by Vean Cordero || Photo Credit: SMT Fair Website
The Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) held its highly anticipated Science, Mathematics, and Technology (SMT) Fair with the theme “PSHS-EVC at 30: S&T Solutions towards a Sustainable Philippine Development” via Zoom last March 28 and 29, 2022.
This year’s SMT Fair was organized by the SMT Unit, led by Mrs. Leslie Cruto. They developed a website that served as the central platform for the two-day event. The fair commenced with an opening message from Campus Director, Ms. Yvonne M. Esperas. Keynote Speaker Mr. Michael Tonido also delivered a heartfelt message regarding his STEM career journey, inspiring students to continue pushing forward even when faced with adversity.
The interactive games for Grades 7 to 9 students, facilitated by Grade 10 students, were the highlights of the first day. The winners won SMT merchandise such as string bags, bucket hats, and tote bags.
“This year’s fair, being my batch’s first, was certainly a memory I’ll hold dear for the rest of my high school experience,” said Grade 7 student Samuelle Ysidore. “The games weren’t completely related to school, so it felt refreshing. My batchmates and I can’t wait to play the games prepared face to face and celebrate the fair together in person soon!”
The fair also had a research exhibit open for viewing to all students. The exhibit showcased the posters of two groups from the 12th grade containing the significant parts of their research study.
On the other hand, the highlight of the fair’s second day was the Research Congress of the Grades 11 and 12 students. The Grade 11 students had their research proposal defense in the morning, while the Grade 12 students had their research paper defense in the afternoon. The evaluators included PSHS-EVC teachers and guests from external institutions, who provided insights and suggestions for improving the students’ research proposals and papers.
“It was indeed helpful,” claimed Grade 11 student Daniel Aguilos. “We got experienced advice from our teachers on how to best improve our study by suggesting to try out more efficient methods and ways to conduct it.”
As an audience member, Grade 10 student Kyle Abello said that the research congress was bittersweet. “Bitter because we know we’ll be the next ones to experience that and sweet since it inspired me and gave a ton of new knowledge which we could use for our research.”
Simultaneously, students from Grades 7 to 9 had the Maker’s Fest in the morning and the Career Talk in the afternoon. The 1st and 2nd placers in the Mascot Design Challenge of the Maker’s Fest, Grade 9 students Zenas Agnilla and Faye Rhianna Avendaño, won cash prizes of Php 2,000 and Php 1,000, respectively.
Students then attended career talks of three accomplished guest speakers: Abe Ernest Johann E. Isagan, Eddie Francis Cesar Plaza, and Edwin Miguel S. Anadon. They shared their experiences in their respective fields, boosting the curiosity and willingness of the students to pursue and explore more STEM careers.
To conclude the event, Curriculum and Instruction Division Chief Anariza Gozon shared in her closing message the purpose of this year’s SMT Fair: “to showcase our dearest student body’s resiliency, innovation, and creativity amidst the global crisis.”
The Science Net 