GOVPH

Bombs, explosions, and destruction. These are the usual things that come to my mind every time I hear the word “nuclear.” And because of this not-so-kind portrayal in various platforms, I was not able to appreciate the good that it brings to humans.  

Not until my two-week immersion as an intern at the Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) did I come to know the mandates of the country’s science agency and appreciate the work of one of its attached agencies, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute or DOST-PNRI. 

The institute has been at the forefront of conducting research and development (R&D) projects and initiatives to harness the various applications of nuclear technology that could help industries in the country develop and deliver better products and services for every Filipino. 

Personally, I have this idea that, more often than not, we overlook the numerous beneficial uses of nuclear science in our society and get to hear only the negative side that is often portrayed in movies. But how was I able to find out the contrary? 

In line with the National Women’s Month celebration this March which focuses on giving appreciation to all the women in the world, the DOST-PNRI released a series of short videos on TikTok featuring 13 of the women at the Institute who have contributed in their respective fields in making nuclear S&T work in the lives of Filipinos. 

These Women in Nuclear Science have shown to the world that gender is not an issue to those who truly want to achieve their dreams and succeed in their desired respective fields. The featured women are one in saying that women can succeed in their own ways if they have the motivation and courage to achieve their goals.

Here are the 13 women of nuclear S&T from the DOST-PNRI who have shown their skills and knowledge to the world, by demonstrating and showing their ability to establish good performance and be known and acknowledged by both men and women for their effort and value in this world

Dr. Alvie B. Astronomo is a nuclear scientist who leads the Philippine Research Reactor-1 as a Subcritical Assembly for Training, Education, and Research or SATER. A Career Scientist I, Dr. Astronomo is very grateful that DOST-PNRI is providing the enabling environment to support women scientists like her as well as aspiring ones to be creative, diligent, and confident so that they can contribute to the development of the country.

Andrea G. Baule is a science research analyst who serves as a staff operating in the Institute’s irradiation facility which focuses on processing food and medical supplies for decontamination, sterilization, and research application. Baule said that women in DOST-PNRI experience barriers, but they are making a difference in the nuclear field. She added that it is important to know that many women are in the nuclear industry. 

Bin Jeremiah D. Barba is a science research specialist in the Chemistry Section where she works using radiation technology to develop new materials and create all sorts of polymers for different applications. These can be used as a hemostat, a product that controls bleeding, or adsorbent for wastewater remediation and recovery of precious metals. She said that being a woman scientist, surrounded by other female scientists, encourages her to bring hope to others and that she can inspire more young women to pursue a career, particularly in the field of nuclear science and technology.

Dr. Lucille V. Abad is a radiation chemist, a chief science research specialist at the Atomic Research Division and Career Scientist III at the DOST. For her, researchers and scientists are all the same, whether they are men or women. She shared that working at the Institute makes her happy because of her invention, the Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter which helps Filipino farmers increase their crop yield.

Dr. Valerie C. Samson serves as the DOST-PNRI deputy director and Career Scientist I. She is an expert in X-ray Physics using synchrotron to study the characteristics of materials for their reserved application. Being a woman is not an obstacle to becoming a renowned scientist and science helps the country, that is why we should help our country using Nuclear Science and Technology, she said.

Framelia V. Anonas is a science communicator whose goal is to advocate and promote nuclear science and be instrumental in explaining its importance and usefulness to people. She is inspired to be a woman nuclear science communicator because she is awed by the atom, that despite its tiny size, has huge potential in uplifting people’s quality of life. It’s not that we happen to be women, but more so that women make things happen, she said of women achievers.

Glenda B. Obra is a supervising science research specialist and Scientist I of the Agriculture Research Section of the Atomic Research Division, where she uses Sterile Insect Technique to help decrease the number of mosquitoes that bring dengue. Doing this for the past 32 years, Dr. Obra is glad to contribute to the country and she believes that if she can do it, anyone can do it.

Kristine Marie D. Romallosa Dean serves as the head of the Radiation Protection Services Section which provides various assistance and initiatives to measure, assess and control radiation exposure to make people safe from the harmful effects of radiation. She said that “in the Philippines, not so many are in the field of nuclear science and technology, but there are a lot of learning opportunities and growth,” that is why she calls on young women to be a part of the solution in making science and technology contribute and improve the lives of people.

Michelle B. Arispe serves as a scientific documentation officer who manages the institute’s library and safe keeps the research outputs of the Institute, among others, including rare documents. Nuclear S&T can look intimidating, she said. But everybody, especially women, can work in nuclear because women can do anything, she added.

Andrea Luz G. Nery is a senior science research specialist at the International Cooperation Section which handles the management of regional and inter-regional cooperation, including training. She said that in nuclear science and technology, age and gender are not a hindrance, and many opportunities are waiting in this field.

Shalaine Taum-Quassim is a senior science research specialist assigned at the Radiation Research Center where her main task is to use X-rays in studying the biological effects of ionizing radiation that can be used in treating cancer. She is grateful for her work at the DOST-PNRI because she can do and enjoy radiation research. 

Dr. Preciosa Corazon B. Pabroa is a chief science research specialist and is a chemist and environmental scientist as well. Her research focuses on the analysis of fine particulate matter and black carbon in the atmosphere. Dr. Pabroa reminded us that in nuclear science and technology, a boy or girl can be a protector of our environment.

Maria Teresa A. Salabit  is a nuclear safeguard and security specialist who facilitates and makes sure that people, society and the environment are protected from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. She said that “in the field of her work, gender is not an issue but knowledge and experience matter. Be strong and challenge yourself to be a better version of yourself.” 

As a Grade 12 student who is about to enter college, my two-week immersion experience in DOST-STII is beyond complying with our school requirements. There were a lot that I learned and realized about nuclear science and the women who work in this field.

Now I know that many of our scientists in the country have been working hard in finding ways to provide timely and appropriate solutions to some of our pressing problems and limitations through the help of nuclear science and research. Additionally, the DOST-PNRI ensures public safety and manages the possible risks of nuclear applications. Further, the Institute also makes nuclear information accessible to the public for guidance, decision-making, and research.

These women in nuclear science who were featured in this special video series, prove that more women in science contribute in helping show that gender is not a hindrance to achieving our dreams to become scientists or engineers. The more men and women work together, we can collaborate to find the best solutions that can solve our nation’s problems through science, technology, and innovation. Finally, the problems we face today are likely to be solved when all hands are on deck, one collaborating with the other, regardless of gender, age, race, or background. (By Raven Paul Lascano, Upper Bicutan National High School, DOST-STII Intern)