Four young Filipino students bag awards at 2009 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Among these students are: Angeli Joyce Yap-Dy, 14, of Capiz National High School; Jovani Tomale, 16, of Davao City National High School; and the team of Kevin Jer David, 16, and Orven Jules Dumaoang, 16, of the Philippine Science High School Diliman Campus.

The said students were selected from a field of 1,563 young scientists from 56 countries for exhibiting a true commitment to science and technology innovation.

Angeli received a 2nd Special Award from the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, taking home a $1000 cash prize. Jovani also received a 2nd Special Award, this time from the American Statistical Association, which gave a $500 cash prize. The team of Kevin and Orven meanwhile received a Grand Award in the Plant Sciences category, which carried a cash prize of $500.

Jovani's Mathematical Models for the Gender Determination of Philippine Eagles (Pithecophaga jefferyi) demonstrated a mathematical algorithm by which the gender of the Philippine Eagle could be determined. His study is expected to prove useful in the breeding of the endangered national bird.

Kevin and Orven's study, Screening for Quorum Sensing Inhibitors from Surface-Associated Bacteria of Halymenia durvillaei, looked into the process by which disease-causing bacteria communicate and how this communication process can be disrupted so that the bacteria becomes less resistant to antibiotics and cannot cause diseases.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said that they salute young scientists who again made the country proud in international science fair. They also congratulate Intel for being a strong partner of DepEd in helping develop a culture of science, math and engineering research in our schools.

This kind pf competition for young scientists is being held annually to elevate the recognition of achievement of the younger generation in academic and learning exercises. With this, it is expected that more young people will look at these students and realize they can be recognized for using their brains. [via PIA]