Published in Business Mirror, 27 September 2015
Filipino college students who recently participated in the World Science Conference – Israel (WSCI) said the experience has inspired them to become part of the change that can lead to a better Philippines.
University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) student Jeremiah Reyes, one of the eight Filipino students who went to the conference said their time in Israel brought with them a change of mind-set and priorities.
“Focusing more on my passion, the role in which I can see myself as fully productive while having fun. Topping this with the continuous urge to be of good service to the people shall drive me towards achieving goals and vision for a better future for me and more importantly for my country,” Reyes said.
He added that the Philippines can look at Israel’s model in building a progressive nation.
“The Israeli culture is a perfect mix of its rich historical background sufficiently seasoned with scientific literacy. The past milestones that Israel has undertaken as a growing nation were the small steps that built a wonderful path leading to where it is now. Hardships have molded its people well into the tough-standing society that welcomed the scientific world wholeheartedly,” Reyes said.
Reyes noted that the WSCI became the launching pad of future collaborations between young scientists, experts, entrepreneurs, and other professionals from all over the world. He added that after drawing inspiration, the conference stimulated a sense of action among the delegates.
The conference was modeled after the Asian Science Camp and initiated by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Philippines had one of the largest contingents to the conference with eight future scientists from Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University and UPLB. They joined more than 400 young future scientists from 70 countries, and interacted with 15 Nobel Prize winners and other leading scientists from around the world.