The Unilab Foundation Olympiad Recognition Night was conducted to recognize the honor brought to our country by the outstanding performances of Filipino learners in various International Olympiads. The event took place on October 27, 2022 at the Bayanihan Center, Pioneer St., Pasig City. Present were student participants and coaches of the following international competitions:
International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), International Biology Olympiad (IBO), International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), and International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics
(IOAA). Responding to the Filipino students lagging behind other countries in science and math in the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the Programme for
International Student Assessment (PISA), the Foundation continues to implement learner engagement activities to improve the quality and access of learners to STEM resources and advocates for more young people to pursue a STEM career. Mrs. Lilibeth Aristorenas, Executive Director of the Unilab Foundation and Mrs. Nanette Aguas, Chief of Human Resources Officer and Head of People, Learning and Culture of the United Laboratories Inc., graced the event to show their support for the student delegates.
In her Welcome Remarks, Director Aristorenas stressed that STEM is crucial in every sector of society. “We strive to strengthen STEM education and workforce development through the mainstreaming of integrated STEM in the Philippines. In your presence, we are motivated and
empowered to learn more about how we can be better champions for STEM, do more with the available resources we have, and further support and nurture brilliant minds.” Despite being unable to physically attend, Vice President of the Philippines and Department of Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte also showed her support for the event in a video message.
“As our STEM champions, you play a vital role in pushing for a thriving STEM community and encouraging more students, especially women, to pursue advanced degrees and careers in
STEM fields.” VP Sara ends her message with a challenge: “Let us work together to achieve our goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy,”
Student delegates Raphael Dylan Dalida of the IMO and IOI, and Chiara Bernadette Z. Tan-Gatue of the IBO shared their experiences during their respective contests. “I really appreciate these kinds of systems and programs in order for STEM subjects to be attained dito sa Pilipinas
and that’s something that I am really thankful for,” Dalida shares in his testimony. In closing, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum posed an
inspirational challenge: “As you receive your recognition tonight, may you also be reminded that STEM is also a service to humanity. Learning it is the first step in making it all worthwhile. Keep moving forward with determination and many wonderful things are in store for you in the future. No matter how high or how far you have accomplished, always remember to keep your feet on the ground.”
For more information, please contact Isabel Monasterio, Project Assistant Manager, STEM+ PH, e-mail: isabel.monasterio@unilabfoundation.org.
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