By Karen Vivien Conducto, DOST OSEC
A group of S&T learners from Angeles City, supported by the DOST Central Luzon Grants-In-Aid (GIA), is gearing up to participate in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2024 (ISEF), which is scheduled to take place from May 11 to 17 in Los Angeles, California, United States of America.
According to the DOST-Provincial Science and Technology Office in Pampanga, the learners from Angeles City Science High School successfully participated in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) 2024 National Science & Technology Fair (NSTF) held from April 1 to 5 at Sequoia Hotel in Parañaque City. Their GIA-funded project, titled "In Vitro Study of Bioceramics from Bamboo Leaf Ash and Green Mussel Shells with Silver (Ag) Coating and 3D-Printing Applications for Bone Regeneration," received recognition and awards at the event, earning them a spot in ISEF 2024.
The researchers with DOST-Central Luzon Regional Director, Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Ph.D. (Photo courtesy of DOST-Central Luzon)
The study was singled out for its potential impact on bone regeneration. The research team, consisting of Frances Gabrielle Bingcang, Hart Gabrielle Ong, Jessica Loreen Yabut, and their coach Lolita Bautista, has been on a winning streak since their first-place win at the DepEd Division Science Fair in 2023. Their journey continued with regional acclaim and culminated in their success at the NSTF this year.
During the opening ceremonies of the 2024 NSTF, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. personally delivered a message of support, encouraging participants and coaches to serve as ambassadors of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in their respective communities. Sec. Solidum highlighted various DOST programs and extended an invitation to instructors to explore the opportunities offered by the Department, including scholarships and specialized trainings. He underscored DOST's commitment to empowering both learners and educators alike, mentioning that in 2023, DOST had provided 50,000 scholarships for undergraduate students and nearly 5,000 scholarships for masters and Ph.D. students.
DOST commends the researchers for their remarkable achievement. Their project exemplifies the potential of the Filipino youths to catalyze innovation in science and technology on a global scale. ###
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. with NSTF finalists and coaches
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. giving pieces of advice to NSTF finalists
