawn:
BPI may consider establishing communication division so there will be people that would
focus on popularizing research results of the agency. Other researchers may want to focus
on the possible solutions to the challenges identified by the respondents.
Furthermore, findings of the study may be written in monograph to be shared with
community development workers and the science communicators themselves.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Five respondents per science and technology agencies were selected purposively based
on the following criteria: they should have background and experience in reporting
scientific information either in print, oral and electronic channels in the communities of
Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet for at least one year.
Based on the given criteria, the director of the agencies recommended the respondents of
the study.
Respondents’ Profile
The profile of the respondents includes age, sex, highest educational attainment, number
of years in practice as communicator of scientific information and their positions.
Age. Figure 5 shows that 10 of the respondents fall under the 21-29 category.
The 47-54 age brackets came next, with eight respondents. This was followed by the
30-38 then by 55-62 brackets holding five and two respondents, respectively. It can
be said that based on Erik Erikson’s classification (1993) most of the respondents were
young adults and were productive.
As stated by Atkinson and Murray (1985), most young adults have self-
control and responsible behavior, can tolerate frustration, can plan realistically
and implement those plans, can accept differences in others and can develop
one’s potentials.
On the other hand, it is not always true that the older a person is the more
he has wisdom. This assumption goes along with the study of Padya-os (2005)
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10
8
6
AL
OT
4
T
2
0
21 to 29
30 to 38
39 to 46
47 to 54
55 to 62
AGE RANGE
Figure 5. Graphical presentation of the age range of the respondent
that age did not significantly related to the supervisor’s leadership in decision making,
communication and supervision.
In today’s information age, hiring of young adults even fresh graduates by many
government agencies had increased. This could possibly by the skills of the young adults
in using modern technologies like computers (Eserver, 1995).
Eserver (1995) further explained that in all job categories (from clerks to professionals)
people who know how to use computers earn more than those who do not, thus, computer
skills are essential to function effectively in the society. Meanwhile, Marwick (2002)
clarified that the older the person is, the lesser the probability that he will use modern
technologies.
Sex. Figure 6 shows that among the 25 respondents, there were more female (15) than male
(10).
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
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40%
60%
Female
Male
Figure 6. Graphical presentation of sex of the respondents
Highest educational attainment. Twelve of the respondents were college graduates while
nine were masters’ degree holders and three were having their on-going
masters. Moreover, only one among the respondents is a doctorate degree holder.
Educational attainment appeared as important variable for employment. The relationship
between education level and employment showed that those with third level education were
likely to be in the professional and managerial socio-economic groups.
However, many of the respondents continue their education to masters’ degree. Seven of
the respondents explained that their level of education served as reference to promotion
and job stability.
Number of years of science communicator’s practice. Results shows that 10 of the
respondents’ experience in transferring scientific information fall under the 1-6 years
range. This was followed by 7-12, 19-24 and 25-30 then 13-18 work experience holding
seven, three and two, respectively. The result entailed that majority of the respondents
have lengthy-time experience in disseminating technological and scientific information.
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4%
12%
College Graduates
48%
Masters Degree Holders
On-going Masters
Ph.d
36%
Figure 7. Highest educational attainment of the respondents
The mean number of years of service of the respondents was 10.52 with a standard
deviation of 22.65. The finding showed that many of the respondents were
permanently employed and have stayed for quite some time in the service.
Position of the respondents. The respondents of the study were employees of the selected
science and technology agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet that were
involved in transferring scientific information.
In the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the respondents of the study were
three Science Research Specialists I (SRS 1), one Science Research Specialists II (SRS II)
and one Senior Science Research Specialist.
In the Department of Agriculture (DA), there were three Media Production Specialist I
(MPS I), one Media Production Specialist II (MPS II) and one Regulation Information
Officer.
Meanwhile, the respondents from Bureau of Plant and Industry (BPI),
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
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10
8
6
AL
OT
4
T
2
0
1 to 6
7 to 12
13 to 18
19 to 24
25 to 30
NUMBER OF YEARS OF PRACTICE
Figure 8. Respondent’s number of years in practice
who served as science communicators, were researchers themselves. They were called
Agriculturists II.
