T bring science closer to the hearts of the Filipino people, the Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) recently launched a radio drama series entitled Handog ng Agham para sa Bayan [Gift of Science to the Nation].
The series will air as a segment of the prime-time radio program Radyo Henyo anchored by Angelo Palmones and Ruby Cristobal over at DZRH 666 khz every Sunday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The drama series features stories of success of individuals whose lives were made better through science and technology.
Produced by the DOST-STII, Handog ng Agham para sa Bayan will initially air for one season. It features Inno, the “DOST man” character, as the storyteller. It is directed by radio-drama expert Salvador M. Royales.
“I am awed by the stories,” Royales said. “The technologies and DOST projects featured in the stories are really relevant and eye-openers.”
“I am happy that I am part of this series because I learned a lot,” Salvador added.
The first episode is the story of a bright boy from an urban-poor family whose family sees a brighter future for him after qualifying for scholarship at the DOST-Philippine Science High School. Popularly called Pisay, the school offers a specialized curriculum in advanced science and mathematics to prepare students for careers in science and technology. The episode is entitled “Pagpupunyagi Laban sa Karukhaan”
The second episode, “Abutin ang Pangarap,” presents the story of farmer whose produce increased drastically after using carrageenan plant-food supplement, a DOST-developed technology.
“Matang Lumilipad” is the third episode highlighting the grit and genius of young Filipino engineers who developed Diwata-1, the first Filipino-made microsatellite.
A wine- and vinegar-producing Zamboanga tribe who adopted a technology to improve production—and consequently the group’s income—is featured in the “Bukas Palad” episode.
The fifth episode is the story of a high-school dropout jeepney driver who invented an anticar-leak device. The story highlights how curiosity and concern to solve an emerging problem on road safety can lead to technological innovation, even minus a college degree. The rest of the stories are equally interesting and relevant, especially for Filipinos who still prefer radio as their medium of information and entertainment.
Lilian B. de la Cruz/S &T Media Service
