DOST-ARMM hosts S&T invention, exhibit contest in Basilan

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1421502204188/dost-armm-hosts-s-t-invention-exhibit-contest-in-basilan
• Thursday, August 10, 2017

By Rene V. Carbayas (ALT/RVC/PIA9-Basilan)

ISABELA CITY (PIA) – Students displayed their ingenuity and creativity on science and technology (S&T) at the first biennial Provincial Invention Contest and Exhibit (PICE) held Monday in Lamitan City, Basilan.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Muslim Mindanao hosted the conduct of the exhibit to inspire and encourage young scientists to develop technology that addresses societal needs and problems.

Eight entries from the different high schools in Basilan participated in the contest, including the science and technology high school of Mindanao Autonomous College Foundation Inc. (MACFI), the Claret School of Lamitan, Lamitan National High School, Damaso C. Furigay Jr. National High School, and Maluso National High School.

Ms. Myra B. Mangkabung, DOST regional secretary said that the Basilan Provincial Invention Contest and Exhibit (PICE) held on August 7 for young scientists will compete at the regional level this September.

“Our plaudits to the OIC PSTD of Basilan Maksurin Rizal, to the focal person Fredric Cadungog, and the DepEd ARMM for a job well done. The exhibits are from beauty products, shoe polish, organic Styrofoam-alternate, solar gadgets, hydro-electric models and a lot more,” she said.

Mangkabung was also elated over the participation of both the public and private high schools in Basilan for the invention contest.

She further explained that the event is indeed the first provincial event in Basilan, but actually, the PICE was held for held for the second time already. She said the first was held last year when only one entry from Basilan was sent for the regional contest and won. She hopes that this year, more entries could be sent.

“We are encouraging our teachers and students to use their innovative minds. You know the backbone of economy is science. Without science, there is no development,” she said citing that the gadgets that people use today came out of research and development in science.

She thanked the teachers for guiding their students, and even spending for some logistical needs for the students’ projects. For this, she asked students in return to work hard to innovate and invent more.

“Winning the competition is just a bonus, but experiencing and doing the research is worth more until the students become professionals,” she said.

Four entries qualified for the regional competition: the cassava-based organic Styrofoam-alternative of MACFI, the solar ventilator and facial cream and scrub of Claret School of Lamitan, and the organic shoe polish of Lamitan National High School.

Judges were from the Philippine Information Agency, the Department of Education-ARMM, and the local government of Lamitan City.