DOST-NRCP Holds Science for Kids, MMBMP Season 4 Mindanao, Promotes Inclusive Learning and Philippine Music
The Department of Science and Technology–National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST–NRCP) conducted two learning and research communication activities in General Santos City that promoted inclusive education, research appreciation, and cultural development in Mindanao.
Held on October 2–3, 2025, the events included NRCP Science for Kids: Learning Without Limits, designed for learners with disabilities, and the Mindanao leg of May Magandang Bukas Mula sa Pagtuklas (MMBMP) Season 4 – Musik Saliksik Mindanao: Pagtangkilik sa Sining Tungo sa Kaunlaran, targeted at students, educators, researchers, and local stakeholders.
On October 2, prior to the conduct of the said activities, DOST–NRCP formalized collaboration with the Department of Education Regional Office XII (DepEd XII), Department of Science and Technology Regional Office XII (DOST XII), and Mindanao State University–General Santos City Campus (MSU-GenSan) through the consecutive signing of two Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) under the Council’s Research Information Translation and Communication (RITAC) Program. The agreements underscore the agencies’ shared commitment to promote inclusive education and advance science and culture learning for all learners, including children with disabilities and students in higher education.
Representing NRCP were Dr. Joyce L. Arriola, Governing Board Member and Chair of the Division of Humanities, and Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, Executive Director. The agreements were also signed by Atty. Shidik T. Abantas , Chancellor of MSU-Gensan, Dr. Dantly S. Villanueva, Education Program Supervisor for Science of DepEd Region XII, Dr. Edilbert A. Reyes, Education Program Supervisor for Science and Special Needs Focal of DepEd GenSan, and Ms. Babai K. Tagitican, Provincial Director of DOST Provincial S&T Office–SarGen.
NRCP Science for Kids: Learning Without Limits
Also on October 2, NRCP conducted the NRCP Science for Kids: Learning Without Limits activity at Pedro Acharon Sr. Central Elementary School for learners with disabilities. Organized in partnership with the General Santos City SPED Integrated School, DOST Region XII, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region XII, the activity used interactive storytelling and hands-on exercises to introduce basic scientific concepts and stimulate curiosity and observation.
“Each one of you has the ability to learn, discover, and explore new knowledge. So keep asking questions, keep observing, and keep thinking, because with every question comes a new discovery. Always remember: You are all AGHAMazing!,” said Dr. Sepeda. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that science education remains inclusive and accessible to all.
Teachers from the partner school shared that the session boosted engagement and interest in science, noting that the learners actively participated throughout the activity.
MMBMP Mindanao: Promoting Music and Cultural Identity
On October 3, NRCP staged the MMBMP Season 4 – Musik Saliksik Mindanao: Pagtangkilik sa Sining Tungo sa Kaunlaran at MSU-GenSan. The event aimed to communicate research findings to students, researchers, educators, artists, and local stakeholders, highlighting the role of music and cultural studies in regional development.
Two NRCP researchers from the Division of Humanities presented studies that linked music with innovation and sustainability.
Dr. Jose S. Buenconsejo, ethnomusicologist from the University of the Philippines College of Music, presented his NRCP-funded study, “Music-Cultural Flows and Exchanges in Pulangi River, Maguindanao: The Making and Circulation of Gongs and Bamboo Music and Verbal Arts,” documenting ties between traditional instruments, cultural identity, and environmental sustainability in Mindanao.
“The preservation of traditional music is directly linked to the preservation of nature. Through research and the proper transfer of knowledge, these traditions can be sustained and passed on,” Dr. Buenconsejo said.
Some of his documentary outputs, “Si Tokan: Ang Manggagawa ng Kulintang sa Maguindanao Ilaya” and “Ang Kapitana: Women in Teduray Music and Ritual,” further illustrated the continuing vitality of indigenous music traditions in Mindanao.
Dr. Maria Alexandra I. Chua, dean of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music, also presented results from her NRCP-supported project, “MusikaPilipinas: Research and Mapping Towards Understanding, Scoping, and Defining the Philippine Music Industry,” calling for strengthened regional music industries, enhanced artist protections, and policy support under Republic Act No. 11904, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act.
“Music is not only a form of artistic expression but also a contributor to innovation and livelihood,” Dr. Chua said.
She also urged communities and fans to support advocacy for fair compensation and copyright protection.
Students and faculty from MSU–Gensan and other institutions in Region XII including the University of Southern Mindanao, Notre Dame University, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, Liceo de Cagayan, and the University of the Immaculate Conception participated in the forum. Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry–General Santos City, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, and The Busk Bloc Gensan Music Collective also joined the discussions and expressed support for strengthening Mindanao’s music sector.
Both events were organized under NRCP’s RITAC Program, which aims to translate research outputs into accessible learning and outreach activities in the regions.
Through this program, NRCP continues to strengthen its role in advancing inclusive education, promoting science culture, and preservation of Filipino cultural heritage. (Rose Dagupen, S&T Media Services)
