The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) has awarded young student researchers for the second year of its Young Innovators Program (YIP) last July 18, at the World Trade Center Manila, as part of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration.

Launched in 2017, YIP recognizes promising researchers under the age of 30 to further encourage them to delve into scientific research through provision of financial assistance. There were 7 grantees for the first batch (see http://pcieerd.dost.gov.ph/news/latest-news/290-young-innovators-program-officially-takes-off).

For this year, out of 55 aspiring young innovators who have submitted their research proposals, six (6) were selected—three (3) individuals and three (3) teams.

• Gerardo Martin D. Quindoza III

With the emergence of 3D printing in various fields of application, Gerardo Quindoza III of the University of the Philippines’ Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (UP-DMMME) is aiming to treat osteoarthritis, the most common chronic condition of joints, by creating artificial cartilage made from local biomaterials such as chitosan and nanocellulose. Along with his mentor, UP Assistant Professor John Kenneth A. Cruz, Gerardo sees his research as a stepping stone for the flourishment of studies on biomaterials science and tissue engineering in the country.

• Jeremy C. De Leon

During the rainy season, flooding and power outages become frequent. Sometimes, live wires become submerged in flood. To ensure the safety of commuters, Jeremy De Leon of MAPUA University’s School of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, mentored by Engr. Febus Reidj G. Cruz, will design a low-cost light, charging, and current detection system that will be mounted on pedicabs, the most versatile mode of transportation during floods. This system, called Bagwis, will provide light, electric current to charge phones. It will also alert them of electrified flood water.

• Janina M. Guarte

There has been a growing demand for carabao milk as it provides additional nourishment, especially to young children. However, its storage and transportation to rural communities have been difficult as milk requires refrigeration to maintain its freshness. Janina Guarte and her mentor, Dr. Joyce A. Ibana of UP Diliman’s Institute of Biology are determined to address the problem by developing a method to process carabao milk using a combination of microorganisms to increase its shelf life. The product will have the benefits of a probiotic drink and milk’s nutrition value.

• PSHS – SOCCSARGEN Campus Team

To contribute to the protection of our country’s rich forests, the members of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) SOCCSKSARGEN Campus Team, namely: Jether M. Arenga, John Angel C. Blancaflor, Kyle M. Enorio, Greg Norman C. Millora, and Jericho T. Portez, with their mentor, Mr. Jimmy E. Unilongo, Jr. will create a device that logs sound frequency data remotely in real-time. This device will analyze data to identify frequency behavior of noises present in the forest. Any semblance of noise that is similar to an act of illegal logging will trigger the device to send a message that contains the time and location of the device, acting as a surveillance system.

• Angeles City Science High School Team

Noise pollution causes many environmental and health risks. One of the modern solutions to this is using acoustic panels. However, commercially available panels are made from synthetic fiber that has been proven to be a health hazard. The Angeles City Science High School Team, composed of Neil David C. Cayanan, Shaira C. Gozum, and E’van Relle M. Tongol, with their mentor, Ms. Lolita G. Bautista, are going to make cost-efficient, eco-friendly acoustic panels made from biomass materials such as corn, coconut, and abaca.

• St. Cecilia’s College – Cebu, Inc. Team

With the recent launch of a Filipino-made microsatellite and cube satellite, the buzz on the establishment of our very own Philippine Space Agency has been intensified. Smaller satellites make it easier for countries like the Philippines to get useful data from space. With this idea in mind, Joshua K. Pardola, Christian Lawrence C. Santos, Joefer Emmanuel T. Capangpangan, Dorothy Mae M. Daffon, and John Harold Abarquez of the St. Cecilia’s College – Cebu, Inc. Team, with their mentors, Mr. Wilfredo Pardola Jr. and Ms. Almida Plarisan, will develop a high-performance, cost-effective rocket that will be used as a launch vehicle for deploying smaller satellites in high altitudes.

DOST-PCIEERD Deputy Director Engr. Raul C. Sabularse believes that “for a mind to be brilliant, it must be nurtured and inspired to take action at a young age.  That is why we, the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), through our Young Innovators Program, want to cultivate young minds to become our innovators of tomorrow, hopefully motivating them to pursue a career in science and technology, also ushering the expansion of our country’s research pool and increasing our chances of discovering breakthroughs and creating more solutions.”