AWCP helps nurture budding scientists

MANILA, Philippines - “Long had I dreamed of the chance to work like a scientist in a Science Laboratory, to hold laboratory apparatus, deal with different chemicals, and to witness an actual chemical reaction.”

Aira Maranan, 14, a second-year student of the Calatagan National High School, has fulfilled that dream. Her school, the Calatagan National High School, now has a real lab, thanks to a hefty donation by the American Women’s Club of the Philippines.

At a thank-you event held by students and teachers of the school to express their gratitude, Aira delivered a heartfelt speech in which she told their guests that before the laboratory was set up, “everything was just a product of my imagination and assumptions.”

Among other experiments, Aira’s schoolmates also gave a demonstration of the chemical changes that occur in the digestive system after cooked rice is chewed — a source of wonderment for a simple, everyday function.

Rows and rows of white glass-enclosed cabinets hold many microscopes, beakers of various sizes, Bunsen burners, chemicals and other Science laboratory essentials. “Our lab boasts of facilities comparable to those in private schools in Manila.” Granite counter tops and a shower area in case of skin contact with chemicals are also features. The facility delights the teachers, as well, “because instruction is made easier,” Aira said, with just about everything they need to encourage budding scientists, a breed the country sorely lacks.

“We make a covenant with you today, that everything you have provided us will be used for our betterment and empowerment,” Aira vowed. “Everything will be treasured, will be cared for and will be valued,” she told the ladies of the American Women’s Club of the Philippines.

Her statement, on behalf of the school is reassurance for the American ladies led by their president, Marisa Chacko, who literally slave over their monthly bazaars at the World Trade Center to squirrel funds for projects they deem worthy.

At three in the morning of the huge bazaar, they are already at the WTC helping merchants set up their wares for the 9 a.m. opaening, and aren’t done until 6 p.m. or so — a grueling 16 hours.

Besides furnishing the Science Laboratory, the AWCP has also donated a sum to make safer and refurbish the Tanagan Elementary School, and donated thousands of books to the Calatagan National High School. The Manila Observatory at the Ateneo was a previous beneficiary.

The high school was built largely on the initiative of the Enrique Zobel Foundation chairwoman, Dee Zobel, financially helped in part by Batangas Governor Vilma Santos. The EZ Foundation (comprising, apart from Iñigo and Dedes Zobel, Vicky Wienecke, Xavier P. Loinaz, Pedro Roxas), also has under its wing — 22 grade schools.

It also supports a teacher-training program in partnership with Miriam College, in-depth health and nutrition programs for children, and learning support activities such as art workshops, environmental summer camps with American Peace Corps volunteers husband-and-wife team of Samantha and Ryan Wilson, and an annual field day for exhibits and volunteers.