Prof. Fraulein A. Oclarit, Research Director of the Holy Trinity College of General Santos City, presented a paper during the 24th Asian Media Information and Communication Conference held on June 8-13 at the American University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event was an annual gathering of communication and media educators and practitioner across Asia co-organized by the Asian Media Information and Communication (AMIC) and the American University in Dubai.
Her paper, Communicating Science to South Central Mindanao’s Indigenous Cultural Communities-in-Transition: Challenges and Opportunities, was chosen after a thorough blind peer review process. It explored the science communication practice of Sagittarius Mines, Inc., a mineral development company that proposes to develop the Tampakan Copper-Mine Project. She argued that institutionalizing a science communication program is important for industries whose processes rely heavily on science and technology, particularly if these industries engage the traditionally-marginalized indigenous cultural communities.
She hopes that her study will result in greater awareness on the importance of the public understanding of science, and need to institutionalize science communication as practice across all industries.
