Scoring a gold award just 19 days into 2024 bodes well for Landy National High School in Marinduque to have not just an auspicious year but a bright future for its students. In particular, Grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand's Yllaiza Z. Deligero, Cassandra Mei DC De Luna and Jairus T. Pedernal are poised to reach greater heights.

The trio, with the guidance of their coach, Perry Angelo Manlapaz, got their research paper, titled "Hydrocorals: An Epoxy Resin-coated Styrofoam as Artificial Coral Reef," winning top honors at the International Student Science Project Competition organized by the Science Association of Indonesia.

Their journey in the competition, which pushes for scientific innovation, began upon receiving, on 6 January 2024, a letter of acceptance informing them that their research paper has made it to the finals. A week later, they underwent a rigorous evaluation process, wherein they impressed the SAID panelists with their 10-minute presentation and how they answered the subsequent questions.

Then the student-researchers entered the final phase of the competition that had them creating a poster based on their research paper. The poster, as stipulated in the rules and regulations, was uploaded in the ISSPC's official Facebook page to get a minimum of 100 likes for consideration. At the end of the voting period, which ran from 16 to 18 January, their poster garnered nearly 5,000 reactions.

Needless to say, the Landy NHS team enjoyed the unwavering support of the Marinduqueño community, led by their national high school's principal, Rowel S. Laririt, along with key education officials. These included Santa Cruz North District supervisor Constancia R. Vasco, Education Program supervisor in Science Dr. Shiela S. Saet, and Schools Division of Marinduque superintendent Dr. Lynn G. Mendoza. They all rejoiced and celebrated at the announcement of their victory on 19 January.

In their own words, get to know more the victorious student-researchers Yllaiza Deligero (YD), 18, Cassandra De Luna (CDL), 18, and Jairus Pedernal (JP), 17, as well as the story behind and significance of their research paper.

Daily Tribune (DT): Is Science your favorite subject in school?

YD: I wouldn't say it's my favorite, but it definitely is the field that I'm interested in the most.

CDL: I find Science interesting because of its ability to provide explanations for the natural phenomena and processes that shape our world. It fascinated me how scientific principles could answer questions about the universe, from the smallest particles to the vastness of space. Understanding the underlying reasons behind various phenomena gave me a sense of clarity and appreciation for the complexity of the world around and its divine Creator. Whether it was biology, chemistry, physics, or any other branch of science, each subject offered a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of the universe and encouraged critical thinking and inquiry. Furthermore, science provided a framework for understanding the world and sparked my curiosity in learning more of its mysteries.

JP: Yes, because it offers a fascinating exploration of the world around us. Science allows me to ask questions, conduct experiments, and uncover new knowledge, empowering me to make sense of the universe and its mysteries. Its constant evolution means there's always something new to learn and discover, making it endlessly captivating.

DT: How would you describe yourself as a student?

YD: I am a curious learner, always wanting to explore fields I haven't tried before for continuous learning, ever since our coach, Perry Angelo Manlapaz made us realize that there's so much more to learning than compliance. Because of this, my confidence was built out of contests participated mostly research contests in different levels like division, national, and international.

CDL: Throughout my academic journey, I've been driven by an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for truth, guided by my faith to God. Along the way, I've earned numerous awards in science and math contests, received recognition for my leadership skills, and even delved into student journalism from a young age. Graduating as a valedictorian in elementary school and maintaining a consistent record of honors throughout junior high have underscored my commitment to academic excellence.

Now, as I approach the culmination of my senior years, I find my academic skills flourishing, instilling within me a deep sense of confidence and strength. My journey as a student has not only honed my intellectual abilities but also instilled in me a profound dedication to learning and growth, positioning me as a well-rounded individual ready to embrace future challenges and successes.