On the other hand, the respondents from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
(BFAR) were called Information support staffs encompassing three respondents, one Aqua
culturist II and one Aqua technologist.
Moreover, there were two Promotion Officer I, one Health Promotion Officer III and two
Administrations Assistant II respondents from Department of Health (DOH).
Sources of Information Disseminated
by the Science and Technology Agencies
Table 1 shows that the science and technology agencies have various sources of scientific
information. It could be from their central office, partner agencies or arm
agencies. Likewise, they acquire information from the technicians, experts, common
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Table. 1 Sources of information disseminated by the science and technology agencies
AGENCIES
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
DOST
Central office, partner agencies, books and other
information materials, experts, public and internet
DA
Central office, arm agencies, books and other
information materials, technicians, public and internet
BPI
Based on their research outputs, learned experiences
from their program implementations, books and other
information materials
BFAR
Central office, books and other information materials,
experts, fisher folks and internet
DOH
Central office, books and other information materials,
experts, public and internet
people like farmers and fisher folks, books or any information materials and internet.
Some also said that the information they disseminate were based on their learned
experiences from their program implementations and research outputs.
DOST. Shiela Marie Claver, one of the respondents, explained that some of the scientific
information they disseminate in Cordillera were from their central office. The information
they acquire from here were new technologies and results of their partner research and
development institutes like Food and Nutrition Institute (FNRI).
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Aside from the information they acquire from their central office, Ms. Claver further
explained that some scientific information they disseminate were from their partner
agencies. Their partner agencies directly give them information materials in which they
update and reproduce.
The DOST’s partner agencies includes Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and
Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), Advance Science and
Technology Institute (ASTI), Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI),
Science Education Institute (SEI), Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) and among
others.
In addition, DOST’s source of information were experts. Accordingly, experts were invited
especially on trainings to serve as speakers and trainers. Experts together
with the common people (i.e. businessperson and farmers) were sometimes interviewed
by the DOST’s correspondents to supplement their reports in their publications. Likewise,
they read information from books, journals and internet.
DA. Like DOST, some of the scientific information disseminated by the Department of
Agriculture (DA) were from their central office.
Shirley Rosario, one of the respondents, clarified that the technology guides and some
Information Education Communication (IEC) materials were produced by their central
office. “We download the materials then we reproduce it,” she noted.
The respondents also mentioned that they acquire scientific information from their arm
agencies like Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Agricultural Training
Institute- Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-CAR), Cordillera Integrated Agricultural
Research Center (CIARC) and among others.
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They also said that some of the information they disseminate were based from the
field experiences of their technicians and banner heads. Technicians in DA pertain to the
agriculturists and field experts while banner heads pertains to their agency program leaders.
In addition, the respondents interview scientists from different agencies and grassroots like
farmers and businessperson in which these people were featured in DA magazine. The
respondents also said that they read information materials and do research from the
internet.
Two of the DA correspondents stressed on the importance of reading information materials
and conducting interview with the experts and grassroots. “We do not immediately write
articles after receiving the demand of our program banner,” Rosario said. “We read books,
we research and we conduct interview to make our articles more educating and
substantial,” she added.
BPI. Respondents from Bureau of Plant and Industry (BPI) said that the scientific
information they convey were based on their experiences that they learned during their
program implementations as well as from their research outputs.
“Our agency is a research agency and we generate technology that we personally share to
our clients,” says Juliet Ochasan, one of the respondents. She also explained that they
package their own research in which they send to their central office including Highland
Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (HARRDEC).
“Our central office is more on the administrative work of the centers,” Ochasan clarified.
Furthermore, the respondents said that they read books , journals and other
information materials to support their findings.
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BFAR. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) primarily acquire
the scientific information that they disseminate from their central office in Manila.
“The scientific information that we communicate to our clients comes from
our central office. But we only disseminate information that are relevant
to the needs of the Cordilleran’s,” Martha Estima clarified, one of the
respondents.
As in other agencies, correspondents from BFAR interview experts
to obtain expert opinion on their topic. Likewise, they do research from
the internet and read information materials like books to make their articles informative.
In addition, they interview Cordilleran fisher folks, which they feature in their magazines.
