DepEd lauds young Filipino achievers for international recognition

Symone Monika A. Yambao and Juliene Gabrielle U. Catibog along with their principal and teachers are all smiles after DepEd commends them. Photo Source: Manila Bulletin

The Department of Education (DepEd) recognizes Filipino students who have excelled in international science, mathematics, and research competitions in recent years.

Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones praised grade 10 STEM students Symone Monika A. Yambao and Juliene Gabrielle U. Catibog from Oriental Mindoro National High School on Thursday, May 12, 2022, for partaking in the 12th Regional Congress Search for SEAMEO Young Scientists' (SSYS) from March 7 to 10, 2022.

Briones congratulated their students as well as the dedicated teacher-coaches who are committed to demonstrating that Filipinos are superb in science, mathematics, and innovation, even in the midst of a global health crisis.

She also guaranteed that DepEd will persist to nurture the next generation as they prepare them for future challenges.

Yambao and Catibog were labeled Most Promising Young Scientists under the mentorship of Teacher Aldrin Ramilo (Science Category) in the said international competition for their science paper "Exploring the Potential of Cycloid Fish Scales as a Sustainable Bioplastic."

“We didn't expect two students from a province in a country with such a small population to be considered for this award out of all the bright students who attended the event,” Yambao said.

“We're just thrilled that our research could have a significant impact on our community, and winning this award has only motivated us to improve our work even further,” she added.