JP: Throughout my academic journey, I've earned numerous awards in science and math contests, received recognition for my leadership skills, and graduated as a valedictorian back when I was in elementary school. But when I go to high school, my school does not actively engage in science and math competitions. Now, as a student at Landy National High School, I'm just enjoying my high school life, gaining new skills and knowledge to help me pursue my goals in life.

DT: How did you learn about the International Student Science Project Competition that is organized by the Science Association of Indonesia?

YD, CDL, JP: I learned about the ISSPC from our coach, Sir Perry Angelo Manlapaz, and he's the one who encouraged us to participate in the said contest.  

DT: What made you decide to join as a group in the competition?

YD: The research study we submitted in the contest is a lot more complicated than it looks. We needed certain set of skills we can get through fellow student researchers, thus forming our group.

JP: I was added to the group because my expertise is needed in crafting our product. Every member of the group has their own role in our research.

DT: How did you come up with the research paper titled "Hydrocorals: An Epoxy Resin-coated Styrofoam as Artificial Coral Reef"?

YD: The province of Marinduque is characterized by its excellent geographical location, making it a haven for rich marine biodiversity to foster. However, this privilege was poorly handled and taken care of, resulting to numerous deaths of corals because of algae. Focusing on this specific problem, we came up with the idea of proposing a solution to a problem with another problem which is styrofoam. For its durability and cancelling out the buoyancy factor, we added the epoxy resin for its foundation. Through this, we are hitting two birds with one stone: creating an artificial coral made from epoxy resin-coated styrofoam.

CDL: The research paper stemmed from a collaborative effort inspired by the urgent need to address environmental challenges affecting the marine ecosystem, particularly in Santa Cruz, Marinduque, Philippines. The community in this area heavily relies on fishing for sustenance, making the decline of natural coral reefs a critical issue impacting their livelihoods.

Recognizing the detrimental effects of factors such as algae growth and unsustainable fishing practices on coral reefs, we were motivated to explore innovative solutions for reef restoration and revitalization. The concept of using epoxy resin-coated Styrofoam as artificial coral reefs, termed "Hydrocorals," emerged as a promising approach to mimic the structural complexity and habitat provided by natural coral reefs.

The research involved a multidisciplinary approach, combining knowledge from fields such as marine biology, materials science, and environmental engineering. Through extensive experimentation and field testing, we evaluated the effectiveness of Hydrocorals in providing suitable habitats for marine life and promoting ecosystem recovery.

The findings of our research paper underscore the potential of Hydrocorals as a sustainable intervention for reef restoration efforts, offering hope for the conservation of marine biodiversity and the preservation of coastal communities' livelihoods. This collaborative endeavor exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

JP:  It was inspired by the pressing environmental issues facing the marine ecosystem in the Philippines, particularly in Santa Cruz, Marinduque, where the local community relies heavily on fishing for livelihood. With the alarming decline in natural coral reefs due to factors like algae growth and unsustainable fishing practices, we felt compelled to find a solution to help restore and revitalize the marine ecosystem.

YD, CDL, JP: The idea for this research was initiated by our STEM alumni Kuya James Marco Paredes, Kuya Ram Andrie Palatino, and Ate Zaira Mae Retardo, who also served as STEM Mentors guiding us through the research process. Their insight and expertise played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the study.

DT: What were your thoughts when submitting your research paper to the competition?

YD: We did not have high expectations because we faced too many disappointments before, but we really felt the anxiety and of course, the never-ending hope that someone will actually appreciate the beauty of the research study.

CDL: When submitting our research paper to the competition, my primary focus was not solely on winning or for recognition. Instead, my thoughts centered on the larger purpose of our project: making a positive impact on our environment through the power of research and innovation. While winning would undoubtedly be a great honor, what truly mattered to me was the opportunity to contribute to the restoration and preservation of our marine ecosystem.