DOH. The Department of Health (DOH) also acquires the scientific information
that they disseminate from their central office. The respondents said that there are already
available information materials provided by their central office in which they reproduce.
Aside from the scientific information acquired from their central office, the respondents
said that they acquire information from the agencies program coordinator and medical
personnel.
As in other agencies, correspondents from DOH do research and read
information materials for them to expound and simply technical l terms and make their
articles informative.
Scientific Information Disseminated
by the Science and Technology Agencies
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Table 2 shows that the science and technology agencies convey topics that touched the
major concerns of their clients like health and agriculture. Aside from that, they also
transmit information on environment, innovations and analyses results.
DOST. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which aims to promote
environment- friendly technologies that improve the quality of life, disseminate
information about new technologies and the research results of their partner agencies.
The agency also disseminate information on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, environment
and industrial technologies.
In addition, the respondents claimed that the department likewise promulgates
information on health, innovations and analyses results.
DA. The Department of Agriculture (DA) covered general knowledge on agriculture like
food staples and food preparations of particular agriculture products. The agency
also disseminates information on crop based farming system, organic farming, soil and
water conservation management and farm mechanization.
Furthermore, the agency disseminates information on animal raising, animal health care,
feeds and feeding management. Likewise, they covered environmental issues such as
pollution analysis, prevention and mitigation.
BPI. The Bureau of Plant and Industry (BPI), one arm agency of DA,
disseminates information regarding their research outputs such as seeds and plant
Table 2. Scientific information disseminated by each science and technology agencies.
AGENCY
INFORMATION
INSTANCES
CONVEYED
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Department of Science Analyses results,
Topics on agriculture, environment,
and Technology
new technology,
industrial technology, health, and
(DOST)
innovations and
environment.
researches of
their partner
agencies
Department of
Agriculture
Food staples, crop production, crop
Agriculture
based farming system, organic farming,
(DA)
soil
and
water
conservation
management, and farm mechanization
Animal raising, animal health care, feeds
and feeding management
Environment
Pollution analysis, prevention and
mitigation.
Bureau of Plant and
Agriculture
Information about seed and plant
Industry
material production of crops and plant
(BPI)
diseases control and management.
Bureau of Fisheries
Fisheries
All information about fisheries like laws
And Aquatic Resources
and methods on how to make fishponds.
(BFAR)
Department of Health
Health
Public
health
and
well-being,
(DOH)
reproductive
health
care,
and
development and evaluation of nutrition
education and communication strategy.
material production of crops as well as technology guides about citrus, coffee
and other agricultural products.
The agency also disseminates information on plant diseases, control and management.
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BFAR. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), another arm
agency of DA, disseminates information specifically on fisheries such as laws on fisheries,
marketing and methods on how to make fishponds.
DOH. The Department of Health (DOH), on the other hand, is concerned
with the people’s health. They disseminate information on signs and
symptoms, prevention and treatment of diseases.
According to the respondents, the topics that they disseminate were based on
current
situations.
For
instance,
DOH
disseminated
information
about
measles last summer because the agency found out that the number of
Filipino children, who died in measles, increases every year. Through their
communication channels, signs, symptoms and prevention about the
disease were explained.
Meanwhile, the agency also promulgates information on family planning, reproductive
health care and nutrition education.
Communication Media Used by
the Agencies in Disseminating
Scientific Information
The respondents mentioned that their clients were comprised of various groups in the
community, which embraces the government officials, farmers, students, scientists, science
communicators, research institutions, private sectors, businessperson, youth and
housewives. Hence, they build strategic methods to cater to the needs of their clients.
Table 3 shows the various communication media used by the agencies in disseminating
scientific information. These include communication through radio, print, exhibits, film
showing, trainings, seminars, forums and web site.
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DOST. The table showed that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
produces print materials as a medium of communication. The respondents also said that
they conduct film showings, exhibits, trainings and forums to increase public awareness on
technological findings. Likewise, they post information on their web site.
For print, S&T Cordillera Gasset is the official publication of the DOST-CAR. Claver, the
editor-in-chief, said that the writers of the newsletter were composed of various
contributors and are from different provincial DOST centers. She also said that the
publication is issued quarterly.
