Four Grade 12 students from UP High School in Iloilo (UPHSI) have brought pride to their school and community by winning three special awards at the 13th Regional Congress Search for SEAMEO Young Scientists held in Penang, Malaysia, from June 10-14, 2024.
Team Chemby, composed of Precious Sophia T. Bayoneta, Contessa Marie E. Ko, Earianne Jayne D. Ogatis, and Rysa Anne G. Tabuada, was recognized for their outstanding research project titled “Characterization of Corn Flakes Incorporated with Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Jamaican Cherry (Muntingia calabura).”
Their innovative study earned them a silver medal for Outstanding Award for Project Exhibit and bronze medals for Special Award for Creativity or Innovation and Special Award for Benefit(s) to the Community.
“We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements,” said UPHSI Principal Prof. Edelia T. Braga, who accompanied the team along with their research adviser, Prof. Jonny B. Pornel. “Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and they have set a remarkable example for their peers.”
The competition, which gathered over 500 delegates from across Southeast Asia, provided a platform for young scientists to showcase their research and innovation. The UPHSI team’s project stood out for its creativity and potential benefits to the community, making a significant impact among the judges and participants.
Contessa Marie Ko, one of the team members, expressed gratitude for the support they received: “We are thankful for the guidance from our teachers and the support from our sponsors, which made our participation in this competition possible.”
The students’ participation in the competition was made possible through the assistance of several sponsors, including iAmUPHi, retired Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza, UPHSI Batch 1998, UPHSI Batch 1999, UPHSI PTA, BKMD Scholarship, and the UPVHS Batch 1983.
“The support from our community has been overwhelming,” said Prof. Jonny B. Pornel, the team’s research adviser. “It’s heartening to see such encouragement for young scientists, and it motivates us to continue pursuing excellence in education and research.”
The success of Team Chemby at the SEAMEO Young Scientists Congress not only highlights the talent and potential of UPHSI students but also emphasizes the importance of research and innovation in addressing community needs. The team’s achievement serves as an inspiration for other young scientists in the region to explore and develop their ideas. (Ms. GT Mabilog, IPO with sources from Contessa Marie Ko, Prof. Jonny Pornel, and Prof. Edelia Braga)
