Students from Patin-ay National High School (PNHS) in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, brought honor to the Philippines after winning gold and bronze medals, along with a special award from the United Kingdom, at the 2025 World Smart Industry Expo (WSIE): 4th Youth Patent Incubation Exhibition and International Exhibition of Inventions held in Chongqing, China.
Competing in the Biotechnology and Medical/Health categories, PNHS presented two groundbreaking research projects. “Violet Alingatong (Premna Odorata Blanco),” a tonic plant seen to have potential against oxidative stress-related diseases, won the Gold Medal of Appreciation. The project was led by students Mica Ato, Rich Evu Arevalo, Rosti Luce Russel Cifra, and Nalieyah Rowan Lucip.
Meanwhile, “Insulin Plant (Costus Igneus),” a neuro-leaf tea formulated to help fight Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia, earned the Bronze Medal of Appreciation and the “C for Change Association UK Special Award.” Its research team included Jhaner Juguilon, Jason James Tusoy, Rojan Kyle Quintas, Arabella Margaret Catalan, and Rexeth Keith Permale.
Both teams were mentored by principal instructor Elaine Sansait with the support of assistant instructors Marilou Curugan, Jocelyn Sumalinog, and Araceli Reforsado.
Sacrifice and Perseverance
The PNHS team’s success was hard-earned. With scarce resources, the students relied on borrowed laptops and equipment, while travel expenses were shouldered through contributions from teachers, parents, local leaders, and donors.
The WSIE organizers provided free accommodations and cultural tours, giving the students a richer international experience. A highlight of their trip was meeting Consul General Ivan Frank Olea of the Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing, who pledged to support science and technology programs in schools like PNHS.
Filipino Ingenuity Recognized
Sansait said the victory against over 3,000 innovations worldwide proves the brilliance of Filipino youth.
“Our students showed that Filipinos can compete globally. This also calls for stronger government and private sector support in research and innovation,” she emphasized.
The 2025 WSIE, held September 5–8, featured exhibitions, forums, and industry sessions, launching more than 100 new technologies. For PNHS, the medals represent not just awards, but the enduring resilience and talent of the Filipino youth.