Aside from publishing on their own agency publication, correspondents from DOST
contribute articles on local newspapers. Most of them contribute in Baguio Midland
Courier, and Baguio Chronicle.
Meanwhile, the respondents said that among the Information, Education, Communication
(IEC) material, they often produce brochures (see Figure 9). Two of the respondents
explained that the IEC materials that they distributed were the standard materials coming
from the central office that they updated.
These print materials are distributed to their partner agencies, government offices, and to
their different stakeholders.
Table 3. Communication media used by the science and technology agencies.
AGENCY
COMMUNICATION
MEDIA USED
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DOST
Print, film showing, exhibits, trainings, forums
and the web site
DA
Radio, print, exhibits, forums, and web site
BPI
Print, exhibits, training and seminars
BFAR
Radio, print, exhibits, training and seminars
DOH
Radio, print, exhibits, seminar and web site
Moreover, the respondents explained that they conducted film showings, exhibits and
forums if they have special activities like anniversaries. These activities are annually
carried during the agency’s National Science and Technology Fair in Manila on July
and during their Northern Luzon Cluster in Benguet State University on August or October.
For trainings, the respondents explained that techno trainings were conducted region wide
on arranged schedules, based on identified training needs and approved requests. If the
regional director approved the activity, the training organizers will hold such activity
following certain guidelines.
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Figure 9. Example of brochure disseminated by DOST
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The respondents likewise pointed out that they invite experts who will serve as trainers. As
for 2011, the agency had conducted 54 trainings in the different places of Cordillera.
The website of DOST is www.dost.gov.ph (see Figure 10). The information about the
agency, their services, activities and programs were posted in here.
DA. The table also showed that the Department of Agriculture (DA) uses radio as a medium
of communication. The respondents said that they produce print materials like newsletters,
and various kinds of IEC materials like posters, pamphlets and brochures. They also carry
out activities like forums and exhibits. In addition, they post information in their website.
The respondents said that their agency do not conduct trainings since their arm agencies
specifically the ATI-CAR was responsible of performing the said activity.
Meanwhile, Agri Pinoy Cordillera is the official radio program of DA. This program which
is aired in Bombo Radyo was a packaged of plugs, trivia, spot news and magazine program.
The magazine program was aired every Sunday from 9:00 to 9:30 in the morning with the
use Ilocano language. On the other hand, plugs, trivia and spot news were aired from
Monday to Friday every 5:00 to 5:30 in the morning.
For print, Agri Cordillera, which is issued quarterly, is the official publication of DA (see
Figure 11). Alicia Tabano, one of the respondents, said that the correspondents
of the newsletters were also the developers of IEC materials. “We, as media
production specialists are multi- tasking,” she explained.
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Figure 10. Website of DOST
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Figure 11. The official publication of DA
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Aside from publishing on their agency publications, correspondents from DA also
contribute articles on local newspapers like Baguio Midland Courier.
All respondents claimed that their articles were hard and soft science stories, which are
written in English. Hard science stories are sometimes called spot news
or straight news while soft science stories are sometimes called feature or
timeless stories.
Brochures, leaflet, posters and calendars were the IEC print materials often produced by
the agency (see Figure 12 ). Rosario mentioned that last year, there were about five topics
produced for brochures, 15 for leaflets and five for posters, having 2,000 copies each.
These print materials were distributed to their different stakeholders and agencies like BPI,
BFAR and CIEARC.
Meanwhile, the respondents said that they carry out exhibits and forums if they have special
activities like anniversaries. They further explained that these activities are often carried
together with the world’s food day.
They also have special gathering called “Kapihan,” in which they show their yearend
accomplishments and new projects.
The website of DA is www.da.gov.ph (see Figure 13). The information about their agency,
their services, programs and activities are posted in here.
BPI. Unlike other agencies, the Bureau of Plant and Industry’s (BPI) communication
strategy was limited only in producing brochures and leaflets and conducting trainings and
seminars. However, they also carry out exhibits to present their findings. Likewise, they
post information on their websites.
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Figure 12. Example of brochure disseminated by DA
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Figure 10. Website of DA
Figure 13. Website of DA
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Ochasan again explained that their agency’s main work is to generate information and their
information dissemination activity is embedded within their work but it is not extensive.