The prospect of inspiring others to take action and pursue similar endeavors was also forefront in my mind. I envisioned our research paper serving as a catalyst for change, motivating individuals and communities to explore sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. By sharing our findings and methodologies, we aimed to empower others to initiate their own initiatives aimed at protecting and nurturing the natural world.
Ultimately, submitting our research paper to the competition was about more than just competing for a title or prize. It was a declaration of our commitment to environmental stewardship and a testament to the belief that collective efforts, fueled by passion and determination, can indeed make a difference in the world.

DT: How did you learn that your entry was accepted and what was your reaction?

YD: After the submission of the research papers, the committee sent an email with the content containing information that our study was included as one of the finalists of the contest.

CDL: It was an exhilarating moment for our team. The news came to us via email a few days after submitting our entry, and it was met with a mix of nervousness, excitement, and determination.
The realization that our study had been recognized on an international platform validated the significance of our work and reaffirmed our belief in the importance of our research mission. It felt like a pivotal moment, a step closer to making a meaningful change in our environment and community. Despite the nerves, the excitement propelled us forward, fueling our determination to present our findings with confidence and passion.

Overall, learning that our entry was accepted as a finalist filled us with a sense of pride and purpose. It was a testament to the dedication and hard work we had invested in our research, and it served as a motivating force to continue our journey towards making a positive impact on the world. 

DT: How did you learn that your research paper won the gold award and what was the first thing you did?

YD: The committee announced the winners through their Facebook page, so we patiently waited and prayed that we would be included in the set of winners may it be bronze, silver, or even gold. As we saw the picture containing our faces and our research study posted for the first gold medal, we screamed and jumped like kids out of pure joy and disbelief. We then contacted our coach, as well as our families to deliver the news.

CDL: It took a moment for the realization to sink in. The first thing I did was to share the news with our coach, Sir Perry Angelo Manlapaz. I wanted to express my gratitude to him for his unwavering dedication, guidance, and belief in our potential. This victory meant more than just an award; it symbolized the power of determination, belief in oneself, and the importance of trust in both God and our abilities.

DT: What does this victory mean to you personally and as a student of Landy National High School?

YD: This victory means a huge deal to me. I have faced many failures and disappointments before that destroyed my self-esteem. I lost too many times in the past despite giving my best effort, which resulted in me losing trust in my own capabilities. This win definitely was a do-over for me and my mindset. As a student of Landy National High School, I am proud that I am a product of their teachings, because even though we are just a small mark in the map, we made a great impact in the international field through the school's excellence.

CDL: Personally, this victory holds immense significance as it validated the hard work, dedication, and passion we poured into our research. It proved that even as a simple student, I can make a difference and contribute to meaningful change. This victory signifies the school's commitment to nurturing and supporting students not just academically, but also in their personal growth and development.

JP: As a simple student, victory could mean successfully completing a challenging task, understanding a difficult concept, or achieving a desired grade. It's about overcoming obstacles and reaching personal goals in academic pursuits.

DT: What would be your advice or tips to other students who are interested in making a science research paper and joining a competition?

YD: Never give up and continue doing your best for every competition you participate in. Although failures and disappointments may set you back, the important thing is you keep going and continue your pursuit of greatness in learning in any field you're interested in.

CDL: To other students interested in making a science research paper and joining competitions, my advice is to believe in your capabilities and never be afraid to try. Embrace failures and disappointments as learning opportunities, and let them fuel your determination to keep pushing forward. Remember that making a difference often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks for the greater good.

JP: Keep on going even though there are so many obstacles. Just believe in yourself.

DT: What do you intend to do after graduating from high school?

YD: I would really love to pursue veterinary medicine after graduating high school because I am passionate of getting this career ever since I was a kid.

CDL: As I approach graduation from high school, my sights are set on college where I plan to pursue my dreams and aspirations. This experience has instilled in me a newfound sense of courage and confidence, reminding me that anything is possible with dedication, hard work, and belief in oneself. I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and eager to continue making a positive impact in whatever path I choose to pursue.

JP: I want to pursue my career as a mechanical engineer.