ULS Students Excel at DSTF 2023

Organized by the DepEd Cotabato Division Science Club Association of the Philippines (DSCAAP), the University Laboratory School (ULS) students marked significant victories at the Division Science and Technology Fair (DSTF) 2023 on October 21-22, 2023, at Magpet National High School, Poblacion, Magpet, Cotabato.

ULS students secured top honors, claiming first place in the team category for Tuklas-Life Science Research and the first and second places in the team category for Tuklas-Robotics and Intelligence Machine. Fueled by their passion for science, Achilles Q. Manero, Aerol Kent B. Accad, and Shyna Jossayne P. Ochavillo presented their paper on Life Science titled “The Miraculin Effect: Potential Bioactivity of Miracle Berry (Synsepalum dulcificum) Extract as an Anti-Coagulant.”  Coach Mr. Jaynel E. Barzo shared that the said paper explored the utilization of miracle berry extract as an anticoagulant to reduce the risk of heart diseases caused by abnormal blood clotting.

Another winning paper titled: “SONIC SPARK: Electrical Energy Production from Piezoelectric Sound Harvester” by Celina Paola G. Hernandez, Sarah Mar-anne S. Sumael, and Fatima Kate B. Sarip, coached by Ms. Christine Parrocha, aimed to design a prototype device converting noise into electrical energy.

Meanwhile, the team of Marielle Clarizza C. Prado, Julia Jesselie B. Ranjo, and Hessed R. Antipolo, with their coach Prof. Leif Cullin A. Matandog, secured second place in the same category with their paper “Ride Safe: Enhancing Bicycle Safety with a Comprehensive Warning System Using Ultrasonic Sensors.”  Their research focused on a prototype ultrasonic sensor to enhance bicycle safety by alerting cyclists about approaching vehicles.

The team of Trisha Gyle C. Magbanua, Bai Hajar Maaroufa B. Amil, and Ronald Venz A. Frigilliana also presented under the STEMazing category an on-the-spot research proposal.

Mr. Barzo, in an interview, mentioned the challenges in preparing for the event alongside their prior engagements in Science, Technical, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-related activities. He also acknowledged the involvement of the Science Interactive Society (SIS) along with advisers Ms. Christine Parrocha, Mr. Jaynel Barzo, and Mr. Dabs Leonard Tato, and research advisers with support from Prof. Marlon Salvador and the entire USM community, who contributed to their victory. Lastly, he thanked the experts from CSM, CEIT, and USM hospital for the consultations conducted before the contest.

This remarkable achievement of ULS students is a testament to their dedication and commitment to pursuing excellence in science.