by Ralph Lauren M. Alomia, RCh, MSc.
The Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers (PACT)-National Chapter held its
2023 National Convention at Century Park Hotel, Malate, Manila, on August 17-19,
2023, with the theme, “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Chemistry Education and
Research.” PACT members from different parts of the country participated in the event.
The program started with a welcoming message from the PACT-National President, Dr.
Voltaire G. Organo, followed by a Keynote Address from Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla, Director of
the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI). Dr. Arcilla highlighted the role of
Chemistry Education in Nuclear Research. He also introduced existing research
programs in PNRI.
The first day also includes Plenary Talks on the importance of
“Systems Thinking in Interdisciplinarity” by Asst. Prof. Tristan C. Orbeta from the
College of Education, UP Diliman. Dean Charisse T. Reyes, Faculty of Education from
UP Open University, discussed “The Role of Research in Advancing Chemistry
Education in the Philippines.” Finally, Mr. Joseph V. Gutierrez from the Bureau of
Curriculum Development of the Department of Education described the “STEM
Integration in the Revised Science Curriculum.”
The second day features the parallel sessions, which include Oral Paper presentations
that highlight the results of various Chemistry Education research, Show-and-Tell
sessions in pedagogy, and product presentations from sponsors, namely the C& E
adaptive learning solutions, Metrobank, Rex Education, Sigmatech, and Science Star
Corporation.
On the last day, participatory Plenary Talks that highlight the Interdisciplinary
approaches in teaching Chemistry in the context of Coffee Chemistry and Cosmetic
Chemistry were given by Dr. Emmanuel V. Garcia of the Chemistry Department, DLSU-
Manila and Djanne Marie T. Garcia of DJM Gradeur Corporation. Dr. Edwehna Elinore
S. Paderna, Executive Vice President of the PACT-National Chapter, concluded the event.
