AN ALUMNA of Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School has encouraged the students to contribute to society by conducting quality research as the country lacks scientists.

“Alam naman natin ‘yung situation sa Pilipinas. Kulang tayo sa scientists, kaya they [NSTF participants] should practice or translate their work or knowledge dun sa research into something more tangible for the community and for the society,” Jesscel Mae Libiran, one of the winners during the National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF) said.

“I think ‘yung fulfilling part sa STEM is that you see your learnings and knowledge come to life parang nagta-translate siya into something practical na nagagamit natin everyday,” she added.

Libiran also said that the “Philippines needs more scientists and young researchers like us and like them to contribute sa [community].”

She was part of a team that participated in the International Science and Engineering Fair 2020 after their research was nominated as one of the Top 6 Best Projects in the Life Science Category at NSTF 2020.

The study titled “Hydrocotyle verticillate Reduces Ethanol Tolerance and Neurotoxic Effects on Cognitive and Motor Functions of Drosophila melanogaster” which was focused on reducing the effects of alcohol on a person to ensure that they still think well and avoid violent behavior.