She also said that their main concern is to guide and provide technical assistance to their
clients.
Nancy Aspura, one of the respondents, seconded Ochasan’s remark. She explained that
they communicate their research outputs to their clients but their communication
program is not extensive.
“Our job is focused on generating technology but we are still in contact with our clients,”
she said. “We share our researches to our clients but our communication program is not
that extensive,” she added.
Apura further explained that they do not produce magazines and newspapers because their
central office in Manila was responsible for it.
She also said that the researchers themselves were responsible of making brochures or
leaflets of their own research (see Figure 14). For 2011, 400 IEC materials having different
titles were produced by the researchers of the agency.
The respondents explained that they conduct trainings or seminars if they have special
projects and if the project is funded. They were also invited as speakers or resource persons
in some trainings and seminars.
The respondents pointed out that they conduct trainings and seminars upon request of their
clients. They also said that they used vernacular languages mixed with English and Tagalog
during their activity. For 2011, 10 batches of trainings were conducted by the agency.
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Figure 14. Example of brochure disseminated by BPI
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As for other agencies, BPI also carries out exhibits if they have special occasions like
anniversaries. According to the respondents, research outputs and technology guides are
presented in their exhibits.
Meanwhile, the website of BPI is www.bpi.da.gov.ph (see Figure 15). The information
about their agency, their services, programs and activities are posted in here.
BFAR. The table shows that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
produces print materials as a medium of communication. In addition, they conduct exhibits,
trainings and seminars to guide and raise the understanding of the fisher folks in Cordillera.
To promote the researches and programs of BFAR, the respondents mentioned
that their agency is currently establishing their own regional website.
The respondents, on the other hand, explained that they do not have radio programs
but they invite employees from broadcasting stations like Bombo Radyo and ABS-CBN to
broadcast researches from their agency.
Cordillera Fisheries Review is the official publication of BFAR. Rodalyn Foronda, one of
the respondents, said that only few write articles in their publication that is why they are
not able to produce it quarterly. “We do lots of things and our job is not concentrated in
writing only. Paul Joseph Nuval explained, one of the respondents. “We also travel and
attend trainings,” he added.
Meanwhile, Foronda said that they have magazines (see Figure 16) wherein fisher folk’s
lifestyles were featured. Last year, they produced a magazine entitled Yu-Yu otherwise
known as loaches.
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Figure 15. Website of BPI
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Figure 16. Magazine of BFAR
The correspondents of BFAR claimed that their articles were hard and soft science stories,
which were written in English. They also mentioned that their articles were
development communication (dev’t com) in approach. Nuval and Foronda said
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that the training they had during their college years was also the practice that
they perform in their careers.
Moreover, the respondents said that the IEC materials they disseminate
comes from their central office in which they reproduce. There were about 11, 500 pieces
of brochures reproduced by the agency for 2011. The brochures have different titles, which
is more on technology demonstration.
For trainings and seminars, Martha Estima, one of the respondents explained that
the training or seminar that they conduct follows a two way process.
Estima said that Local Government Unit (LGU) would request from them. However before
they conduct trainings, they examine first if the training asked by their clients is there need.
“We validate first the needs of our clients to the LGU before we conduct trainings,” Estima
explained.
In addition, the respondents said that they used vernacular languages mixed with English
and Tagalog during their activity.
The respondents mentioned that they had conducted 19 trainings for 2011 in the different
places of Cordillera. These trainings were subdivided into three areas. There were 17
trainings conducted for aquaculture, six for regulatory and six for post-harvest.
Seminars were conducted every time the agency has projects.
Like other agencies, BFAR carries out exhibits if they have special activities like
anniversaries and special occasions. The respondents claimed that they carry out exhibits
during festivals like Lang-ay festival, Abra festival, and Strawberry festival.
DOH. The Department of Health (DOH) uses radio as a medium of communication. The
respondents said that they produce print materials like newsletters, and various kinds of
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IEC materials like posters, pamphlets and brochures. They also carry out activities like
seminars and exhibits. Likewise, they post information in their website.
The respondents explained that they do not have radio programs but they invite
employees from broadcasting stations like Bombo Radyo and ABS-CBN to broadcast
researches and events from their agency.
