The Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), conducted an Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) communication workshop for Consortium Member Institutions on October 26–27, 2023, at the Executive Lounge, Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City.

21 representatives from the Region IX Science Communication cluster of consortium members—Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Philippine Coconut Authority – Zamboanga Research Center (PCA-ZRC), Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA) of Zamboanga, and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU)—actively participated in the workshop.

The Director of WESMAARRDEC, Dr. Leonilo B. Abella, during his welcoming remarks, emphasized the crucial role of journalism as a bridge between science and the general public. He highlighted the importance of informing the public about the ever-evolving landscape of Science and Technology (S&T) in the region and has put more emphasis on its direct impact on their daily lives.

The message from Dr. Abella was echoed by Ms. Kimberly Joy R. Kilat, a faculty member from the Mass Communication Department of Western Mindanao State University, served as the resource speaker for the two-day seminar-workshop. Ms. Kilat underlined the media’s role in enhancing the public’s understanding of science in her discussion. Furthermore, she delivered essential topics in journalism, including Introduction to Journalism, understanding the basics of news and feature writing, the art of developing a compelling AANR story from idea to publication, and leveraging social media for AANR communication.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in various practical sessions designed to sharpen their skills in crafting AANR news and feature articles. Towards the end of the session, Mr. Urbano B. Patayon, a participant from Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU)-Tampilisan, was awarded for having written the best news feature article.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to all participants, marking the successful conclusion of the workshop.

(Urbano B. Patayon)