TAGAYTAY CITY, February 22, 2019 – Six innovations that explore the sustainable development and preservation of the country’s natural resources topped the 66 research projects by 126 student-researchers in the 2019 National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF) held from February 18 to 22 at the Tagaytay International Convention Center in Tagaytay City.

“This is an auspicious day for all the delegates as this ceremony marks the culmination of, not just a showcase of sheer talent but also hard work that you have put in pursuit of groundbreaking innovative research. . . I have often said that if the K to 12 advocates were to look for products of the K to 12 Program, the delegates of this contest are living proof what the K to 12 Program has promised,” Department of Education’s (DepEd) Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD) Director and Fair Director Jocelyn DR Andaya remarked in her message to the participants.

The Best 6 Projects (team and individual), in no particular order, are:
• Life Science:
– John Eric P. Aggarao, Kathleen Chloie C. Antonio, and Anna Beatriz A. Suavengco (Taguig Science High School, National Capital Region) for “Isolation, Characterization, And Screening Of Endophytic Bacteria For Biocontrol Potential Against Brown Eye Spot In Coffee”
– Maria Isabel L. Layson (Iloilo National High School, Region VI) for “Bioactive Component, Antioxidant Activity, and Antidiabetic Properties of Muntingia calabura Linn. An In Vitro Study”

• Physical Science:
– Neil David C. Cayanan, Shaira C. Gozun, and E’van Relle M. Tongol (Angeles City National Science High School, Region III) for “Hibla: An Alternative Sound Absorption Material”
– Nathaniel N. Reyes (Quezon National Science High School, CALABARZON) for “Ex-Situ Evaluation Of Magnetic And Non-Magnetic Zea Mays L. Stalk Biochar Composites: Its Adsorptivecapability In Thetreatment Of Phosphate Contaminated Aquaculture Ponds”

• Robotics and Intelligent Machines:
– Alpha Kassandra Leonille A. Acain, Lester John T. Sabadao, and Lia Denise T. Tan (Cagayan National High School, Region II) for “Automated Temperature and Humidity Monitoring System for Quality Content, Drying, and Storing of PSB RC82, RC152, NSIC RC132H, and Hydra Rice Varieties”
– Maryjoise Karla A. Buan (Pangasinan National High School, Region I) for “Arduino-based Solar Powered Anti-illegal Logging and Anti-Kaingin Alerting Device Through Global System for Mobile Communications”

The proponents of the Best 6 Projects are set to undergo a rigorous review and a boot camp to ensure alignment with international standards. After which, the final delegates of the Philippines to the 2019 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) will be selected who, henceforth, will be known as the recipients of the Gokongwei Brothers Young Scientist Award.

“The goal of the Gokongwei Brothers Young Scientist Award is to respond to your call for opportunities and to recognize our globally competitive young scientists who, amid adversity and the challenges in our country, did not use that as a stumbling block to achieve great work and excellence in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics]. I think that represents not only great intelligence but strength of character as well,” Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) Executive Director Grace Colet shared.

The Department’s conduct of the NSTF was in cooperation with GBF, who committed to support this year’s winners in their journey to Intel ISEF in Phoenix, Arizona, USA in May.

“I wish to profusely thank Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, who did not hesitate to support this endeavor and committed to continue to support this in the future,” Andaya stated.

Showcase of awareness, solutions
The NSTF also recognized the creativity and innovativeness of more student-researchers through several specials awards. More than showcasing skills, these projects highlighted the level of awareness that the learners have about the challenges Filipinos face and the solutions that these young minds can already offer. Following are the winners of special awards, in no particular order:

Top 3 Projects (per category):
• Life Science (individual):
– Maria Isabel L. Layson (Iloilo National High School, Region VI)
– Erika T. Minguez (Valencia National High School, Region X)
– Angela Mae Apolonio (Las Piñas National High School-SHS, NCR)
• Life Science (team):
– Pristenz Honey M. Corpuz, Franzine Anne V. De Guzman, and Lyanne Nicole M. Castillo (Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School, Region III)
– Arielle A. Estrella, Edwin F. Umiten, and Anton Matthew B. Quilantang (Ilolilo National High School-Special Science, Region VI)
– John Eric P. Aggarao, Katheleen Chloie C. Antonio, Anna Beatriz A. Suavencgo (Taguig Science High School, NCR)
• Physical Science (individual):
– Mikael C. Sagun (Muñoz National Science High School Main-JHS, Region III)
– Nathaniel M. Reyes (Quezon National High School, CALABARZON)
– Carmelo A. Fidelino (Landy National High School, MIMAROPA)
• Physical Science (team):
– Neil David C. Cayanan, Shaira C. Gozun, E’van Relle M. Tongol (Angeles City Science High School Region III)
– Betti Mae C. Mendoza, Neil Ian V. Magalang, Aurora Blanca M. Lalo (MIMAROPA Regional Science High School-SHS, MIMAROPA)
– Rozel M. Bonaobra II, Hanz Joshua M. Salvacion, Noel Irvin M. Titong (Masbate National Comprehensive High School, Region V)
• Robotics and Intelligent Machines (individual):
– Maryjoise Karla A. Buan (Pangasinan National High School, Region I)
– Allysa Ericka P. Alcaide (Holy Infant Academy, MIMAROPA)
– Sheris Angel P. Casurao (Negros Occidental High School, Region VI)
• Robotics and Intelligent Machines (team):
– Alpha Kassandra Leonille A. Acain, Lester John T. Sabadao, Lia Denise T. Tan (Cagayan National High School, Region II)
– Keilah S. Bagares, Kyle Anthony F. Nierras, Felmark Ian P. Villamayor (Western Leyte College of Ormoc City, Region VIII)
– Jeanne Loise S. Pempeña and Allan Jey C. Torres (Digos City National High School, Region XI)

Best Presenter (per category):
• Life Science (individual): Maria Isabel L. Layson (Iloilo National High School, Region VI)
• Life Science (team): Anna Beatriz A. Suavengco (Taguig Science High School, NCR)
• Physical Science (individual): Carmelo A. Fidelino (Landy National High School, MIMAROPA)
• Physical Science (team): Jade Karrie S. Palma (Iloilo National High School, Region VI)
• Robotics and Intelligent Machines (individual): Allysa Ericka P. Alcaide (Holy Infant Academy, MIMAROPA)
• Robotics and Intelligent Machines (team): Quinn Adrienne Fabresis (Iloilo National High School-Special Science, Region VI)
• Innovation Expo: Kyla Czarina Q. Cello (Muntinlupa National High School, NCR)

Best Project Poster Display (per category):
• Life Science (team): Mark Michole S. Hernandez, Florence Mae M. Recesio, and Hannah Loise M. Del Castillo (Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy-JHS Department, MIMAROPA)
• Life Science (individual): Maria Isabel L. Layson (Iloilo National High School, Region VI)
• Physical Science (individual): Carmelo A. Fidelino (Landy National High School, MIMAROPA)
• Physical Science (team): Jade Karrie S. Palma and Maezelle W. Ferrer (Iloilo National High School, Region VI)
• Robotics and Intelligent Machines (individual): Allysa Ericka P. Alcaide (Holy Infant Academy, MIMAROPA)
• Robotics and Intelligent Machines (team): Angelique Kyla P. Ramirez, Gianna Marinela R. Vega, and Kyla P. Reyes (Mindoro National High School, MIMAROPA)