In addition, they have radio plugs that were played in DZWT and DZWK from Monday to
Friday every 7:30 in the morning and between 5:00 t0 6:00 in the afternoon. According to
the respondents, they produce and air three plugs every month.
Health voice is the official publication of DOH. Rosella Bahni, one of the respondents, said
that the publication is issued three times a year.
Aside from publishing on their agency’s publications, correspondents from DOH
contributed articles on local newspapers. Most of them contributed in Baguio Midland
Courier.
Meanwhile, the respondents said that some of the print IEC materials that
they disseminate in Cordillera were from their central office. However, they explained that
they also produce information materials that were from their head promotion cluster.
For 2011, Bahni announced that their agency was able to produce more than 30,000 copies
of posters, flyers, leaflets, brochures and flip charts holding different topics of the
programs. The materials were about leptospirosis, women healthy lifestyle, “iwas
stress”, health care and “bawal manigarilyo”,
Like other agencies, respondents claimed that they carry out exhibits if they
have special occasions like anniversaries and if they have special program.
They said also that they conduct seminars in the different provinces
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of Cordilleran if their agency has advocacies and special programs. Their
clientele for the seminars were government officials and provincial medical officers
like midwife and nurses.
As for 2011, DOH was able to conduct more than 150 seminars in the different
provinces of Cordillera.
The website of DOH is www.doh.gov.ph (see Figure 17). As of other agencies, the
information posted in their website is about their agency, their services, programs and
activities.
Feedback Mechanisms of the Agencies
Towards the Disseminated
Information
To improve the services provided by the respondents, Table 4 shows that the agencies
exercised various approaches in acquiring their clients’ feedback.
Radio. The respondents from DA claimed that they learn their clients’ comments and
suggestions by conducting random surveys. Accordingly, they let their audiences assess
their program as well as the anchors way of delivery.
In addition, they encourage their listeners to evaluate their program through text messages
and phone calls. Aside from acquiring feedbacks through phones, the respondents noted
that their clients sometimes send them letters.
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Figure 17. Website of DOH
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Table 4. Feedback mechanisms of the agencies towards the disseminated information
COMMUNICATION
AGENCIES
AGENCIES FEEDBACK
MEDIA
MECHANISMS
Radio
DA
Conducts random survey
DOH
Conducts survey
DA
Float evaluation sheets
DOST
Place e-mail and contact numbers on the print
materials for comments and suggestions
BFAR
Place e-mail and contact numbers on the print
materials for comments and suggestions
DOH
Place e-mail and contact numbers on the print
materials for comments and suggestions
BPI
They let the materials be evaluated by their
agency heads and co-workers
Film Showings and
DOST
Float evaluation sheets to the audience
Exhibits
DA
Float evaluation sheets to the audience
BPI
Float evaluation sheets to the audience
BFAR
Float evaluation sheets to the audience
DOH
Float evaluation sheets to the audience
Trainings and seminars DOST
Float training needs assessment and
questionnaires after the activity
BPI
Float training needs assessment and
questionnaires after the activity
BFAR
Float training needs assessment and
questionnaires after the activity
DOH
Float training needs assessment and
questionnaires after the activity
website
DOST
Encourage audience to post their comments by
placing their contact addresses on the web site.
DA
Encourage audience to post their comments by
placing their contact addresses on the web site.
BPI
Encourage audience to post their comments by
placing their contact addresses on the web site.
DOH
Encourage audience to post their comments by
placing their contact addresses on the web site.
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On the other hand, respondents from DOH said that they do not have feedback mechanisms
for radio plugs. “We have no feedback mechanism for plugs but we take our audience
feedback by chance if we conduct survey,” Bahni explained.
Print. The Department of Agriculture (DA) floats evaluation sheets for them to know the
essential things needed to be strengthened on their print materials.
Meanwhile, respondents from DA as well as respondents from Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
(BFAR) and Department of Health (DOH), said that they place their agency’s e-mail and
contact numbers on their printed materials.
Since e-mails, contact numbers and addresses of the agencies were placed on their printed
materials, their target clients give their feedback by sending messages through e-
mails, phone calls and text messages. Sometimes, personal letters were given to them.
Moreover, the respondents from the four agencies said that they let their
supervisors assess first their output before they mass-produce it.
On the other hand, respondents from the Bureau of Plant and Industry said that they let
their printed materials be evaluated first by their agency heads and co-workers before they
mass-produce their printed materials.
Film showings and exhibits. It was observed that all the agencies were conducting film
showings and exhibits. According to four respondents, exhibits and film showings were
one of the best strategies in presenting technologies and scientific outputs. To improve their
activity, the agencies were floating evaluation sheets. There, their audiences assess the
activity by answering the evaluation sheets floated by the agencies.
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Trainings and seminars. As for trainings and seminars, all the agencies, except for DA,
float training needs assessment and questionnaires after the whole activity. There, the
agencies clients assess the activity by answering the training needs assessment floated by
the agencies. They assess the topic, the speaker’s way of delivery, venue and among others.
Website. All the agencies except for BFAR had websites. According to the respondents,
they come to know if their website is being visited by looking at the number of views.
Furthermore, the respondents said that they encouraged their clients to tell their comments
by placing their contact addresses on their websites. Thus, their clients give their feedback
by posting their comments on their websites.
“Suggestions or comments are entertained openly for our improvement,” said Patrick
Pineda, one of the respondents. “Besides the suggestions will serve as assessment or
evaluation of our work,” he added.
After the agencies had received the evaluation, comments and suggestions of their clients,
the employees of the agencies will meet and discussed on the matter. Then the result of
their meeting will be applied on their next activity.
This collaborates with Schramm’s study (1964) which states that in order to achieve social
change information must also flow from the audience. As supported by Flores (1978), the
people must participate if not directly at least by feeding back their thoughts, their own
feelings, their felt needs and their aspirations. He further stated that if feedbacks come from
people, it becomes the basis for decision-making and planning processes. Without a
feedback system, Parker (1977) pointed out that development programs could not be
sufficiently responsive to local needs and conditions, much less succeed.
Challenges Faced by the Respondents’
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in Managing Scientific Information
Some of the respondents claimed that most of the time, their interviewees are busy and
sometimes provide insufficient data. Therefore, their schedule was affected since they need
to return for another interview.
Some also admitted that they still have the feeling of panic whenever they
interview a researcher although they have enough training on interviewing.
Although the respondents faced problems on generating information, they explained that
they are still able to furnish the tasks trusted to them by managing their time, by being
optimistic, patient and resourceful. They also explained that they conduct research if their
interviewees provide them insufficient data to come up with better outputs.
Meanwhile, many of the respondents mentioned that fund was their major problem in
developing their material. Accordingly, the printed material does not last long since the
material is computer generated.
In addition, many of them said that they faced difficulty in coming up with interesting
articles because they were pressured with time. This is because their tasks were
not concentrated with single activity only.
Some also faced problems in the editing process. They mentioned that there was no
standard editing style since there was no hierarchy of editing. “Everybody does their
own editing style,” Nuval shared.
Moreover, some of the respondents confessed that they faced difficulty in packaging
materials that were appealing since they lack equipments like laptops and camera. “These
disadvantages result to the low quality of our output,” Crisante Rosario remarked, one of
the respondents.
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In addition, many respondents claimed that there is no job orientation especially on their
functions, thus, they were confused and become inconsistent with their work.
In terms of disseminating the information, the respondents claimed again that fund was
their major problem. Many of the respondents mentioned that the materials were not well
distributed to the end users due to lack of financial support to fund the printing of the
material.
On the other hand, the audience was the major problem of the trainers and organizers. Fund
and time were not their major concerns but the participants themselves. Martha Estima,
trainer from BFAR, said that most of their participants were not their target clients. “Our
target clients send other people as their representatives,” she noted.
Nancy Aspura, trainer from BPI, seconded Estima’s remark. She said that their target
audience were busy and they do not want to be disturbed even if they know that
the program is important and intended for them.
Prescila Maramba, a respondent from BFAR, further explained that their audiences are not
easy to convene due to distances. She said that only few attend the training since
participants are coming from far places especially in rural provinces.
