Siquijor STEM Link Up: Inspiring Connections through STEM and Storytelling

STEM Link Up brought together STEM students from different schools in Siquijor.

Connect. Experience. Create. Our tagline says it all. This month, we made it happen again!

Our second STEM Link Up brought us to Siquijor last August 2, where more than 40 amazing high school participants came together for an inspiring day of learning and creativity.

From left to right: Ms. Lynn Pinugu, Dr. Bryan Lim, and Dr. Ruji Medina.

From engaging panel discussions with top-notch experts Dr. Bryan Albert Lim, President and Infectious Disease Specialist of Clinica Prime Cebu, and Dr. Ruji Medina, Chemical and Environmental Engineer and Professor of Siquijor State College, to a hands-on science communication workshop that culminated in a group presentation, the event was all about sparking new ideas, building connections, and discovering fresh ways to share knowledge.

“Science solved my problem, but it was kindness that healed me.” - Dr. Lim

Participants at the Link Up raved about the “podcast-like talks” with the professionals, saying the real-life stories fired them up to chase their own STEM dreams.

Kayte, a Grade 11 student, shared the following:

“I would like to join programs and be an advocate in an organization like this in the future—to be the helping hand of those who are in need.”

Ms. Vicky Ella, Community Development and Sustainability Officer of Mano Amiga, conducted a workshop on Science Communication.

Also among the personal highlights of the students was the workshop, where students applied a science communication technique through a collaborative activity. “My personal highlight was when we were tasked to make a presentation, because I didn’t see that coming and it was fun,” noted Princess, a Grade 12 student.

Topics from the presentations ranged from renewable energy to the struggles of academic burnout among STEM students.

We’re beyond grateful to our incredible partners, Siquijor State College and 3M Philippines, for making this event possible. We hope you keep an eye out for details on our next program. The next chapter is just around the corner!

MOU signing between Mano Amiga (represented by Vicky Ella and Lynn Pinugu) and Siquijor State College (with Dr. Philna Palongpalong and Dr. Steven Sumaylo).