Six undergraduate students taking Bachelor of Science in Economics at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) are currently undergoing the internship program of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), through its Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD).
The six student-interns were recently welcomed through an onboarding session conducted by SERD on June 8, 2026. The session served as the official introduction of the student-interns to the Council, providing an overview of the internship program, its objectives, and the learning opportunities available throughout their deployment. The activity was attended by representatives from SERD, the Office of the Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services (OED-ARMSS), the Finance and Administrative Division (FAD) Personnel Section, and the representatives from the University of the Philippines Los Baños – Department of Economics (UPLB-DE).
The program opened with the introduction of the attending staff and the six student-interns, formally marking the start of their internship engagement. The interns expressed enthusiasm and eagerness to learn from the Council’s professionals and to gain practical experience that would complement their academic preparation in development management.
(Top, from left to right) Ms. Monica B. Castillo presents the functions and responsibilities of the Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD), while Ms. Cristelle Anne M. Ariola provides the student-interns with key reminders and insights on the internship program. (Bottom, from left to right) Mr. Ronald John L. Lamano delivers his closing message and words of encouragement to the student-interns, while Ms. Meliza F. Abeleda emphasizes the value of the internship program and SERD's commitment to providing meaningful learning opportunities for student-interns.) (Image credit: DOST-PCAARRD)
Ms. Monica B. Castillo, Policy Analysis and Information Management Unit Head from SERD, delivered the welcome remarks and underscored the value of experiential learning in shaping competent and responsible professionals. She encouraged the student-interns to actively participate in assigned tasks and engage meaningfully with their mentors and colleagues throughout their internship.
This was followed by a message of appreciation from Dr. Ma. Luisa G. Valera, Associate Professor from the UPLB-DE, who expressed gratitude to DOST-PCAARRD for its continued support in providing meaningful learning opportunities for students. She also emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and research organizations in developing future professionals.
To further orient the student-interns, unit heads and representatives from participating offices presented their respective mandates, functions, and ongoing initiatives. They also discussed the roles and responsibilities expected from the student-interns to ensure proper guidance during their internship period.
In addition, representatives from the FAD Personnel Section and OED-ARMSS provided key reminders on administrative policies, workplace standards, and professional conduct, equipping the interns with a clear understanding of organizational expectations and workplace culture.
The onboarding session concluded with the closing message delivered by Mr. Ronald John L. Lamano, Senior Science Research Specialist from OED-ARMSS who encouraged the interns to embrace new learning opportunities, develop their skills, and actively shape their professional growth throughout their internship.
Overall, the onboarding activity highlighted the strong partnership between DOST-PCAARRD and UPLB in advancing experiential learning opportunities for students. Through initiatives such as this, the Council continues to bridge academic training and workplace experience, helping prepare future professionals in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
Moving forward, DOST-PCAARRD remains committed to a sustained collaboration with academic institutions, fostering pathways that translate education into practice and nurturing a new generation of professionals in science, technology, and innovation (STI) for inclusive and sustainable development.