Seven students from high schools across the country have been selected as official Philippines delegates to the world’s biggest pre-college science research competition.
This year’s candidates for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) produced the top entries at the recently concluded 13th Intel Philippine Science Fair (IPSF), held at the University of the Philippines Diliman last February.
Intel ISEF 2010 will be held on May 9-14 in San Jose, California. (more below)
The delegates were selected from an original field of thousands of students from secondary schools from all parts of the country who participated in the IPSF.
The field had been narrowed down to the top 59 studies for the final round of the IPSF, after which a group of 12 winners were subjected to a final screening process by a board of judges representing various leading academic and research institutions to select the Intel ISEF delegates.
“I’m overwhelmed,” said Jennifer Doromal, whose individual research on decomposing used diapers for use as an alternative organic fertilizer was selected for presentation at the Intel ISEF. Doromal recently graduated from the La Filipina National High School in Davao City. “There were a lot of really good projects so I’m very happy to have been chosen to represent my country this way.”
The competition, which has been administered by the Society for Science & the Public (SSP) since its inception in 1950, brings together students, teachers, corporate executives, and government officials from around the world in competition for over $4 million in scholarships, tuition grants, scientific equipment, and scientific trips.
In 1997, leading microchip company Intel officially became the title sponsor of the ISEF, providing heightened visibility to the fair, lending the competition the broad international representation that it enjoys today. The Intel ISEF is now regarded as a unique launching pad for students to enhance their education and further their careers in science and technology.
Intel's sponsorship of the ISEF is part of the company’s work in advancing science education in the country and around the world. Education is a key component of the Intel’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to show my work at the Intel ISEF,” said Hanna Escobido, a recent graduate from the Caraga State University High School whose group research on using corn cob ash as a temperature sensor was also selected to join the Philippine contingent. “We had plenty of sleepless nights working on our project, but it was all worth it. To even make it this far is very exciting for me.”
Each of the seven delegates underwent a three week training program wherein their studies were further refined for presentation at the Intel ISEF. This training was conducted with the help of the Department of Education (DepEd), a close partner of Intel in many of its education advocacies in the country.
“We applaud the work of the very talented young scientists who will be attending the ISEF,” said Bureau of Secondary Education Director Lolita Andrada. “The country is teeming with brilliant young minds. I thank Intel for helping bring out the best in our students.”
Intel officials said that helping train future innovators was all part of the company’s noted approach to CSR.
“Intel believes that young people are the key to solving global challenges. A solid math and science foundation coupled with skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving are crucial for their success.” said Cecilia Ubarra, Intel Philippines’ Education Manager. “We are proud of this current batch of 2010 Intel ISEF delegates as they represent the future innovators. Education is one of the pillars of our CSR philosophy, and we will continue to work with the government and other partners to advance quality science education in the country.”
The Philippines has been successful at the Intel ISEF garnering more than 16 Grand Awards and 10 Special Awards since 1998. In 2009, two students from the Philippine Science High School were awarded a fourth place prize for their work on the cancer-inhibiting properties of bacteria found on a certain species of seaweed.
Rounding out the Philippine delegation to the Intel ISEF are Marc Mapalo, Maria Clara Isable Sia, and Jean Reni De Guzman of the Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas, who will be representing the country in the Life Sciences category; and Hanna Escobido and Brayl Ymbol of the Caraga State University High School, who will be taking part in the Physical Sciences competition. Individual delegates are Marc Limpiado, also from the Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas Campus, and Jennifer Doromal from the La Filipina National High School in Davao.
