THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines-Los Baños has trained the staff of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration on how to effectively communicate technical information to the public.

The online training-workshop on science journalism was led by the university’s College of Development Communication.

“The training was intended to capacitate the PAGASA technical staff, composed mostly of scientists and technicians, in effectively communicating to the public the technical information produced by its climatology, meteorology, space science, and astronomy departments,” UPLB said.

Kabzeel Sheba Catapang, chairperson of the Department of Development Journalism, lauded the agency for its initiative to strengthen the information capacity of its staff.

Dr. Nathaniel Servando, chief of PAGASA’s Research, Development and Training Division, emphasized the importance of bringing science closer to the people, especially in communicating risks and crises during natural disasters.

“This is crucial in ensuring public safety and in fulfilling the bureau’s mandate,” he said.

Servando also commended PAGASA’s Public Information Section for helping make the training possible.

Dr. Pamela Custodio of DDJ discussed science writing and reporting; Jyasmin Calub-Bautista tackled popularization techniques; Aileen Macalintal talked about multi-platform reportage; and Miguel Victor Durian on social media management.

Dr. Trina Leah Mendoza, chief of the Department of Development Broadcasting and Telecommunication, discussed broadcast writing and performance.