Thirteen BS Chemistry students from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) finished their 240-hour on-the-job training (OJT) through the Students’ Training Support (STrainS) program of the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI). They presented their achievements during a culminating ceremony, showcasing what they learned from the Institute’s training on April 3, 2023.

Three interns were assigned at the Integrated Research Laboratory wherein they gained knowledge on principles and laboratory procedures for proximate, heavy metals, nutrients, PAH, and histamine analyses. Four interns at the Aquaculture Research and Development Division learned about fish farming, nutrition, health, genetics, and breeding. The remaining six interns were trained at the Capture Fisheries Research and Development Division on chemical inventory, material safety data, and various species identification techniques through lectures and hands-on practice.

Norvida Gatdula, chief of the Training Section, delivered the opening remarks, expressing her hope that the interns had enjoyed their training at NFRDI and would be able to apply what they had learned in their future careers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos, Scientist IV and chief of the Training Division, delivered a message in behalf of NFRDI Executive Director Dr. Lilian C. Garcia. He expressed his gratitude to the PLM faculty for entrusting NFRDI and hoped that the training plan was relevant and beneficial for the students to gain the necessary skills for their career paths.

In response, Dr. Emelinda P. Sabando, PLM OJT coordinator, expressed her appreciation to NFRDI and hoped that such a partnership would continue, benefiting future batches of students as well.

Other PLM representatives who were present during the ceremony were Physical Science Department Chairperson Quola Karen C. Rubio and College Secretary Jennifer C. Sy.

After the ceremony, Director Garcia met with the PLM representatives, thanking them for choosing NFRDI as their training partner. She also reiterated her commitment to continuing to assist them in the future.

The STrainS program, facilitated by NFRDI’s Training Division, provides internship opportunities for high school and college students in the Philippines who wish to receive training from NFRDI. ### (Joey Caser)