Pfizer extends research grants to students of PSHS-Western Visayas

ILOILO CITY — Students of the Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas (PSHSWV) have received research grants from pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.

Six groups of student-awardees presented their studies funded under the PSHSWV-Pfizer Youth Science Research Program last Friday afternoon as part of the school’s 14th founding anniversary celebration.

PSHSWV is the first and only secondary school in the country to have received a research grant from the drug giant, Dr. Anthony Leachon, Pfizer medical and regulatory affairs director, said in a press conference after the presentation.

"Since research and development plays a vital role in improving the lives of people and is largely valued in Pfizer, the PSHSWV-Pfizer Youth Science Research Program will encourage and provide opportunities for everyone, especially the youth, to come up with innovative concepts and be recognized for their work," Pfizer said in a statement.

Leachon said Pfizer extended research grants totaling P70,000 to the PSHSWV students. Each group received P10,000 for research, plus another P10,000 for miscellaneous expenses like printing and encoding.

All in all, Pfizer has allocated P2 million for research grants for schools around the country and is willing to increase the amount as part of its "corporate social responsibility," Leachon said.

Leachon said the students’ researches could serve as "templates" for further studies by government agencies or scientific societies.

The PSHSWV students’ researches ranged from the antibacterial property of crocodile serum to virgin coconut oil and seaweed extracts.

Representing their group mates, PSHSWV students Criselda Cruz, Bemboy Subosa, Camille Reyes, Hilda Medrano, Kimberly Abad, James Patrick Manejero, Matthew Arroz and Chariss Baes presented their respective researches.

Dr. Josette Biyo, PSHSWV director, expressed his gratitude to Pfizer for funding the young students’ researches.