2017 BPI DOST SCIENCE AWARDS: DRIVING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND NATION-BUILDING
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) marked their continued partnership to encourage Filipino youth to embrace researches and careers in science and technology with the recent BPI-DOST 2017 Science Awards.
“BPI Foundation envisions a country with a highly skilled human resource in the disciplines of science and research, wherein the development of indigenous technologies is targeted at making economic and social impact in the country,” BPI Foundation executive director Faye Corcuera said.
On its 28th year, the annual awards centered on the theme, “Building Resilient Cities for Sustainable Development.” The program acknowledged 30 participating college students who embarked on notable researches and technologies, giving awards to the most outstanding initiatives for urban and community resilience solutions.
Sheena Gumatay, a BS Biology student of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), received the Best in Basic Science Research and the Best Project of the Year awards. Gumatay led a study on using RNA interference to silence the viral gene VP9 which impairs the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), a common infection in shrimps that can wipe out entire farms and cripple livelihood of dependent communities.
Meanwhile, Ervin Luis M. Jayag, a BS Chemical Engineering Student also from UST, received the Best in Applied Science Research award. His project “Optimization of Co-Catalyst Loading Parameters and Design of a Photocatalytic Reactor for Hydrogen Production Using Modified Titanium Dioxide and Visible Light Irradiation” explores a sustainable way of producing hydrogen as a source of renewable energy.
Aside from giving recognition, the Science Awards aims to ignite dialogue on the importance of science, technology, and the youth as compelling drivers of change. BPI and DOST have emphasized on the need to create an ecosystem in which young scientists are motivated to stay in the country and initiate innovations.
The event also included a panel discussion on “Engaging the Youth for a Resilient Tomorrow” which emphasized the role of science education for building a resilient country. It challenged the youth to create economic and social impact through science and technology.
It also held the #BPIHackYourCareer workshop, which featured talks from Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Rodel Lasco and De La Salle University’s Dr. Kathleen Aviso, calling on the awardees to pursue careers in the scientific fields.