by: Christine V. Ordinario



Two senior students of PSHS-CVC won the bronze medal in the Philippine National Chemistry Olympiad (PNCO) on March 6, 2021.

Edrian Paul S. Liao and Luis Jerard Salum of 12-Eridani, along with Darylle Hope D. Galang (11-Polaris), represented the school in the annual chemistry competition.

Before advancing to the national level, Liao, Salum, and Galang needed to compete in the regional eliminations which was scheduled last January 30, 2021, but there were no contenders from any of the high schools in the region.

Unopposed, the three PSHS-CVC contingents automatically emerged as the region’s representatives, propelling them to the PNCO.

According to Mr. Mark Merrill N. Mesa, chemistry teacher and one of the coaches, since face-to-face classes are suspended, their preparations and reviews were conducted through Google Meet.

"This year's PNCO clearly compelled for a more challenging platform considering the new modality, the busy schedule of students and coaches, and most especially the dynamic set of questions the contestants immersed with. The most important caveat from this event that I would always cherish is the fun that came along with it. Seeing the students have fun learning, given their love-hate relationship with chemistry, made me realize that our efforts have truly come to fruition," quipped Mr. Mesa.

The teachers of the Chemistry Unit took turns in conducting online review sessions with the contestants.

Mr. Mesa was the registered coach of Luis Salum, Mr. Bryle C. Eusebio was the registered coach of Edrian Liao, and Ms. Maria Cristina C. Valeros for Darylle Galang.

Liao and Galang are both first–time contenders in the PNCO, while Salum is competing for his second time this year.

This year’s PNCO was participated in by 54 competing participants and 6 non–competing participants from 16 regions.

The PNCO top four scorers, which include one student from PSHS Main Campus and two from PSHS Central Mindanao Campus, won the gold and will compete in the 53rd International Chemistry Olympiad on July 24 to August 2, 2021 to be hosted by Japan.#