Good day everyone! It has been a while since my last post. Typically, I share about #Splinterlands, but today I'm excited to give you a glimpse into what I do when I'm not doing brawls in the arena.
Maybe some of my guildmates were curious about why I missed two brawls in a row. Now you'll know the reason! (Not an excuse still. I'm sorry guys!).
From March 3 to 14, 2025, I had the privilege of participating in the International Training Program for Environmental Citizen Science, organized by Hasselt University, Belgium, in collaboration with Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and Visayas State University (VSU). The workshop was held in Cagayan de Oro. It was an incredible experience that deepened my understanding of citizen science and its role in addressing environmental challenges.
The VLIR-UOS International Training Program
The Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and Visayas State University (VSU) have partnered with Hasselt University (Belgium) to conduct a series of workshops on citizen science research methodologies. Sponsored by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR), this International Training Program (ITP) includes four two-week workshops alternating between VSU and MSU-IIT from 2023 to 2025. These workshops focus on environmental citizen-science methods, applying Universal Design for Learning principles and emphasizing empowerment for minority groups.
(I also attended the second workshop)Source
My Personal and Statistical Journey
"If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together." This aboriginal activists saying was instilled in me after participating the series of workshops.
I arrived at the venue the night before the workshop and was delighted to find an old friend was also there. She is not only my closest friend among the Ford IFP Fellows but also a dedicated community member.
The next day, we took the opportunity to have some photos taken at the venue before the workshop began.
Now Let's Go to Work
Working with my groupmates who are from Visayas State University.
Dr. Maristela Do Nascimento Rocha, our trainer for the first day, shares with us her expertise. Her areas of expertise include educational ethics, theory, sociology, and policy, with methodological skills in conceptual analysis, critical discourse analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis, and semiotic analysis.
I was privileged to share our work to the group.
On the first day, another group caught my attention they named their team "Talisay," which refers to a type of tree. Another team chose "Kawayan," symbolizing resilience. I'll tell you later why it's significant for me.
During the second week, we delved into the more technical aspects of the training, focusing on Spatio-Temporal analysis. This involved exploring methods for analyzing data that vary across both space and time, which is crucial for understanding complex environmental phenomena and citizen science projects.
We gained hands-on experience in programming using R, a powerful statistical computing language. This involved learning how to write R scripts, manipulate data, and perform various statistical analyses. The training covered essential R packages and functions, enabling us to efficiently handle and visualize data, which is particularly useful for environmental citizen science projects.
Trainers Training Future Trainers
In the training, participants were not only taught new skills but also prepared to teach others. This method ensures the knowledge spreads widely, creating a network of educators who can develop local courses and lead workshops. It helps sustain the program's impact and encourages collaboration, making citizen science more accessible and effective in communities.
All Things Come to an End
As much as I would love for the training to last longer, great experiences inevitably come to an end. Unfortunately, they often seem to pass even more quickly when we truly enjoy them.
(I was awarded a certificate of completion for the training.)
(Photo taken in front of the hotel's facade.)
Exploring My Side Trips and Adventures
During the session breaks, I took the opportunity to explore the resort. As I wandered around, I discovered some meaningful connections with the structures surrounding the resort.
(The treehouse overlooking Macajalar Bay)
The treehouse is built on a Talisay tree, which holds deep personal significance for me. This connection stems from my current work in Talisay City and the fond memories of my late mother, who once lived in a sitio also named Talisay.
A colleague took a photo of me while I was capturing some shots, and I'm grateful she shared it with me.
I'm grateful for the delicious food and the wonderful people who prepared it.
Weekend Wander
Over the weekend, I chose to visit Bukidnon because it reminds me of the stories my Nanay shared about a seminar they once had in Malaybalay.
Our group topic was land conversion, and we observed several instances of it in the area we visited. Mara humorously referred to our escapade as 'field work,' much to the delight of the organizers.
They said this was a Bird's nest and it left me wondering what became of the hatchlings.
Returning Home
It was already Sunday, and since I woke up late, I decided to attend the most accessible church nearby. Despite the rush, I was still able to take a moment to reflect and participate in the mass. Later in the day, I joined my friends as they made their way to the airport, enjoying some final moments of goodbyes and well-wishes before their departure.
Since we wanted to experience the best of what Cagayan de Oro has to offer, the driver recommended Cucina Higala as the place to visit.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I hope you enjoyed my CDO adventure as well.
Notes:
Most photos are mine. Some are from the FB Page of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) You can check them here https://www.facebook.com/MSUIITDMS