Katherine Manalo ||

To commence the Academic Year 2021-2022, Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS – EVC) held Dukalwong, a two-day interactive virtual camp, last September 2-3 via Zoom. 

Organized by Ms. Darry Portillo, Ms. Donnabelle Conde, and Mrs. Gaye Petilos-Tumulac, and selected students from Batch 2022, the event involved insightful talks on topics ranging from language to geology, bridging programs, and virtual games wherein winners were given customized Dukalwong merchandise. 

Gilbert C. Galit, a Filipino instructor from Leyte Normal University (LNU) opened the event with a talk on the appreciation of the Filipino language in which he noted that utilizing the Filipino language in public announcements would be essential in delivering clear information to more Filipinos and strengthening Filipino culture. 

“Walang ibang magtataguyod ng ating wikang pambansa kundi tayo,” Galit stressed. 

In a separate session with the senior high school students, PSHS-EVC alumni Mark Caranzo and Georginne Perez gave their advice and suggestions on college and scholarship applications.

On the last day of the event, Jamila B. Abuda, a licensed geologist and UP-Diliman instructor, held an educational talk on geology and mining by sharing her experience as an exploration and mine geologist as well as a discussion on responsible mining.

Jeahlyn D. Valenzuela, a community health nurse, concluded with a presentation on the importance of serving the people and nation through one’s career by recounting on her experiences as a medical volunteer in Samar after the onslaught of Typhoon Haiyan.

“Future scientists and professionals like you are needed in our country now more than ever,” Valenzuela added.

To end the Dukalwong iCamp, the organizers and scholars, with smiling faces, opened their cameras for a photo, and with that, the scholars left with not only joy and prizes from the games, but also learnings from each individual discussions.