“Ang ganda ng geology kasi nakikita mo yung mundo in a megascale like in mountains, rivers, pero titignan mo rin siya in a microscale like kung ano yung chemical composition, ano yung mineral composition.”
Dainty Rabang’s journey into the world of science began in an unexpected but fittingly profound way. Growing up in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, a place of stunning natural beauty, Dainty’s curiosity was sparked during a trip to the famed Underground River. As a high school student at the Philippine Science High School, she was already surrounded by science, but it was this exploration into the caves that truly ignited her passion. Seeing the majestic rock formations for the first time, she couldn’t help but wonder, “Paano kaya nabuo ‘yung mga rocks na ‘to?”
This moment of awe and curiosity led Dainty to pursue a degree in Geology at the University of the Philippines (UP). She was driven by a mix of family influence—having two cousins in the field—and a practical consideration. “As a dreamer and as a panganay, syempre, nasa ating mga panganay na pumili ng course na ikaaangat ng buhay ng pamilya,” she shared, noting that Geology was one of the top-paying jobs at the time.
Throughout her academic journey, Dainty fell in love with the earth in a way that she never expected. From fieldwork in the mountains of Baguio to studying coral formations in Bolinao, Pangasinan, she experienced the diversity of the Philippines’ geological wonders. “Feeling ko kung hindi ako nag geology, hindi ko mapupuntahan ang iba’t ibang probinsya,” she reflected, expressing her gratitude for the opportunities that her studies provided.
After completing her degree, Dainty transitioned into teaching at UP, where she discovered a passion for sharing knowledge. However, the challenges of the pandemic in 2020 shifted her path. Moving back to Palawan in 2023, she found herself working with the local government in disaster risk reduction and management, a role she had not initially considered but quickly embraced.
“When going to the communities, siguro, one way to really, one strategy, na makipag-ugnayan is to observe and makipag-kwentuhan.”
Working in the local government opened Dainty’s eyes to the gap between the advanced sciences taught in universities and the practical knowledge understood by local communities. She realized that while scientists often focus on pushing the boundaries of knowledge, there is a significant disconnect with how this knowledge is communicated and applied in local settings. “Hindi pala ganun karaming tao nakakaalam na iba’t iba yung bato natin,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of making science accessible and relevant to the public.
To overcome this challenge, Dainty believes in the power of connection and communication. She emphasized the need to listen and engage with people at the grassroots level, sharing, “Pakikipagkwentuhan is really one way to ugnay, and from that ugnayan, pwede mo na masingit konti-konti ‘yung earth science.” By integrating scientific concepts into the daily lives of the communities she works with, she hopes to bridge the gap between science and society.
Dainty’s journey is a testament to the importance of curiosity, connection, and communication in the field of science. Through her work, she is not only advancing her own knowledge but also bringing the wonders of earth science closer to the people who need it most. Her story serves as an inspiration to young minds, proving that science is not just about discoveries in the laboratory, but also about making a tangible difference in the world around us.