Lara Annika Paula E. Namoca, a Grade 10 student of Saint Louis University (SLU) Basic Education School (BEdS), emerged as a finalist in the National Science and Technology Fair 2024 (NSTF 2024), held at Sequoia Hotel in Parañaque City from 1-5 April 2024. Ms. Namoca represented the Cordillera Administrative Region after securing victory in the Regional Science and Technology Fair held in December 2023. In her category, Life Science Individual, 16 projects were submitted from different regions across the Philippines. Only eight projects qualified and advanced as the finalists in the competition. Mr. John Michael A. Guerzon served as her coach and research adviser.
The NSTF 2024, a highly coveted event organized by the Department of Education in collaboration with the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., serves as a platform to showcase the talents of the Philippines’ best pre-college researchers. For a week, participants engage in a series of activities designed to promote STEM education and foster a culture of scientific research in basic education. This year’s theme, “Rebuilding Resilient Communities: Enhancing Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future,” aligns closely with the mission of institutions like Saint Louis University, which strive to integrate their initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, the emphasis on SDG 4: Quality Education underscores the university’s commitment to advancing education as a key pillar for sustainable development.
Some other activities included the group shoutout and poster-making competition, where the entire delegation from CAR competed as one team. Remarkably, Team CAR secured the title of the best in the poster-making competition, showcasing their collective talent and dedication. Additionally, participants engaged in poster presentations within the open exhibit area of the hotel, providing a platform for sharing their research findings and insights with a wider audience. Plenary sessions were also held, offering valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking among participants, further enriching the collaborative spirit of the event. In addition, it also underscores the broader CICM advocacy in promoting scientific education and innovation. The institution’s commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering global understanding, CICM’s involvement in such events exemplifies its dedication to empowering youth through education and research. By supporting initiatives that champion scientific inquiry and technological advancement, CICM continues to uphold its mission of shaping future leaders.
In alignment with Saint Louis University’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, Lara and the entire BEdS’ achievement serves as a testament to the SLU’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders. As a product of the Enriched Curriculum, which integrates research subjects into its program, the achievement exemplifies the university’s ethos of fostering a culture of innovation and scholarly inquiry. (John Michael A. Guerzon)
