While the values and benefits of community science are recognized, its practice remains in the margins amongst “professional” scientists. Instead, citizen science becomes a token initiative. While community members’ scientific capacity and experience may be enhanced, the agenda of community empowerment using science as a liberative practice is often left wanting. This study deconstructs the ongoing journey of Community Science Hub (ComSciHub) under the University of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Development as advocates for a change in practice amongst its colleagues of marine scientists in its joint project on ocean observation in Pagbilao Bay and Puerto Galera in the Philippines. As advocates, ComSciHub’s role is primarily supporting and enabling community science by affirming that the community will lead the process. Key elements are community power, space, integration, and change of practice. Initial interventions include facilitating community integration of marine scientists, interdisciplinary co- designing, and creation of space for power analysis and advocacy. These are intended to lead to participatory and collaborative practice Co-Discovery, Co-Designing, Co- Research, and Co-Learning. Evidence of change using participatory Outcome Harvesting will be gathered amongst community and professional scientists. This ongoing study shows that influencing professional scientists’ practices towards facilitating community science is a bottom-up process from the community rather than a top-down project proponents. Initially amongst professional scientists, observed changes include appreciation of plural knowledge system, interdisciplinary co-designed learning and research activities with community consultations, facilitation and mediation role amongst opposing community stakeholders, and popularization of reflection sessions, manuals, and reports.

Authors:
John Bryan Salamanca, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
Cesar Allan Vera, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
Harianne Gasmen, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
Czarina Molly Savares, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
Rodrigo Narod Eco, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
Kathleen Baez, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Mr. Salamanca is a project assistant in a state-funded research project which is being implemented by the CSWCD-UP Diliman. His research interest is on the intersection of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices and Technological Innovation.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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