By Jiann Delumen

Far Eastern University (FEU) Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholars emphasized the growing responsibility of young researchers in public service as they joined the first-ever Scholars Research Camp (SRC), an event under the Filipino Patriot Scholars Program, in Calamba, Laguna last December 3 to 7.

Six Tamaraw DOST-SEI scholars, including Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology students Rowella Alang, Sam Angelica Baticos, Abraham Deogracias Jr., and Renee Arwen Marfiga, and BS Biology students Celestine Monette Gutierrez and Mary Hannah Nicole Jazareno, represented FEU in the research camp.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Alang said the camp affirmed the relevance of their research and broadened her understanding of how publicly funded work can benefit society and the wider community.

“Being chosen… reassured [me] that our voices as social sciences researchers matter as well,” Alang said.

Deogracias then shared in the same interview that the experience strengthened his commitment to research and clarified his role as a scholar serving the public.

Beyond recognition, the scholars said that the camp reframed their view of what it means to serve as DOST-SEI scholars, with Alang adding that the SRC reminded her that scholarship goes beyond grade maintenance.

“Research is a form of service… yes, it’s a paper, kailangang basahin and such, but it would [also] contribute to the nation," she stressed.

Their thesis, which focused on learned resourcefulness and psychological well-being among contractual food service workers, became central in their reflections during the camp.

Over the five-day program, scholars attended sessions on publishable research, quantitative data analysis, ethical research conduct, and human-centered science communication. 

Additionally, they joined a research exposure visit at De La Salle University - Laguna, which deepened their understanding of how to elevate their thesis for wider impact.

Alang recalled a line from the Publishing 101 session emphasizing that “what is not written does not exist,” reflecting that research only matters when scholars dare to share it widely.

“Research should empower communities, not just demonstrate the researcher’s competence,” Deogracias underscored, describing the science communication session as transformative.

According to the representatives, FEU’s supportive research culture also aided their participation, as Deogracias pointed out the collaborative environment where professors and students refine work for national platforms.

Alang noted that their DOST coordinator guided scholars throughout the application process, providing essential direction and support.

Furthermore, the delegates plan to share their insights to the FEU community by encouraging collaboration and mentoring peers on publishing and science communication.

Alang hopes to continue projects that combine strong research quality with contributions that benefit the community, while Deogracias encourages future Tamaraw researchers to pursue opportunities despite uncertainty.

“As long as you have the desire to serve the people through research, that is enough for you to keep going and pursue this endeavor,” he remarked.

The delegates were selected based on the strength and potential of their research abstracts, reflecting the novelty and societal relevance of their work submitted through the University’s DOST coordinator.

Out of more than 270 applicants, they were among the 100 undergraduate researchers nationwide chosen to present and refine their work.

(Photo courtesy of Rowella Alang)