Cecile M. Genove

Today's corporations are not just content with their mission to be a corporate or financial leader. Like the Bank of the Philippine Islands, for example, it is more than a financial institution, and like many of its kind, the bank is also aware and conscious of its corporate social responsibility. Thus, when the BPI Foundation was established in 1978, part of its mission was the uplift of the social and spiritual well-being of the community – whether it is the town or city where it operates, or the country as a whole.

Because the Bank of the Philippine Islands believes that science, research, and technology development are essential components in nation-building, it partnered with the Department of Science and Technology to institute the annual BPI-DOST Science Awards to encourage budding scientists and researchers to scale higher levels of excellence in their chosen fields.

With its inception in 1989, the Awards has recognized and given incentives to outstanding young men and women from all over the Philippines whose efforts made them excel in specialized fields of science, namely in the fields of mathematics, physics, engineering, chemistry, biology, and computer science.

Each year, three exceptional students from leading universities and colleges nationwide are selected for their achievements in their respective fields. To date, over 500 science awardees have been recognized because of their potential contributions to industry and nation-building. An awardee is selected on the basis of his academic performance and must be nominated by the academic institution.

This year, two graduating seniors of Silliman University’s College of Engineering and Design were bestowed the awards in fitting ceremonies at the SU Audio-Visual Theater recently. The awardees are Alan Ricardo and John Lawrence Sun, who are both in their last years in the degrees of BS Mechanical Engineering and BS Computer Engineering, respectively.

They were given a plaque of recognition, cash incentive of P25,000 (to be deposited in their BPI ATM accounts), and an offer for a position as a junior officer (equivalent to assistant manager) in any BPI branch after they graduate. Presenting the awards were Eduardo Jose Jr., senior vice president of BPI and executive director, BPI Foundation together with Dr. Ben Malayang III, president of Silliman University.

On hand to also give out the awards were Prof. Mirasol Magbanua, chair of the SU Biology Department and chair, BPI-DOST Science Awards Committee; Engr. Tessie Cabije, dean, SU College of Engineering and Design; and, Engr. Gilbert Arbon, provincial director, Department of Science and Technology.

In an article about Ricardo in the brochure featuring this year’s 29 awardees coming from the 10 partner universities of BPI and DOST, he described himself as “self-motivated, hard-working, people-oriented, and dynamic.;

He was quoted as “loving to do research, innovate, and invent.; He said it does not take a genius to do these. “It only needs determination and patience to accomplish things accordingly,; Ricardo opined, believing that science and technology is the ultimate key to ensure national security, economic and social stability.

His thesis, “An Investigation of the Calorific Value of Acacia Leaves and Its Utilization as an Alternative Biomass Fuel for Wood Stoves,; involves the fallen acacia leaves found within the campus of Silliman University. “Because these leaves are aplenty, why not turn them into something useful?; challenged Ricardo.

As he explained, “It helps promote the use of renewable energy. The leaves will undergo a series of processes to turn them into fuel, and will ultimately be used for cooking.; He disclosed that he chose this type of a project because it is environment-friendly, economical, beneficial, and marketable.

The project also lessens waste in the area. He adds, “People can save money through this. They will be able to appreciate and value the importance of biomass energy.;

Calling this achievement as one of the most glorious moments of his life, he looks up to Albert Einstein as his role model and lists mixed martial arts, basketball, singing, dancing, and dabbling in music as his pastime.

      On the other hand, Sun, the son of a businessman and accountant, dreams of becoming an inventor and a teacher someday. He also plans to pursue graduate studies and set up his own business.

His thesis, “Development of a Transaction Automation Program for Fastfood Vending Machines,; combines the best elements of entrepreneurship and computer technology.

“My research project is about developing an automation program for vending machines, with a special focus on the fastfood business. It is a software program that will allow cashless transactions by using reloadable prepaid cards. Business establishments will be able to keep track of their sales,; Sun explained.

According to him, his thesis gave him the opportunity to apply everything he has learned in his course through a single project. He adds, “This software program will also account for the sales property leading to proper tax collection. I would like to think that, in the end, this will solve the problem of tax evasion in the Philippines.;

Sun acknowledged the high quality education he is getting from Silliman University upon being told that he won the BPI-DOST Science Award.

His model scientist is Benjamin Franklin, saying that he too wants to discover something that would change the world, just like when Franklin discovered electricity.

Aside from computers, Sun loves sports, solving puzzles, and enjoys good music.

Now on its 19th year, the BPI-DOST Science Awards are given to the top three senior students of 10 leading universities in the country. Aside from Silliman University, the other universities are Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, St. Louis University, University of the Philippines Diliman and Los Baños, University of San Carlos, University of Santo Tomas, and Xavier University.

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