Seven Louisian students showcased their intellectual rigor in the recently held SIHAY National Biology Olympiad at the University of the Philippines Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines, from 13-14 April 2024, as the Saint Louis University Basic Education Schools (SLU BEdS) team ranked 15th among 40 esteemed schools nationwide in the largest inter-high school biology competition in the Philippines.
Along with the niche theme of the emerging field of science on biophotonics, the team had illustrated an academic competitive performance among its sub-events. In the on-the-spot poster-making contest, Ms. Krish Irie De Vera showcased her creative illustrative interpretations of biophotonics which garnered the 6th spot among the radiant and vibrant poster illustrations. While the Biology Quiz Olympiad SLU team clinched 8th with the rigorous assessment of their intellectual ability in the wide area of biology, the team consisted of Mr. Jose Marical Alvarez, Mr. Justin Apuntar, and Mr. Francis De Guzman.ย
Meanwhile, the subcategories of Ms. Anglique P. Corido on Feature Writing, Ms. Bhea Rexynne Asanion on Junior Life Science Research Olympiad, and Ms. Ysabela Ricka May Ballesteros on Impromptu Speaking have demonstrated an innovative and well-literate performance allowing them to land on the top 80th percentile of the participating curve. These placements are among the products of the preparations guided by their coaches Mr. Almark Bisaya and Mrs. Tahiri Olat, and the provided SLU institutionโs support system.ย
Expounding beyond the accomplished rankings, the SLU BEdS team garnered in-depth knowledge from the expertise offered in the opportunistic field of biophotonics within the symposiums. A first-hand field experience was also given among the students with the exploration of the venueโs biodiversity at Mount Makiling Botanical Garden. With Ms. Krish Irie De Veraโs team placed 1st runner-up, and Mr. Jose Maricarl Alvarezโs team placed second runner-up in the Amazing Race sub-event among the approximately 300 attending participants, the event provided more than a competition but a fun-filled learning experience for the students who shall carry on in biology.ย
SLU’s outstanding performance in the SIHAY National Biology Olympiad not only demonstrated their cognitive prowess but also showed the institution’s dedication to providing top-notch education. In addition to improving the student’s proficiency, their involvement and performance in an array of the sub-events has helped to advance biology education in the SLU institution. These students have not only flourished academically but also developed a greater appreciation for science and acquired invaluable experiences and insights that will influence their future pursuits in biology.
This accomplishment is inclined to harness Sustainable Development Goal 4 of Quality Education, and is also aligned with the CICM advocacy of Integrity of Creation and the Laudato Si Goal of Ecological Education, being on the frontline in answering the needs of the society in the context of science which the institution had demonstrated in UP Biological Cell Societyโs flagship on the annual olympiad. (Ysabela Ricka May Ballesteros, – Grade 12 STEM)
