Continuing the momentum of the 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) held in Laoag City, the Department of Science and Technology–Ilocos Region (DOST–Ilocos), in partnership with the Department of Education Region I, brought the MAGHANDA for Kids program to the 3rd Mangidaulo Rehiyon Uno: Regional Learners’ Convergence in Bolinao, Pangasinan. The program aimed to strengthen disaster risk reduction (DRR) awareness among young learners through age-appropriate, science-based discussions and hands-on activities.
During the morning sessions, experts from DOST–PAGASA engaged students in interactive lectures and workshops. Ms. Sharon Juliet M. Arruejo, Assistant Weather Specialist, led the session “Understanding Clouds: The Science Behind Fluffy Skies,” guiding learners through cloud formation and hands-on experiments that demonstrated how clouds are formed. She also facilitated “Storm Chaser 101: Unraveling the Secrets of Tropical Cyclones,” where students practiced basic typhoon tracking and learned how meteorologists monitor tropical storms.
Meanwhile, Engr. Richard C. Orendain, Weather Facilities Specialist III, conducted engaging lecture-workshops on flood dynamics and the water cycle. These included practical activities such as river transect walks, which illustrated how rainfall and river systems contribute to flooding. The exercises allowed students to apply scientific principles to real-world scenarios, deepening their understanding of hydrometeorological hazards.
Through these discussions and hands-on activities, student learners from Region I gained practical knowledge on disaster preparedness, climate science, and weather monitoring—equipping them with essential skills to better respond to natural hazards in their communities. (Lemuel Castigo)