by: Mrs. Genalyn Alice R. ViIoria

With her exceptional potential to excel in science and technology, Grade 11 Hannah Keren Duque was conferred the prestigious Da Vinci Science Award and Scholarship by ASEAN Center for the Gifted in Science (ACGS) based in South Korea.

The award is given to students who exhibit an extraordinary potential to excel in science and technology careers. It was first for the Philippines and for Philippine Science High School System.

The award was conferred by Dr. Sang Chun Lee, Chairman of the ACGS at the Apsara Palace Resort Conference Center, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia last October 28, 2016 during the awarding ceremony for the 71st ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST-71), 9th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology (IAMMST-9) and related meetings.

Duque was a part of the Philippine Team who placed 2nd overall during the ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey last June 12,-18, 2016 at University of the Philippines – Los Banos Campus.

Duque and Teo Siang Jun of Brunei Darussalam were selected from the pool of contestants during the APTJSO joined by 28 teams, each composed of three high school students aged 13-15, from ASEAN countries, as well as from China, Chinese Taipei, Korea and Sweden.

During the competition, each of the participants was observed and evaluated based on individual performances in the poster presentations, laboratory skills assessment and project pitching.

Duque received a plaque of recognition, medal, certificate and monetary prize. She was accompanied by Mrs. Genalyn Alice R. Viloria, her coach, Atty. Elmo T. Duque, her father, Dr. Fortunato T. Dela Pena, DOST Secretary, Dr. Rowena Christina Guevarra, DOST Undersecretary and other DOST officials.

The event was hosted by no less than H.E. Dr. Cham Prasidh and the Undersecretary of State of Minister of Industry and Handicraft of Cambodia.

According to Dr. Lee, it was just the second time that the award was conferred and the first awardees were from Singapore and Indonesia.