DSC - UPLB Department of Science Communication

Science X Arts: Using the Arts and Humanities to Encourage Science Conversations

As science advances faster than people can keep up, the Department of Science Communication (DSC) at UPLB is finding new ways to make science part of everyday life—through the arts and humanities.

Representing the UPLB College of Development Communication, Asst. Prof. Avril Adrianne D. Madrid took the stage at the Scientific and Humanistic Innovations through Novel Exploration (SHINE) Research Conference 2026. Held at the Lyceum of Alabang, this year’s conference centered on the theme, “Integrating the Sciences and Humanities: Linking Scientific Inquiry with Humanistic Understanding.”

Prof. Madrid's presentation, "Using the Arts and Humanities to Encourage Science Conversations," advocated for science communication as a dynamic social conversation rather than a simple transfer of facts. Challenging the prevalent "deficit model," which frames communication as a one-way, "I tell you" dissemination of information, she instead stressed that genuine public engagement with science depends on interaction and dialogue.

The highlight of the presentation was a showcase of how the DSC and other CDC departments integrate humanistic creativity with scientific inquiry through various community-based projects such as Balitang SyenSaya, EdComics, the SciMath Fair, and Science Film Festivals and storytelling sessions.

At DSC, we believe in the potential of art to foster conversations around science and to "flourish and lead to action" within the wider community, transforming science communication from presentations into a collaborative and fun experience.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐-𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔?

For DSC’s Associate Professor Winifredo Dagli, it means creating spaces where communities themselves shape the narratives of development, while engaging researchers and other stakeholders in processes of reflection, dialogue, and collective action.

Last April 18, Assoc. Prof. Dagli joined the launch of a participatory storybook he co-authored with the Hilabaan Women’s Association and the Linao Women Fish Vendor’s Association in the off-grid island barangays of Hilabaan and Tikling in Dolores, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Assistant Professor Eduardo Roquiño of the School of Environmental Science and Management also co-authored the publication.

The book, 𝑨𝒏 𝑨𝒎𝒐𝒏 𝑳𝒂𝒎𝒓𝒂𝒈: 𝑴𝒈𝒂 𝑰𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚𝒂 𝑯𝒂𝒏 𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒈-𝒐 𝑯𝒂 𝑯𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒂𝒏 𝑵𝒈𝒂𝒏 𝑻𝒊𝒌𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 (𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑯𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒊𝒌𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈), brings together stories and reflections on the communities’ experiences with solar-powered renewable energy systems and related social innovations introduced between 2021 and 2023.

Published by Oxfam Pilipinas, the book seeks to deepen our understanding of what a “just energy transition” looks like on the ground, from its contributions to socio-economic resilience, women’s empowerment, and community wellbeing to the unintended negative consequences and trade-offs of clean energy technologies.

As the book notes: “Too often, conversations about renewable energy are told in big, technical terms—about carbon, markets, and global targets. But these big conversations can miss what change really looks like on the ground.”

“We let community members converse with one another and identify the stories that best represent their experiences and insights,” Assoc. Prof. Dagli explains. “As researchers, our role is to listen, ask questions that deepen reflection and collective learning, and help communicate these stories to a particular audience.”

Such dialogical processes foster a more critical and reflexive engagement with science and development.

“If we want science and communication to address complex problems, we need to loosen our hold on knowledge production and recognize that communities are often in a better position to understand reality and the appropriate course of action from their own vantage point,” Assoc. Prof. Dagli noted.

The participatory storybook will be available for public download in May 2026.

📚🌿 World Book Day

The Department of Science Communication (DSC) recognizes the role of books in shaping how knowledge is created, shared, and understood across disciplines. From scientific discoveries to everyday learning, books remain essential tools for building informed and curious communities.

In libraries and learning spaces, systems such as catalogs, call numbers, and classification help make this knowledge accessible. These structures may seem simple, but they allow readers to navigate vast collections of information with clarity and purpose

At DSC, we continue to support initiatives that promote reading, learning, and the effective management of knowledge. By promoting both reading and information literacy, we hope to contribute to a culture where learning is shared and applied for the public good.

Ngayong Fire Prevention Month 2026, kaisa tayo ng Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Philippines sa pagsasabuhay ng temang: “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa.”

Ang kaligtasan ng bawat tahanan, opisina, paaralan, at komunidad ay kolektibong responsibilidad nating lahat. Huwag hintaying may sumiklab na apoy bago kumilos—ang pag-iwas ay nagsisimula sa pagiging listo at may alam.

Paano tayo makatutulong?
✅ Alamin ang mga paraan para makaiwas sa sunog sa loob at labas ng gusali.
✅ Maging handa at alamin ang mga tamang hakbang na dapat gawin sa oras ng emergency.

Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang isang ligtas at maka-agham na .

Scicom News: Media and Information Literacy Talk 📺

Students of science journalism and science communication had the privilege of learning about Media and Information Literacy from guest speaker Assistant Professor Kara David.

The discussion centered on how information circulates across social media platforms, especially in the face of misinformation and disinformation. A highlight was a vlog tutorial series designed for teachers, showing how digital tools can empower educators in today’s media landscape.

Ms. Kara emphasized that “We all have an obligation to the truth.”

These words resonate in the age of information, reminding us that literacy is not just about consuming media, but practicing it with responsibility and integrity.

We invite you to check out this insightful article written by our colleagues, Dr. Jefferson Lyndon D. Ragragio and Dr. Serlie F. Barroga-Jamias, which features valuable reflections and life lessons of Filipino scientists.

📰 Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/people/profiles/life-lessons-filipino-scientists

🔬🌸 International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The Department of Science Communication (DSC) stands in support of women and girls who contribute to discovery, innovation, and the sharing of knowledge across disciplines. Their work strengthens research communities and ensures that science reflects diverse perspectives and experiences.

In the Philippines, women comprise approximately 33% of researchers in science and technology, while demonstrating meaningful progress, it also resounds the importance of expanding opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and visibility in STEM fields.

Science communication plays a vital role in this effort. By translating research into accessible stories, creating platforms for dialogue, and fostering inclusive engagement, we help broaden participation and encourage more women and girls to see themselves as scientists, communicators, and changemakers.

At DSC, we continue to advocate for spaces where women’s expertise is recognized, their voices are amplified, and their contributions shape the future of science and society.

The DOST and PCIEERD Grants-in-Aid Call for Proposals features the Science Communication Sector to support initiatives that promote public engagement, knowledge sharing, and innovative ways of bringing and communicating science closer to Filipinos.

🔗 Submit your concept proposal via DPMIS: https://dpmisv2.dost.gov.ph/
🗓️ Submission period: March 1–15, 2026 | 5:00 PM