In observance of the Holy Week, the Philippine News Agency’s online news service will be off on March 29, Good Friday, and March 30, Black Saturday. Normal operations will resume on March 31, Easter Sunday.

— The Editors

PCIEERD, beauty titlist to promote science and technology

By Ma. Cristina Arayata

August 27, 2021, 6:26 pm

<p>Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold  (<em>Screenshot from DOST PCIEERD's Facebook page on Thursday, August 26, 2021</em>)</p>

Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold  (Screenshot from DOST PCIEERD's Facebook page on Thursday, August 26, 2021)

MANILA – The Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) is eyeing to explore further partnerships with Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold in advocating science and technology (S&T), its chief said Friday.

"Beyond STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), we want her to speak on S&T and innovations as essential tools not only for solving crimes but also pressing national issues," PCIEERD executive director Enrico Paringit told the Philippine News Agency.

Arnold is a Forensic Science graduate and was guest speaker in a virtual event organized by PCIEERD on Thursday. There, she mentioned that she is looking forward to more collaborations with PCIEERD and the Department of Science and Technology.

Paringit said it was Arnold who volunteered to collaborate when she learned of the agency's post about SIBOL (Science and Innovation Budding Opportunities for Leverage). Through PCIEERD's Facebook page, it introduces various research and development initiatives or projects that commenced in 2021. SIBOL is PCIEERD's program to create awareness about these projects.

"We recognize that, given her stature, she could be a good role model for promoting STEM as a career and the cause of R&D (research and development)," Paringit said.

He added that they are expecting Arnold's consistent advocacies to translate to positive influence to those considering careers in S&T, and for appreciation of science and the scientific community.

During her talk, Arnold noted that STEM will continue to play a vital role even after the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"Science will help us improve our critical thinking. Technology will prepare us to be in a high-tech, innovative environment. Engineering will allow us to improve our problem-solving skills and apply this to new projects in the community. Mathematics will enable us to analyze information and make conscious decisions when creating solutions for all," she remarked.

Arnold said she considers those in the field of STEM as modern-day heroes, and that the youth, and the S&T will help the country to be "out of the darkness". According to her, STEM education will bring valuable contributions to society and will prepare it to transform areas of concern with innovation and sustainable solutions.

The beauty titleholder also told the attendees that failure is part of the process. She admitted that she had failed and had to retake her Genetics unit.

"It made me realize that failure, new and uncomfortable environment are an essential part, so we can observe more; come up with new hypothesis; learn new lessons and contribute something beneficial for others," she remarked.

While she became a model and a pageant candidate, Arnold said her love for the lab coat, goggles, will never disappear.

She wanted to become a doctor until in high school when experiments and combining formulas made her more interested in the field of S&T. "It was in Grade 12 when there was a lesson about fingerprinting. I realized I could further my studies in this field," she continued.

Arnold said that she is currently using her platform to advocate education. She is urging students to be observers of the community.

As for Paringit, he said they would reach out to Arnold to explore ways forward. (PNA
 

Comments