Filled to the brim with profound information, the second half of Madayaw 6.0’s first day consisted of six plenary sessions with themes such as food security, clinical education, community-based tourism, social services, and fiscal management.

EATING ATTENTIVELY, LIVING SAFELY

With food safety being a significant concern in the Philippines, Hon. Dr. Peter Faistauer, Consulate of the Republic of Austria-Davao City Philippines, conveyed his expertise in food security.

He began by explaining the Philippines’ plan of action for food safety, which is deeply rooted in seven factors: regulatory framework, capacity building, risk assessment, improving communication, surveillance and monitoring, public awareness, and international collaboration.

However, Dr. Faistauer pointed out that food safety in the country is still a significant concern despite various efforts.

He stressed that issues arose from improper execution of the Philippines’ rules and regulations for food security, leaving room for “empty spaces” like food scandals.

In addition, he articulated that the attempts of the government are not enough if individuals, especially children, are not conscious of what they are eating.

“What do I put into my mouth and swallow?” he asked.

Wrapping up his impartation of expertise, he reminded the attendees that food security should not make people scared of eating. Rather, eating with attentiveness will be the gateway to a balanced and healthy diet.

DEVELOPING COMPASSIONATE CARE

Live from Thailand, Dr. Pimrat Boonyapuk, Dean of the School of Nursing at Mae La Fung, Thailand, then spoke about clinical nursing education within the context of Thailand.

She cited issues observed from the previous nursing curriculum: insufficiency of communication skills, critical thinking skills, leadership skills, a lack of clinical experience and the time it takes to transition from novice to skilled nursing.

Recommending ways to lift the standard in clinical nursing education, Dr. Boonyapuk also suggested five solutions that entail responding to stakeholders’ needs, developing an outcome-based curriculum, focusing on both generic and specific learning outcomes, fixating on transformative learning by integrating life-long learning and technology.

As she ended her speech, she emphasized that the key aspect of nursing revolves around compassionate care.

INTERLACING TRADITION AND TECHNOLOGY

Adding to the list of exemplary speakers, the dean of the San Pedro College’s School of Nursing, Dr. Sarah Bernadette L. Baleña, expounded the “remarkable journey” of clinical nursing education in the Philippines.

Dr. Baleña established three stages that clinical nursing education in the Philippines underwent: pre-COVID-19, during COVID-19 and the post-pandemic periods.

Prior to the pandemic, the clinical nursing education predominantly employed outcome- and clinical-based learning.

After the outbreak of the virus, all clinical placements halted and the necessity for curricula modification arose due to social isolation.

The use of technology like virtual simulations emerged from the abrupt shift to online learning.

In addition, as not all nursing students have access to medical-grade equipment, common household items were used as simulation tools to perform nursing procedures.

Of what was once thought of as a temporary addition in response to the pandemic, technology became “permanent fixtures” in the nursing curriculum in the post-COVID-19 period.

Hands-on learning resumed, creating a balance between technology and tradition.

However, the presence of various challenges persisted as there was a noticeable lack of clinical placements and instructors.

Despite that, clinical nursing education in the country seized the advantages brought about by technology whilst fostering the traditions of nursing.

GREEN TOURISM, SUSTAINING HERITAGE

Speaking about the radical change sustainable development has to offer, Ass. Prof. Dr. Aala Abukhalifeh graced the conference attendees with her online presence all the way from South Korea.

Dividing her speech into three parts: opportunities and threats, managing visitor impacts, and green certification, she was able to tackle the importance and benefits of sustainable tourism as she compared it to conventional tourism.

Dr. Abukhalifeh pointed out that green tourism advocates indigenous-oriented plans that focus on educational experiences, cultural diversity, protection, preservation, community-strengthening and foreign exchange earnings.

After imparting the pivotal information, she ended her speech with a solidified intent that aims to change the way how tourism is being implemented.

PEACEFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BOUNTIFUL MINDANAO

Dr. Adrian Tamayo, the chief of the Public Relations Division of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), burst with pride as he divulged about Mindanao’s value.

He first commenced his speech with the story of Mindanao, and its large contribution to agriculture and fisheries “technically providing food for the nation” in the middle of the pandemic.

In accordance with the priority programs of MinDA’s chairperson Secretary Maria Belen Acosta, Dr. Tamayo emphasized that Mindanao should not be compared to its neighboring islands, Luzon and Cebu, but rather perceived as the “peaceful, beautiful, and bountiful Mindanao.”

Moving forward, he introduced the continuous contributions of MinDA in opening the path for Mindanao’s new era of “peace that generated prosperity.”

MinDA’s efforts, like their tactical and strategic remedy to the 2010 rotating brownouts, were grounded on the people of Mindanao and their welfare.

He further stated that they center around improving the community’s standard of living and establishing a connection to social services.

Before closing his lecture, Dr. Tamayo commended research conferences for providing an avenue for the government agencies like MinDA in disseminating proof of their tangible efforts in raising the people’s quality of life.

He concluded by quoting Secretary Acosta’s words, “Let’s make it happen in Mindanao. Make it Mindanao.”

INVESTING ON SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Continuing the discussion about the Philippines, Robert Mariano, Director of Research Service, imparted his knowledge pertaining to fiscal management.

He began by explaining the inner workings of factors related to the country’s financial obligations, talking about how the pandemic caused a ballooning of national debt.

Stating that during the low-generating years, the government needed to give more support to its citizens despite the sunken revenues.

Mr. Mariano then spoke about debt management where he emphasized three main points: it starts with prudent fiscal management, strategic borrowing to minimize cost and risks, and proactive debt management.

At the end of his presentation, he then talked about the importance of a country’s debt-to-GDP ratio wherein one has to look at the acceleration of growth rather than the accumulation of debt.

He also stated how the government plans to achieve prosperity and foster growth, and in order to actualize that plan, spending was required as an investment.

“Not how much you borrow but how you borrow,” he said.

Concluding the first day of the conference, winners of poster making contest were announced by Mr. Remark Mortalla: Environment, Natural and Physical Sciences – UP Mindanao’s “Soil Physico-chemical Properties and Growth of Potted Black Rice Applied with Fertilizers;” Social Sciences – San Pedro College’s “Rainbow in the Sickroom: Unveiling the Lived Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Student Nurses;” Health and Medicine – UP Mindanao’s “A Five-Year Emerging Hotspot Analysis of Canine Rabies Cases in Davao City, Philippines;” and Arts, Language, Literature and Education – Davao del Norte State College’s “Self-Regulation and Learning Outputs of Davao del Norte MOOC Learners.”

By Mae Antonia Davide, Maya Bettina Nuenay, Jhannah Aranaydo, Tiara Eren Diaz, Frances Cervantes, and Zyle Khian Recalde of The Petroglyphs