Citizen Science is a method that helps data and information gathering. The National Geographic organization defines Citizen Science as the practice of public participation and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge. It is the collaboration between scientists and researchers working with the public in collecting data from the environment using technology.
The Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research (INECAR) conducted a training-workshop on environmental sampling with the five (5) male representatives of Ang Aroroy Ay Alagaan (4As) and five (5) women representatives of Marian Women Producers Cooperative On February 13-14, 2023. They are people’s organizations (POs) based in Aroroy, Masbate that wants to learn the scientific way of sampling selected parameters in their water bodies.
The first part of the short training was an orientation of the flow of the 2-day activity, the context of the training activity, administrative requirements, and reminders, sampling methodologies for river and marine ecosystems, equipment and materials familiarization, and site selection using a map. Lastly, the participants were given an orientation on the use of KoboCollect, an android application which is a tool that can be used for recording data and observation from the field.
The first sampling activity was conducted at the upstream section of the Naga River, in Barangay Pacol, Naga City. Participants learn how to locate the sampling site using their phones. Afterward, they learned the reading of physicochemical parameters using basic equipment such as a thermometer, pH meter, refractometer, and transect tape. The activity included the collection of water, soil/sediment, riparian vegetation, and snail samples, and its preservation and packing. All of the data readings and observations were recorded on the smartphone by KoboCollect and by actual pencil writing on a plastic writing slate to record the information gathered as a backup.
The marine sampling activities were conducted on the second day at Barangay Balogo, Pasacao, Camarines Sur. A short briefing was first conducted before going offshore to clarify the location of the site using a map. Two (2) rented boats were used to accommodate the participants and members of the INECAR including the equipment. Basic activities done in the river were also done in the marine environment except for sediment and biological sampling. All of the data readings and observations were also recorded on the smartphone and writing slate.
A post-activity evaluation was conducted to discuss things that worked and did not work. Likewise, other significant observations were also noted and explained. The proper packaging of the samples for transport was also demonstrated to the participants if they are to transport their actual samples to qualified laboratories for analysis. The 2-day training ended with the distribution of certificates of participation to the participants.
