The Saint Louis University-Basic Education School (SLU BEdS) was honored with two plaques of commendation at the Gizmos Global Innovators Congress, held at the Manila Hotel on 27 February 2025.
A collaborative effort between Gizmos Global, ExploreLearning, and the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Embassy, the recognition celebrated the exceptional performances of Gizmos global innovators including the BEdS senior high school students who triumphed in both national and global Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) competitions last year.
The Executive Assistant to the SLU President, Prof. Joselito C. Gutierrez, PhD, and SLU BEdS Principal, Mr. Alejandro P. Pablico, received the awards on behalf of SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD and the Louisian community.
In the previous academic year, SLU-BEdS Team Chromium Crusaders earned national recognition with a gold medal and secured a silver medal on the international stage for their groundbreaking project, “D.A.N.U.M.” (Desalination Biosorption through Nano Biosorption as a Utilitarian Local Scale Machine)—a sustainable solution for reducing heavy metal contamination in the Agno River. This creative project aims to address heavy metal contamination in the Agno River system, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and reflecting SLU’s mission of environmental stewardship.
“DANUM,” meaning “water” in Ilocano, was developed by John Michael Daculan, Joseph Pinto, Jose Maricarl Alvarez, Shanaia Heart Abrigo, Ysabela Ricka May Ballesteros, and Ameliza Marie Azurin under the mentorship of their Science teacher and club adviser, Ms. Mary Rose B. Escala.
Using the GIZMOS E-learning platform, the team simulated and prototyped a mobile machine that removes cadmium and chromium from river water. The DANUM system integrates nano-biosorption technology, giant African seashell materials, solar-powered pumping, and reverse osmosis in a compact, portable design, making it ideal for improving water quality in remote areas.
With the guidance of Ms. Escala and the support of the Mathematics and Science Department, the team showcased scientific excellence and creativity in addressing real-world problems. Competing against over 900 students, 219 schools, 353 STEM project entries, and 80 countries, the students’ success highlights the quality of education at SLU BEdS, emphasizing STEM engagement and fostering a research-driven mindset among students.
Beyond winning prestigious awards, Project DANUM exemplifies how scientific innovation can provide sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges. By demonstrating the potential of STEM-driven initiatives, these young Louisian scientists inspire their peers and advocate for investment in education, research, and youth-driven innovation. This achievement underscores the importance of empowering the next generation to tackle global issues with competence, creativity, and commitment to a better future.
During the awarding ceremony, ExploreLearning’s CEO and astrophysicist Ms. Suzanne Sayara enthusiastically quipped, “This project (DANUM) was my favorite among all the contenders!” (Written by: Ysabella Ricka May Ballesteros and A. Pablico | Photos by A. Pablico)
