Evangeline Bunch Torres, an educator and a newbie researcher in Kalinga collaborated with Romania professor to analyze the waste management of Romania and the Philippines.
The study which she made with Prof. Tiberiu Dragoiu of the University of Babes-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca is one of the two pieces of research she presented in two international research conferences she participated in this July, a remarkable accomplishment for someone as “agdadamo nga researcher,” as she calls herself.
On July 9 – 12, Evangeline presented ‘Comparative Analysis of Recycling Practices in the Philippines and Romania through Utilization of Recycled Materials’ at the 23rd International Balkan Workshop on Applied Physics and Materials Science which was held at the Ovidius University of Constanta.
Looking into how the Philippines and Romania manage plastic waste in accordance with the principles of circular economy using seven criteria, the study revealed that Romania outperforms the Philippines in all criteria largely due to its Deposit Return System and adherence to circular economy principles.
The study likewise showed that the Philippines, despite having legislation like the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, struggles with fragmented implementation. Moreover, the paper highlighted how political transitions, institutional capacity, and external policy factors influenced the two countries progress in waste management.
Before attending the conference in Romania, Evangeline was in Switzerland where she joined the 9th International Academic Conference on Education on July 4 – 6 and presented her study entitled: ‘From Waste to Worth: Learning Science from Recycling’ which she co-authored with Assistant Professor III Vida Gunnawa and Professor Tiberiu Dragoiu.
The study sought to explore the educational potential of recycling practices to enhance scientific understanding and environmental awareness among students.
According to Evangeline, in an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, she was actually supposed to present at three conferences but she had to give up the one in Berlin, Germany due to conflict of schedule with the one in Zurich.
Overcoming limited experience
Apart from time constraints and meager resources, Evangeline’s struggle in accomplishing her research papers includes her limited experience. Although she admitted to having considered giving up while she was conducting her studies, her support system from her family, colleagues, and Kalinga State University led by President Joy Grace Doctor pushed her through until she was able to stand in those foreign countries and deliver her findings.
“As a beginner, my lack of experience, my very limited familiarity with research methodologies and techniques somehow led me to uncertainty about continuing my research and almost even thought of giving it up,” she shared.
Having reaped the fruit of her hard work and her determination to go beyond her limits, Evangeline tells fellow neophyte researchers not to hesitate to ask guidance from seasoned individuals in the field.
“Seek help and guidance from seasoned researchers. Hindi talaga ako nahihiya noon na magpatulong kasi nga wala pa akong alam. Inspire yourself to do it … conquer your fears lalo na ‘yung fear to be rejected, keep trying, and keep submitting. Build connections with other researchers also, engage in discussions to expand your professional network, and believe in yourself, kahit sabihin nilang di mo kaya,” she conveyed.
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