The Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers (PACT) Inc., in cooperation with the San Beda College of Arts and Sciences, recently held it 51st National Convention last October 25-27 at the San Beda College in Mendiola. Basic and tertiary education teachers representing schools from all over the country, from Tuguegarao to Sultan Kudarat, participated in the event. With the theme “ChemS3: Society, Sustainability, Safety”, the gathering featured lectures and fora addressing critical issues such as National Development, the K-12 Initiative, Water Quality, Chemistry and Law Enforcement, and Boons and Banes of Technology in the Classroom.
Dr. Christopher Bernido, accompanied by his co-Ramon Magsaysay Awardee and wife Victoria, delivered an eye-opening, informative, and moving keynote speech entitled “Science and National Development”. Dr. Armand Guidote, president of PFCS, graced the opening ceremonies to induct the newly elected PACT officers. It was also a venue for sharing ideas as several papers on chemistry education were delivered during the parallel sessions. Challenges in teaching key concepts in chemistry were also tackled using demonstrations and discussion during the content-oriented workshops conducted by faculties from Phil. Sci. HS, DLSU-Dasmarinas, PNU, and UST Chem. Participants were also treated to hands-on workshops on Forensics conducted by no less than thePNP Crime Lab personnel; Hydroponics; Not-so-common Soap-Making; and Water Quality Testing.
The second leg of the Chemical Safety in Schools/Classrooms was held on the last day of the convention, where participants prepared drafts of what may be their respective schools’ Lab Safety/Chemicals Safety Protocol Manual, realizing the tremendous importance of having such a document.
By hosting this confab, the San Beda College Manila, well-known as a bastion of Law Education in the country, demonstrated its emergence as a source of future scientists.