The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) equipped BS Fisheries (BSF) students with life-long learning knowledge and skills to help them navigate their academic journey at UP Visayas (UPV) through the conduct of an activity entitled “Fostering Academic Development for Lifelong Learning of CFOS Students” on August 29-30, 2024 at the CFOS AV Hall, UPV Miagao campus.
The Academic Program Improvement (API) activity, which was approved as an alternative class, was sought to inculcate academic research ethics and integrity in students, strengthen their skills in translating complicated scientific knowledge for non-scientific audiences, as well as to introduce them to CFOS research activities.
Addressing the student participants, CFOS dean Prof. Dr. Harold M. Monteclaro acknowledged the importance of the activity, which is part of the quality assurance process of the College following the BSF’s AUN-QA certification from the ASEAN University Network, as an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge for life-long learning that they cannot acquire in a classroom and to hear students’ various issues and concerns.
“If you have any issues and concerns with your subjects, your courses, the university or your teachers, we would like to listen from you,” Monteclaro said.
Further, the dean emphasized the relevance of the activity for students, particularly those who will be working on their theses as well as the significance of writing scientific reports in generating knowledge. He also underscored the need to update the rules and procedures to ensure that knowledge is properly utilized and applied to research.
The CFOS, through the Committee on Instruction led by Asst. Prof. Leonilo F. Endoma, Jr., invited six resource persons for the two-day undertaking providing engaging and informative discussions on various topics that could enhance students’ technical writing and communication skills and promote ethical and moral integrity.
They were Asst. Prof. Lhumen A. Tejano, Asst. Prof. Dr. Liberty N. Espectato, Asst. Prof. Dr. Donne Jone P. Sodusta, Asst. Prof. Dr. Iris Ann G. Borlongan, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sanny David P. Lumayno, and Mx. Czar Ian Angel B. Esquivel.
Tejano, CFOS college secretary, talked about the academic policies of UP Visayas. He introduced the current academic year including the academic load, registration, study plan, list of GE core and elective courses, grading system, and scholastic delinquency. He also discussed the processes in the application of waiver of pre-requisites, cross registration within the university and to another institution, change of matriculation, attendance, dropping of subjects, leave of absence, waiver of maximum residency rule (MRR), removal of Grade of 4.0, completion of incomplete grade (INC), readmission, criteria for honorific scholarships, and graduation with honors, among others.
Espectato, a faculty member of the Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies and chair of the CFOS Ethics Board, presented the academic research and ethics to prepare students to be ethical professionals and researchers in the future. Her talk was centered on the ethical guidelines that should be taken into account when involving human participants in research. Among other things, she introduced the UP Visayas Research Ethics Board (UPV-REB), the national ethical guidelines, and the requirements for student research.
In order to prepare for an academic career that complies with ethical publication norms, Sodusta, a faculty member from the Division of Professional Education, College of Arts and Sciences, provided a comprehensive discussion on the academic and research integrity at UP Visayas. He underlined the significance of upholding academic integrity to prevent violations and misconduct including but not limited to plagiarism, cheating, research misconduct, and falsification as well as the resulting consequences.
Meanwhile, Borlongan, Lumayno, and Esquivel graced the second day of the activity.
Borlongan, a faculty member of the Institute of Aquaculture, CFOS and assistant to the vice chancellor for research and extension, delved into the intricacies of scientific writing. She shared her learning experience in preparing manuscripts and laboratory reports. She provided tips on how to effectively write a good scientific paper, described the qualities and structure of good scientific paper, the basic format, data presentation, writing the results and discussions.
Lumayno, CFOS coordinator for research and faculty member of the Institute of Aquaculture, gave a presentation on the CFOS research activities including its research profile, research framework, on-going research projects of CFOS faculty members and REPS, and accomplishments such as the number of publications, presentations, presentation awards, intellectual property rights (IPRs), patent, and copyrights application.
Esquivel, on the other hand, delivered a talk on translating science to the people. Entitled, “Communicating Science Information with the People,” he highlighted the vital role of science communication in bridging the gap between scientific research and the public for informed decision making, policy development, and public engagement in scientific advancements. He provided some recommendations on how to communicate science effectively.
An open forum, moderated by Mr. Omar Adrianne P. Alaman, CFOS student relations officer, followed each discussion.
Moreover, the students actively participated and provided comments and feedbacks during the consultation conducted to further improve the BSF program to meet the needs of the students. The consultation was in line with the plan of the College to review the program’s learning outcomes, methodologies, teaching, assessment, support facilities, and laboratories.
Ms. Ella Mae B. Alleno, CFOS Student Council chairperson; Ms. Marlyn Rose B. Marcelo of the UP Ichthyophilic Society official publication, The Echo; and Ms. Ma. Ninna Flores of the UP Fisheries Guild official publication, The Papyrus gave their insights of the two-day event on behalf of their peers. They appreciated the chance to contribute to the discussions in shaping their academic journey at the University.
In closing, Endoma hoped that the initiative helped the students understand university policies, academic and research ethics, scientific writing, and science communication as they explore ways to enhance their learning experience at UP Visayas. He reminded the students that they are the University’s greatest asset since their knowledge and competences can help influence the future of the nation and its fisheries.
“May we all continue to sharpen our lifelong learning skills, for we have a nation to serve and to lead. Alalahanin natin na ang dunong at galing ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan ay ginagamit na may puso para sa bayan at sambayanan. Honor, Excellence, and Service,” Endoma stressed.