BPI Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently recognized 30 college students for their works in developing scientific researches and innovations at the 30th BPI-DOST Science Awards. The students developed innovations and contributed researches that support global sustainable development goals with this year’s theme “Moving the Nation towards Sustainable Development through Science & Innovation” in mind.

Based on their academic performance, commitment to research, research problem, application and relevance, and scientific-technical soundness, the science award shortlisted 30 students to receive P10,000 and a medal. It identified the top 10 most promising entries to get an additional P15,000 and a certificate. Two were named “Best in Innovation” and received an additional P20,000 and a trophy. The Project of the Year Award received an additional P25,000 and a trophy.

“Through these awards, we hope to inspire more Filipino students to pursue scientific researches and innovations that contribute to building a stronger and more sustainable future for all of us,” said Maricris San Diego, executive director, BPI Foundation. “We believe that scientific advancements that start from addressing local realities and concerns have amazing potential to make an impact globally and uplift the human condition.”

Jay Patrick Nieles, BS Biology from UP Manila, received the Project of the Year award wherein he investigated how probiotics, specifically lactic acid bacteria, can be used in the treatment of colorectal cancer, one of the top causes of mortality in the Philippines.

Jay Patrick Nieles, BS Electronics Engineering from the University of Santo Tomas, and Christian Badua, BS Biology from UP Manila share the Best in Innovation award. Nieles was recognized for his innovation that helps locked-in syndrome patients communicate through a brain-computer typing interface that uses visual imagination of shapes and symbols. While Badua earned the award for his research on how probiotics, specifically lactic acid bacteria, can be used in the treatment of colorectal cancer, one of the top causes of mortality in the Philippines.

Jaime Gabriel Trazo, BS Chemistry from Ateneo de Manila University, he studied how agricultural by-products can be harnessed in making printed electronic applications as components for technological devices, for which he received the People’s Choice award.

Rounding up top 10 are Alex Retona, BS Electrical and Communications Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University; Chester Tantoco, BS Engineering, UP Los Banos; Christian Badua, BS Biology, UP Manila; Dewey Sia, BS Computer Science, Ateneo de Davao; Ryan Suplito, BS Engineering, UP Los Banos; Jay Patrick Nieles, BS Electronics Engineering, University of Santo Tomas; Jeremie Pearl Cruz, BS Chemistry, UP Diliman; Jody Adriene Dong-E, BS Information Technology, St. Louis University-Baguio;
Marc Anthony Reyes, BS Computer Science, Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan; and Marvin Serge, BS Computer Science, Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan.