In celebration of its theme, “Power @ 10: Empowering a Decade of Science Research Excellence,” the tenth year of the Intel Philippine Science Fair saw a selection of ten high school students emerge as the country’s official delegates to the highly-prestigious Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), slated in May in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The annual national competition, organized by the Department of Education and Intel Technology Philippines, highlighted the exceptional investigative projects of 107 young scientists, out of more than 8,000 entries, from all over the country. Several awards and prizes were at stake, but most coveted was the chance to represent the country at the Intel ISEF. This year, the Intel Philippine Science Fair was held at the Tagaytay International Convention Center.

Through the years, the Intel Philippine Science Fair has shown that Filipino students – despite limited resources and other challenges – continue to pursue excellence with persistence, inquisitiveness, and risk-taking. Recognizing the need to develop local pipelines for these talents, Intel supports programs aimed at encouraging the students' long-term interest in math, science and engineering. The Intel Philippine Science Fair exemplifies this support, which has paid off considering that the past Filipino delegates have ably competed against other countries and garnered an impressive list of awards and honours in the Intel ISEF.

On a day traditionally celebrated with red roses and sweet kisses, more than a hundred high school students and science advisers from all over the country professed their love for science.

On 14 February, a day before the official opening of the Intel Philippine Science Fair, the national finalists of the Intel Philippine Science Fair, together with their teachers, gathered at Intel’s assembly and test site in General Trias to participate in a series of interactive presentations by Intel engineers and managers.

Meant to empower the 110 budding scientists from the country's secondary schools to continue to pursue and explore the different sciences, the Valentine's Day onsite activity also featured the participation of the students’ advisers, the Department of Education regional coordinators, and a selection of staff from Education Department and the Bureau of Secondary Education. Intel Philippines employees, meanwhile, led breakout sessions on special science and engineering topics, and offered a sneak peek at engineering life in Intel. Topics discussed include:

• Engineering Life in Intel presented by Mr. Vincent Balasbas
• Chemistry in the Semiconductor Industry presented by Mr. Drexel Camacho
• The Future of Science and Technology Careers in Asia and the Philippines presented by Josh Cruz
• How to Make a Silicon Chip presented by Lito De la Rama
• My Journey to Intel with IC Assembly and Test Process Flow presented by Gerry Gador
• Wireless Networks presented by Gustaf Serrano
• Supply Chain the Semiconductor Industry presented by Jane Mercado-Suelto
• Using Videos for Learning and Research presented by Rita Umali
• How Computers Work presented by Ric Vinas

“You really are on the right track,” said Intel engineer Josh Cruz as he spoke to the visiting finalists. “I will encourage you all, as I will my own son, to stay in this track of science and technology. The demand today is so huge for talents like you.”

The event was part of Intel's effort to encourage the students to pursue technical degrees and help move technology into today's knowledge economy.

“This was a very good experience. It's not often that high school students like us are exposed to such informative talks about the industry,” said Intel Philippine Science Fair finalist Vivien Ang from the University of Immaculate Conception in Davao. “I agree with the speakers that information technology should really be explored in our education.”

The Intel Philippine Science Fair is never wanting of fresh ideas, new discoveries, even tweaks of tried and tested science concepts. The 10th year celebration was no different…. a car that does it’s own parallel parking, printer ink from sap of trees and used oil – the list goes on and on…

The winning projects off to represent the Philippines in Intel ISEF reflected a broad range of fields and interests, all of which are potentially explosive breakthroughs in science and technology. Among these, for example, are projects that are of primary agricultural significance. Suarez, whose project is entitled “Marine Bioluminescent Bacteria Isolates of the Vibrio spp. As a Narrow Spectrum Antibacterial Agent Against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae & Xanthomonas”, has introduced a new way of controlling bacteria infection in plants, and aims to help farmers in the production of infection-free rice. Meanwhile, Suede, Cabanero and Gamelong – who all, like Suarez, hail from Region IV – won for their group project, “Attraction and Parasitization Response of the Parasitoid, Trichogramma Japonicum Ashmead to Oregano, Origanum Vulgare Extract.” Its positive impact to agriculturists is the provision of a natural biological control against pests.

