Science for Seniors: DOST-NRCP Shares Sustainable Living and Healthy Aging Practices in Pangasinan

The Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) brought research findings that aim to promote sustainable living and healthy aging to senior citizens through a community-based outreach activity held at the Golden Lion Hotel in Lingayen, Pangasinan on June 11, 2025.

Dubbed, “Lolo’t Lola Diaries: Kwento ng Kalusugan at Kalikasan”, the outreach activity featured interactive discussions and experiential learning based on the Council’s funded research in the areas of health, environmental protection, and sustainable farming.

In Photos: Senior citizens from Pangasinan participate in knowledge-sharing activities, including interactive discussions and games during the outreach activity held in Lingayen, Pangasinan on June 11, 2025.

The topics were drawn directly from three NRCP-funded research projects presented by researchers of different divisions of the Council. The first research, “Greening Nickel and Chromite Mined-Out Areas in Sta. Cruz and Masinloc, Zambales” by Dr. Rowena Sazon of the Division of Biological Sciences, shared a bioremediation method for restoring mined-out lands. The presentation included the development and application of organic bio-nutrients to support ecological recovery and sustainable farming. The second research, “Resistance of Ticks Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus from Cattle Farms in Northern Luzon Provinces to Chemical Acaricides” by Dr. Remil Galay of the Division of Veterinary Medicine, presented findings on the increasing resistance of cattle parasites to commonly used acaricides, emphasizing the need for sustainable livestock management practices. Lastly, “Feelings, Cognitions, and Behaviors of Filipinos During the COVID-19 Pandemic” by Dr. Cecilia Gastardo-Conaco was presented by Dr. Ernesto Gregorio Jr. of the Division of Medical Sciences on her behalf, shedding light on the psychological and emotional responses of Filipinos during the pandemic, especially among vulnerable populations such as older adults.

The participants were also engaged in hands-on activities that included learning about mental well-being, exploring bioremediation methods for soil recovery, preparing botanical insecticides and organic bio-nutrients, and adopting safe livestock management practices.

In Photos: Senior citizens from Pangasinan join various activities, demonstrating how biofertilizers are prepared and properly applied, with guidance from NRCP researchers and secretariat.

The Council’s regional partners and cooperating agencies such as the Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc. (COSE), Department of Health (DOH)-Lingayen Rural Health Unit, Department of Agriculture (DA), DOST, and National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) also presented essential services and programs for seniors. Participants were provided information on nutrition, health screenings, and livelihood support services which they can access.

COSE Executive Director Ms. Emily Beridico, shared the goals and programs of the coalition in pursuing the welfare of senior citizens across the regions. She also emphasized the importance of bringing research to older populations, noting that empowering seniors through knowledge enables them to maximize their capabilities.

NRCP Vice President Dr. Ramon Christian Eusebio also acknowledged the lifelong contributions of older citizens and emphasized their continuing roles in their communities. “With your interest in learning, you exemplify how active engagement can make aging not just graceful, but also purposeful,” he said.

Representing PSU, Vice President for Quality Assurance Ms. Celeste Mercado, emphasized the university’s support for science-based extension programs that promote the inclusion and well-being of senior citizens.

NRCP organized the outreach activity in partnership with Pangasinan State University (PSU) and COSE, and in collaboration with NCSC and other participating regional stakeholders.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NRCP, PSU, and COSE was signed between parties prior to the activity to further cascade research and its utilization in the communities through the Research Information Translation and Communication (RITAC) Program of NRCP.

The outreach activity aligns with DOST’s advocacy of “Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities” which emphasizes the agency’s goal of making research and innovation accessible and inclusive for all sectors, including senior citizens who remain key contributors to sustainable development despite the challenges of aging. (Rose Dagupen, S&T Media Services)