Campus

UPHSI TEAMS BREAK INTO TOP 20 AT UP ALCHEMES RESEARCH FAIR 2025

/ 5 February 2025

TWO teams from the University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo (UPHSI) secured spots in the Top 20 of the Research Competition at the UP Alchemes Research Fair 2025.

Competing in the Physical Science Category, one of three major divisions alongside Life Science and Applied Science, UPHSI made a strong debut in the prestigious event.

Out of 193 research entries, the team of Alyssa Jane Gimeno, Theodore Alexis Juliano, and Julia Zacal presented their study on “Raw Kapok Fiber and Dried Luffa Sponge as Composite Materials for Natural Oil Adsorption.”

Meanwhile, the team of John Emmanuel Ocastro, Reese Klyde Malaki, and Venetta Jane Rodrigo showcased their research on “Efficacy of Green Mussel Shells as an Adsorbent in Coconut Oil Refinement.”

The competition had three stages:

  1. Poster presentations by the Top 20 teams
  2. Closed-door defense for the Top 6
  3. Final round between the top two teams

UPHSI’s teams performed strongly, with Gimeno et al. placing 11th and Ocastro et al. finishing 15th.

The students were mentored by research adviser Asst. Prof. Myla Fe Pinuela and guided by Prof. Raphael Belleza, Prof. Leopoldo Ayukil III, and research consultants Prof. Pilar Mercedes Retiracion and Prof. Nathaniel Añasco.

With the theme “Golconda: Polishing the Innovative Facets of the Filipino Youth,” the three-day event gathered junior and senior high school students nationwide for scientific competitions, quizzes, and discussions.

Since its founding in 2001, the UP Alchemes Research Fair has provided young Filipino researchers with a platform to explore innovation and scientific excellence.