Through science, several of the students were also hoping to recast the natural beauty of the Philippines in a new light. The trio of girls from Philippine High School, Diliman, presented “Screening, Isolation, and Characterization of Fluorescent Proteins from Nudibranchs”, thereby introducing a new relevant technology in marine life, of which – as Ventura added - “the Philippines is very rich”. Umayam, their school peer from the PSHS campus in Cagayan Valley, said that his “Ethanomathematics Application on the Different Derived Patterns from Chosen Kalinga Woven Fabrics” was conducted to bring a better understanding of the patterns of Kalinga woven fabrics in particular, and of its socio-cultural implications in general.

Barroa illustrated what scientific minds can come up with on seemingly trivial things. His research project, entitled “Fish Mucus: Its Potential Antimicrobial Effect on Human Pathogens and Possible Role in Innate Immunity”, produced a potential antibiotic and a natural defense mechanism for fish. Lastly, Rivas proved that the path towards a cheap, renewable and environment-friendly radiation could be possible through the use of tilapia scales. His research is called “Novel Shield Against Gamma Radiation From Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) Scales: The Next Generation Radiation Protection”.

“The fair is a fitting tribute to the bright, inquisitive minds of the students,” said Arlita T. Narag, Corporate Affairs Manager, Intel Philippines. “Intel congratulates all the winners and hope that they continue to foster their love for research and excellence.”

The Intel Philippine Science Fair, which was also a celebration of the competition's impact and achievements in the past decade, gathered together leaders from Intel Philippines, the private sector, and the government for the common cause of uplifting the quality of science education and research in the high school level. The event marked the effective collaboration which has so far produced an increased participation rate of 20 percent each year.

“Here at the Intel Philippine Science Fair, we all share the same commitment in producing competent men and women in today's knowledge-based economy,” said Secretary Estrella Alabastro, of the Department of Science and Technology. “Likewise, we are one in our goal of promoting awareness, appreciation, and understanding of science all over the country.”

Department of Education Undersecretary Vilma Labrador also said, “Science is the name of the game – to improve our lives, to improve the economy of the country. With that I would like to congratulate Intel for being there for the students. I salute our teachers, because of their patience, their guiding hands, their guiding minds, but above all…for caring for our students.”

Presidential daughter Luli Arroyo, who graced the opening ceremonies of the event, said, “I hope all winners and non-winners are inspired to use their talents for the good of the country and of the world. Don't ever inhibit your love for science. Don't ever inhibit your innovative minds.”

“I think that the fair has given the science field and the students an opportunity to be more visible,” noted Ricky Banaag, Country Manager, Intel Philippines. “Our successes at the science fair these past years have given the science and technology field more mindshare, not just to the students, but to other sectors as well. It has produced winners who showcase the inventiveness and creativity of the Filipino.

The Intel Philippine Science Fair, during the course of the past ten years, has effectively become the premier venue for budding Filipino scientists to shine and be recognized. It has a rigorous selection process which starts from the division level, progressing through the regional, then national level. This year, more than 8,000 investigative projects from all over the country joined the competition.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) paid tribute to its many partners in furthering science education in the country. Intel was among those honored with a recognition.

The Plaque of Recognition reads:

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Science Education Institute of the Dept of Science and Technology presents this Plaque of Recognition to Intel Technology Phils as an active partner in nurturing the genius and talented young scientists of the country who have demonstrated interests in science and technology through outstanding research works; and in providing the youth the opportunity to showcase these scientific works in the international arena. Intel’s corporate commitment to help uplift the quality of science teaching in the country through various teacher training and capacity building programs is likewise recognized       Coral Ballroom, Manila Pavilion Hotel, 28 March 2007

Acknowledgment: All photos taken by the Intel Digital Photo Club.