CHEM MAJOR ALERT! BS Chem Freshie Wows Science Debaters

Gil Anthony E. Aquino, a freshman BS Chemistry major and a graduate of Philippine Science High School (Nueva Vizcaya Campus), won in the recently-concluded "The Great Science Debate"--an interschool debate competition organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) as part of its celebration of the 2006 National Science and Technology Week held at the Philippine Trade Training Center from July 17-21, 2006 with the theme: "Saving Lives, Improving Lives through Science and Technology." Gil Anthony defeated fellow DOST scholar-competitors from the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the Technological University of the Philippines.

"The Great Science Debate" was part of the interactive exhibit of the Science Education Institute which aimed to serve as avenue for the youth, particularly their scholars, to express their opinions and arguments on controversial issues that can be viewed as either beneficial or detrimental to life.

The competition was a three-day activity with scholars representing two schools each day to debate on a certain issue. Winners for Day 1 (Ateneo) and Day 2 (PUP) moved on to the final debate on the third day, with Ateneo emerging as the grand winner.

July 18          Ateneo vs UP         Cloning is Good for Mankind
July 19          PUP vs TUP         Nuclear Energy is Necessary for the Development of the Country
July 20          Ateneo vs PUP         Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) as Food are Safe

The awarding ceremony was held last July 21, 2006 at the Philippine Trade Training Center, with Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro (DOST Secretary), Dr. Jaime C. Montoya (Chairperson of the 2006 NSTW Committee on Awards and Recognition), and Dr. Ester B. Ogena (Director of Science Education Institute) presenting the awards.