![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pageone.zyndk8.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1-Marco.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLife often leads people down unexpected paths, and Marco Ibanez’s journey is a testament to how an unplanned direction can evolve into a fulfilling career. Unlike many who dreamt of being scientists from an early age, Marco\u2019s story began in a completely different world\u2014one that revolved around music, not science.<\/p>\n
\u201cHindi talaga ako into science when I was a kid,\u201d Marco candidly shared. \u201cNag-start lang siya siguro middle of college… nung undergrad ako, I was studying BS Physics, pero ang gusto ko talaga is to study conservatory of music sa UP Diliman.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marco grew up with aspirations in the arts. His goal was to pursue a degree in music at the University of the Philippines, but reality quickly set in. \u201cI discovered na kailangan pala marunong ka magbasa ng notes,\u201d he admitted. \u201cSo I backed out and naghanap ako ng course na malapit.\u201d<\/p>\n
That \u201cclose\u201d course ended up being physics, though it wasn\u2019t born out of a passion for the subject. \u201cNapunta ako sa BS Physics kasi yun yung pinakamalapit sa engineering,\u201d Marco said with a laugh, acknowledging the irony of the situation. \u201cWhich was also not something I liked.\u201d<\/p>\n
What started as a practical decision gradually transformed into a burgeoning curiosity. It was during his internship at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) that Marco began to see science in a new light. \u201cNung OJT days ko sa DOST PAGASA, doon ko na-appreciate yung applied physics,\u201d Marco recalled. \u201cYung inaaral ko sa university, napapakinabangan pala, like providing relevant weather information to help people.\u201d<\/p>\n
By the time Marco entered his third year in college, he had begun to view science as more than just a set of theoretical ideas. A turning point came when he attended his first scientific conference with his professors. \u201cWe went to Dumaguete for Samahang Pisika ng Visayas and Mindanao, and connecting with the science community inspired me to improve my study habits and deepen my interest in the field of science,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
After earning his Physics degree, Marco found an opportunity to continue his studies. With encouragement from a friend at PAGASA, he decided to pursue graduate studies in Atmospheric Science at Ateneo de Manila University. \u201cI went to Ateneo as a scholar, open to new possibilities and excited to see where this path would lead me,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n
Like many in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Marco\u2019s path was not without its difficulties. He faced academic challenges and moments of self-doubt. \u201cDuring grad studies, matitrigger yung imposter syndrome mo,\u201d Marco admitted. \u201cParang everyone around you is doing good, and ikaw nahuhuli. Pero hindi naman yun yung reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even after thriving in Ateneo\u2019s academic environment, the challenges didn\u2019t end after graduation. Marco entered the government sector, where the realities of STEM work in the Philippines came into play. \u201cStarting out, there were challenges like budget constraints and limited resources, but those are part of the journey,\u201d Marco explained. \u201cIt\u2019s a different kind of learning experience. We work with what we have, and despite that, you see the value of your work in helping people every day.\u201d He shared that one of the unique aspects of his work is when delivery riders ask him about the weather since their livelihood depends on staying informed.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pageone.zyndk8.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/2-Marco-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Despite these obstacles, Marco remains driven and hopeful. \u201cIt\u2019s true that we need more support for science and technology in the Philippines, but that\u2019s exactly why we need more STEM workers. We\u2019re moving into a more data-driven world, and there are so many opportunities to contribute.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marco\u2019s experience interning abroad also gave him a broader perspective. \u201cIn Taiwan, they really invest in their STEM workers. It\u2019s something we can aspire to improve here, too. We have the talent, and with the right support, we can make a big impact.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, Marco\u2019s work is undeniably rewarding. \u201cAtmospheric science is an emerging field. Mas nagiging aware na ang mga tao sa climate change, and more universities around the Philippines are offering degrees in environmental science and meteorology,\u201d he explained. These efforts contribute to improving the understanding of environmental issues, which is critical in a country often vulnerable to geohazards.<\/p>\n
\u201cClimate change is already happening,\u201d Marco emphasized, noting that global efforts in addressing its impacts are underway, and its relevance continues to grow as more people are affected. As an atmospheric scientist, Marco\u2019s work is crucial in understanding the physical science behind our changing climate and its impact on everyday weather, especially in relation to extreme weather events.<\/p>\n
Marco\u2019s journey has not followed a traditional path, but his advice to young Filipinos interested in science is straightforward: \u201cBe ready for the challenges and don\u2019t get discouraged. STEM work is hard, especially here in the Philippines, but it\u2019s meaningful and fulfilling, and there\u2019s so much we can do to help our communities.\u201d He also encourages fellow STEM workers and students to take every opportunity that comes their way. \u201cIf there\u2019s a chance to study or work abroad, take it. It doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re leaving the Philippines behind\u2014you\u2019re gaining experience and knowledge that can benefit the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pageone.zyndk8.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/3-Marco.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
At the same time, for those uncertain about their direction in the field of STEM, Marco advises: \u201cGalingan mo na lang. Nandyan ka rin naman na.\u201d He understands that science may not have been the first choice for many\u2014just as it wasn\u2019t for him\u2014but the key is to keep moving forward. \u201cWe need more STEM workers in the Philippines, especially now,\u201d he emphasized, underscoring the importance of contributing to the nation\u2019s progress, regardless of where opportunities take you.<\/p>\n
Marco Ibanez\u2019s story is a powerful reminder that passion can develop in unexpected ways. For young Filipinos, his journey shows that science isn\u2019t just a subject\u2014it\u2019s a tool for making a real difference. Through perseverance, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, Marco continues to carve out a meaningful and impactful career in science, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. <\/p>\n
For more about Marco\u2019s work and the fields he\u2019s contributing to, you can explore: PAGASA’s official website<\/a>, Marco’s LinkedIn profile<\/a>, and NASA’s field campaign (CAMP2Ex)<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Meet Marco Ibanez, who turned his unexpected journey from music to atmospheric science into a mission for a climate-resilient future. #AngIdolKongSTEM<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3824,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3823","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-the-great-filipino-story"],"pageone_source":{"pageone_source":"","author_name":"PAGEONE Online Network"},"_pageone_source":"","zyndk8_nxtgen_metadata":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/energetic-pink-donkey.109-123-235-239.cpanel.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3823","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/energetic-pink-donkey.109-123-235-239.cpanel.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/energetic-pink-donkey.109-123-235-239.cpanel.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/energetic-pink-donkey.109-123-235-239.cpanel.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/energetic-pink-donkey.109-123-235-239.cpanel.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3823"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/energetic-pink-donkey.109-123-235-239.cpanel.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3823\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/energetic-pink-donkey.109-123-235-239.cpanel.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3824"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/energetic-pink-donkey.109-123-235-239.cpanel.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3823"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/energetic-pink-donkey.109-123-235-239.cpanel.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3823"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/energetic-pink-donkey.109-123-235-239.cpanel.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3823"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}