Out of 165 overall participants, five students from STARBOOKS beneficiary schools earned whiz bee titles on 19 September 2024 at NYSTIF center stage.
Carmona National High School delegate Jan Patrick B. Gelasan was named the STARBOOKS Whiz Bee Champion at the 2024 National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival (NYSTIF) on 19 September 2024, held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
The STARBOOKS Whiz Bee is the biggest Science and Mathematics competition that challenged Grade 10 students from STARBOOKS beneficiary schools in the National Capital Region (NCR), CALABARZON, and Central Luzon.
Raising the wit of young Caviteños, Gelasan was adjudged as the top scorer among the top five finalists in the final round.
Whiz bee Champion Jan Patrick B. Gelasan (in green and white university jacket) together with his co-winners received their medals and prizes during the awarding ceremony.
The top 50 semi-finalists showed-off their quick thinking and analytical skills in answering tricky questions about Science and Math subjects while cheering on each other at a glance.
But at the end, the big prizes were taken home by the top five (5) finalists namely: Jan Patrick B. Gelasan (champion) from Carmona National High School; Abednego T. Sucgang (second place) from Francisco E. Barzaga Integrated High School; Janna Marianne B. Sena (third place) from Sisters of Mary of Banneux, Inc.; Stephen Blaize Gabor (fourth place) from Pasay City National Science High School; and Princess Hannah Benaloga (fifth place) from Carmona National High School.
The top five finalists showed their focus and speed in solving mathematical problems during the final round. (photo taken by Mr. Henry De Leon)
“This event is not just a competition but an opportunity to inspire and nurture the next generation in enhancing Scientific and Technological skills,” delivered Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr., Officer-in-Charge Director of the Department of Science and Technology- Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII).
The dedication of students’ coaches and teachers in shaping the future leaders in Science and Technology were also left unnoticed.
In his message, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. imparted that the Whiz bee is a platform that offers warm and just competition to foster passion for knowledge and a deep understanding of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
“This moment is a testament of your dedication, strong will, and passion for learning through STARBOOKS. We eagerly await Scientists, Engineers, Researchers, Doctors, and S&T practitioners in the future,” conveyed Solidum Jr.
Moreover, Whiz bee champ Jan Patrick B. Gelasan confessed that he found the competition an enjoyable and thrilling experience, highlighting teamwork with his fellow student-contenders and coach as a key factor in acing the difficult round.
According to Gelan, his team consulted with their coach regarding the topics that they wanted to learn further. They also watched previous STARBOOKS quiz bees and answered different types of quizzes with a time limit to strategize.
“I believe this Whiz Bee will help me to build my confidence in taking more quiz bees in the future,” said Gelasan. Talking more about his future endeavors, he defined his plan to take up Statistics or Mathematics in his higher education.
“As we conclude the STARBOOKS Whiz Bee, we reflect on the incredible talent and enthusiasm displayed today,” said Mr. Allan Taule, Chief of the Information Resources and Analysis Division (IRAD) of DOST-STII.
The chief also encourages the students and teachers to continue fostering a love of reading and sharing of knowledge in their communities as well as to promote the value of STARBOOKS as a valuable learning and teaching resource.
The STARBOOKS Whiz Bee is organized by the Science and Technology and Research-based Openly Operated Kiosk (STARBOOKS) unit of DOST-STII in partnership with Association of Science and Mathematics Educators of Philippine Private Schools (ASMEPPS), FrontLearners, BPI Foundation Inc., REVLV Solutions Incorporated, Pagbilao Energy Corp., Enchanted Kingdom, and TeaM Energy Foundation.
Themed “STEM VIBE: Engaging the Youth in Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities”, the NYSTIF ran from 18-21 September 2024 at the PICC Forum Tent, Pasay City, marking its second year. (Written by Caryl Maria Minette I. Ulay, DOST-STII media services) (Photo taken by Henry De Leon, DOST-STII)
