Young scientists take lead in building a culture of science

MANILA, Philippines - “This event is a realization of my dream.”

Thus said Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary and for a while, was an officer-in-charge of the Philippine Science High School System Fortunato dela Paz in his keynote address to the country’s budding young scientists who converged in Antipolo for three days of fun and learning in the first Philippine Science High School System-Meralco Management and Learning Development Center (PSHSS-MMLDC) Science Fair held from Nov. 16 to 18.

The science fair is the fruition of the collaboration and shared dream of the PSHSS, headed by PSHS-WV director and Science Fair chairman Dr. Josette Biyo and MMLDC, represented by executive director Agnes Fidelino and academic services director Vivien Arnobit, to support and help the nation’s productivity through appreciation and learning the importance of science through knowledge and experience sharing and practice of research among the youth, especially high school students.

This year’s event, which has the theme “Building a Culture of Science,” seeks to raise the interest of students in science as well as research and investigative projects, and also provide young scientists with an opportunity to showcase their research works, inventions and breakthroughs in an environment that promotes camaraderie and cooperation instead of competition.

This was followed by a plenary session with the panel of experts, some of whom were also alumni of PSHS, composed of Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara of the UP Electrical and Electronics Institute, Dr. Edna Amparado of the UP Institute of Biology, Asian Institute of Management professor and Hybridigm Consulting, Crimson Tayco of the UP Marine Science Institute, Jason Alcarez of the PSHS Main Campus and Dr. Maria Corazon de Ungria, head of the UP DNA Analysis Laboratory, who shared their own research works and gave the students a glimpse of emerging trends in their respective fields of expertise.

The event concluded with a Community Science Fair wherein the participating PSHS students presented their works to public school students. The fair aims to encourage the participants to take the lead in promoting a culture of science by presenting their works in a manner which can be easily understood.

For inquires on MMLDC’s academic programs, call 6328111 loc. 750/753 or e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected], or visit www.mmldc.org. MMLDC, your one-stop training shop, is located along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo, just one hour drive from Makati and 45 minutes from Quezon City.