Filipino Students Win at Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2010

"There was definitely a lot of pressure but we believe it's also a very wonderful and unique pre-college experience for anyone, especially for young students like us,"

shares Ma. Clara Isabel Sia, part of the student trio from Philippine Science High School - Eastern Visayas Campus that took home Fourth Place Grand Awards in the Team Awards category of the 2010 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held last May 9 to 14 in San Jose, California, USA.

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, a program of Society for Science & the Public, is the world's largest pre-college science fair competition. Each year, more than 6 million young scientists from around the world vie to attend and 1,500 are selected as finalists to share ideas, showcase cutting edge ideas and compete for over USD 4 million in awards and scholarships. To judge the projects, more than 1,000 science, engineering, and industry professionals volunteer at the Intel ISEF. [via Intel]

Jean Reni de Guzman (16), Marc Mapalo (16) and Ma. Clara were recognized for their team study entitled “Creating a natural treatment for red tide using indigenous materials.” Each of them took home $500 cash prize and a US tour package.

We were quite nervous because of the pressure. It didn’t really focus on the scientific side, they also saw to it that the scientists were enjoying the event. It is also a privilege because during the competition, we had a chance to pose a question to famous scientists,” shares Mapalo.

To recognize the pride and honor that they gave our nation, Clara's group was welcomed by Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Fortunato T. De la Peña in a courtesy meeting held recently.


Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Fortunato T. De la Peña (middle)
L-R - Cecilia Ubarra, Intel Philippines, Education Programs Manager; Marc Mapalo, MarcArthur Limpiado, Maria Clara Isabel Sia, and Jean Reni de Guzman of the Philippine Science High School- Eastern Visayas Campus; and Dr. Claro Santiago Jr., Intel ISEF mentor/trainor and DOST Scientist.


MarcArthur Jordan Limpiado (16), also from Philippine Science High School - Eastern Visayas Campus, went solo and likewise won an individual fourth prize in the Microbiology category for his research on the antimicrobial properties of Philippine seaweeds.

“During the competiton, we were very nervous, since the other projects were really very good. We’re also very happy that we brought honor to our country,” said Limpiado.

Sia will enter Ateneo de Manila University this school year taking up Computer Science. De Guzman, on the other hand, will enter UP Los Baños taking up B.S. Biology and Mapalo will enter UP Diliman taking up B.S. Molecular Biology. Limpiado will also enter UP Diliman taking up Chemical Engineering.

To Ma. Clara, Jean Reni, Marc and MarcArthur: Congratulations and thank you for making Pilipinas proud! Good luck in your college studies! You are a living testament that nerves are a good sign that what you're doing can lead to something great. :)

Sources: Good News Pilipinas and DOST.

Enter your email address to subscribe to free daily TechPinas newsletter:

2 comments:

  1. thats a true pinoy pride.. Go Philippines!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. wow awesome ,, thats pinoy... tunay na mapagmamalaki ang mga pinoy talaga.. go go go...

    ReplyDelete

Let me know your thoughts on this TechPinas article.