Best Shoutout: CARAGA

Best Regional Poster: Region II

Sponsors stepping up for STEM
The first Gawad AGLITEKNO [Agham, Likha at Teknolohiya] by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) was also awarded to remarkable projects exhibited during NSTF’s first National Innovation Expo. Following are the recipients, in no particular order:
• Bianca Ma. Krista M. Angeles and Jan Mackenzie G. Guese (Information Communication Technology High School, Region III)
• Haris A. Engka, Haikal C. Kasim, and Ronnie Joy S. Moabon (Canizares National High School of Arts and Trade, Region XII)
• John Lloyd V. Balantac, Rodge Carl R. Vea, and Regine A. Parico (Bacarra National Comprehensive High School, Region I)

One Meralco Foundation, Inc. also surprised the student-researchers with the Excellence in Energy Research and Innovation Award. Its president, Mr. Jeffrey Tarayao, led the recognition of eight projects, each awarded a certificate and cash prize worth P10,000. In no particular order, the winners are the following:
• Rozel M. Bonaobra II, Hanz Joshua M. Salvacion, and Noel Irvin M. Titong ((Masbate National Comprehensive High School, Region V))
• Haris A. Engka, Haikal C. Kasim, and Ronnie Joy S. Moabon (Canizares National High School of Arts and Trade, Region XII)
• Joriz D. Booc, Kamille A. Buenafe, and Psalm Avery M. Pagarigan (Iligan City East National High School, Region X)
• John Rey V. Ramos, Raybert O. Cruz, and Faye Aila A. Lagan (Narra National High School, MIMAROPA)
• Neri H. De Asis, Jr. (Davao City National High School, Region XI)
• Bianca Ma. Krista M. Angeles and Jan Mackenzie G. Guese (Information Communication Technology High School, Region III)
• Maryjoise Karla A. Buan (Pangasinan National High School, Region I) for “Arduino-based Solar Powered Anti-illegal Logging and Anti-Kaingin Alerting Device Through Global System for Mobile Communications”
• Jeremy P. Fortaleza (Pangasinan National High School, Region I)

The Fair Director expressed her gratitude to NSTF’s constant supporter: “I also thank One Meralco Foundation for stepping up when we needed help again. We also look forward to meaningful engagement with you in the coming years.”

Research for inclusivity, objectivity
Amid the cheers and tears, Andaya prompted all the participants to not lose sight of their vision as researchers: “Let me remind you to allow STEM to be one of the platforms you use to advocate for issues close to your heart, such as searching for truth, even fighting fake news, inclusivity, and advocacy for the preservation of cultural heritage, our nature’s wonders, helping our community, among others. . . Continue to do research and be advocates of objectivity, fairness, and unity. I bet, win or lose, when your hair has turned gray and your hands have wrinkled, you will always relive this experience and say ‘this is one of the highlights of my high school life’.”

Likewise, Colet reiterated GBF’s commitment to nurturing the country’s future in the field of STEM: “I really feel hopeful about our future when I hear all of you, lalo when I heard you defend your projects. . . In our own little way, we hope to be part of the challenge of raising our future scientists, especially after seeing how much we need to do to give you more opportunities and more mentoring. We, at Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, are committed to doing that with DepEd and all of you.”

The researches and innovations were reviewed and deliberated by the following members of the Board of Judges: Dr. Myra Tansengco, Dr. Rey Donne Papa, and Prof. Jonathan Barcelo (Life Science-team); Dr. Rosario Sagum, Dr. Arvin Diesmos, and Dr. Esperanza Maribel Agoo (Life Science-individual); Dr. Ma. Natalia Dimaano, Dr. Mario Tan, and Dr. Christian Mahinay (Physical Science-team); Dr. Jade Dungao, Prof. Emil Punzalan, and Dr. Felicidad Ramirez (Physical Science-individual); Engr. Charles Valencia, Prof. Marlon Musngi, and Dr. Von Anthony Torio (Robotics and Intelligent Machines-team); Dr. Ryan Vicerra, Dr. Argel Bandala, and Dr. Danilo Mercado (Robotics and Intelligent Machines-individual); Dr. Matthew George Escobido, Mervin Matulac, and Engr. Limuel Razo (Innovation Expo).

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