Filipino students win at Intel science fair

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced Friday that four Filipino students won honors in one of the largest pre-college science and technology research competitions in the world.

Science Secretary Estrella Alabastro said the students were among 1,563 young scientists from 56 countries who joined the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) held from May 10 to 16.

Angeli Joyce Yap-Dy, 14, of Capiz National High School, received a 2nd Special Award and a $1,000 cash prize from the American Association for Clinical Chemistry for her research on the properties of milkfish bile as a potential anti-cancer drug.

Jovani Tomale, 16, of Davao City National High School, received a 2nd Special Award and $500 cash prize from the American Statistical Association for developing a mathematical algorithm that would determine the gender of the Philippine Eagle.

The team of Kevin Jer David and Orven Jules Dumaoang, both 16, of the Philippine Science High School-Diliman received the Grand Award in the Plant Sciences category, plus a cash prize of $500. Their study looked into the communication process of disease-causing bacteria and how this can be disrupted so that the organisms become less resistant to antibiotics, thereby causing less ailments.

 “We salute our young scientists who again made the country proud in an international science fair. Congratulations, too, to Intel for being a strong partner of the Department of Education in helping develop a culture of science, math and engineering research in our schools,” Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said in a statement.

“Intel Philippines is very proud of our winners in this year’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. This is another demonstration of Filipino excellence. Given the right support, Filipino students can compete and excel in international science competitions,” said Arlita Narag, Intel Philippines corporate affairs manager.

The Intel ISEF is the world’s only science project competition meant to advance quality science education around the world. It is open to students in the ninth to 12th grades.