The finding of the study is related with the study of Ramos (2007). It was also found
out in her study that the problems encountered by the implementers were lack of fund to
finance the program, the lack of interest or time of the participants and poor cooperation of
the participants.
For easy access, storage and update of information materials, all the agencies except for
BFAR were using database.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
The agencies that use database denied that they face problems in storing and retrieving the
information that they need. Accordingly, manipulation of the system is not complicated
since there are people in charge of the process especially the Information
Technology (IT) graduates.
The respondents also explained that they have data management unit that preserve and
maintain materials in a stable repository. The management also builds up and classifies
information and technology relevant to the sector.
As for those who do not use database, they said that they do not face any problem because
they are used with the process although accessing, managing and updating of information
materials takes a lot of time.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted from December 2011 to March 2012.
Twenty-five respondents were chosen purposively in the selected science and
technology agencies that are found in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet. The research
institutions were Department of Science and Technology regional office (DOST-CAR),
Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Plant and Industry- Cordillera Administrative
Region (BPI-CAR), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Department
of Health (DOH).
In order to obtain holistic and in-depth information, Focus Group Discussion (FGD)
was used as the main instrument. In addition, survey questionnaire was furnished to
determine the respondents profile.
Results were interpreted according to the objectives of the study. Results showed
that most of the respondents were young adults based on Erik Erikson’s (1975)
classification. There were more female respondents than male wherein most of them were
college graduates. As for their work practice, majority of have lengthy-time experience in
promoting technological and scientific information.
The science and technology agencies have various sources of scientific
information. It could be from their central office, partner agencies or arm agencies.
Likewise, they acquire information from the technicians, experts, common people like
farmers and fisher folks, books or any information materials and internet.
Some also said that the information they disseminate were based on their learned
experiences from their program implementations and research outputs.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
Meanwhile, the selected agencies convey topics that touched the major concerns of
their clients like health and agriculture. Aside from that, they also transmit information
on environment, innovations and analyses results.
The respondents mentioned that their audiences were comprised of various groups
in the community, which embraces the government officials, farmers, students, scientists,
science communicators, research institutions, private sectors, businessperson, youth and
housewives. Hence, they build strategic methods to cater the needs of their audiences.
The study showed that the agencies were using various communication media in
disseminating scientific information. These include communication through radio, print,
exhibits, film showing, trainings, seminars, forums and website.
The agencies claimed that they learn their audiences’ feedback by floating random
sampling surveys, evaluation sheets, and training needs assessment. Likewise, they placed
their contact number, e-mail and office addresses, wherein their clients can give their
feedback.
Since e-mails, contact numbers and addresses of the agencies are placed in the
printed materials and in their web sites, their target clients give their feedback by sending
messages through e-mails, phone calls and text. Sometimes, they send letters.
The major and common challenges faced by the respondents in managing scientific
information were lack of fund, lack of work force, lack of utility, lack of time, insufficient
data by the primary source and unorganized flow of activities.
Meanwhile, many of the respondents pointed out that their work, as communicator
is not confined only to one area. For instance, writers do not just write articles but also
develop IEC materials like videos and leaflets, thus, they are mandated to do multi-tasking.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012
Nevertheless, the respondents claimed that they were still able to meet their purpose
and objectives despite of the problems that they encountered.
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the following conclusions were derived:
1. The science and technology agencies’ main sources of information vary but
all of them used primary and secondary sources to support their reports.
2. The scientific information imparted by the science and technology agencies
cover wide range. It included agriculture, environment, health and innovations.
3. Print, exhibits and websites were the communication media commonly used
by the agencies in disseminating scientific information.
4. Among the agencies, BPI has no extensive communication program since
their main concern is to generate technology.
5. Of the several varied challenges faced by the science communicators, their
tasks and objectives were still met.
Recommendations
From the conclusions, the following are recommended:
1. BPI may consider establishing information dissemination division so there will
be people that would focus on popularizing research results of the agency.
2. Other researchers may want to focus on the possible solutions to the challenges
identified by the respondents.
3. Findings of the study may be written in monograph to be shared with community
development workers and the science communicators themselves.
Practices and Challenges of Science Communicators in Imparting Scientific Information in
Selected Science and Technology Agencies in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet |
VELANO, IVY JANE A. APRIL 2012