4 Filipino students snag int’l science fair honors

MANILA, Philippines – Four Filipino students were among the winners of one of the largest pre-college science and technology research competitions in the world, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Friday.

In a statement, Science Secretary Estrella Alabastro said the students won at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) held from May 10 to May 16. The event attracted 1,563 young scientists from 56 countries.

Alabastro identified the students as Angeli Joyce Yap-Dy, 14, of Capiz National High School; Jovani Tomale, 16, of Davao City National High School; and the team of Kevin Jer David, 16, and Orven Jules Dumaoang, 16, of the Philippine Science High School-Diliman Campus.

Dy received a 2nd Special Award from the American Association for Clinical Chemistry for her research on the properties of milkfish bile as a potential anti-cancer drug. She took home $1,000 as cash prize.

Tomale also received a 2nd Special Award from the American Statistical Association for developing a mathematical algorithm that would determine the gender of the Philippine Eagle. He took home $500.

The team of David and Dumaoang, on the other hand, received a Grand Award in the Plant Sciences category, plus a cash prize of $500. Their study looked into the communication process of disease-causing bacteria and how this can be disrupted so that the organisms become less resistant to antibiotics, thereby causing less ailments.

“We salute our young scientists who again made the country proud in an international science fair. Congratulations, too, to Intel for being a strong partner of the Department of Education in helping develop a culture of science, math and engineering research in our schools,” said Education Secretary Jesli Lapus in a separate statement.

The Intel ISEF is the world’s only science project competition for students in the ninth to 12th grades that is meant to advance quality science education around the world.

“Intel Philippines is very proud of our winners in this year’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. This is another demonstration of Filipino excellence. Given the right support, Filipino students can indeed compete and excel in international science competitions,” said Arlita Narag, Intel Philippines corporate affairs manager, in another statement. – Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV