Agusan del Sur students shine in China, win gold and bronze at global innovation expo

Lifestyle | Campus Posted on 2025-10-04 01:52:18

BEIJING – Filipino ingenuity took the spotlight in China as students from Patin-ay National High School (PNHS) in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, bagged gold and bronze medals along with a special award from Britain at the 2025 World Smart Industry Expo (WSIE): 4th Youth Patent Incubation Exhibition and International Exhibition of Inventions in Chongqing.

Despite limited resources, the PNHS research team competed in the Biotechnology and Medical/Health categories, showcasing innovations rooted in local plants.

Their project, “Violet Alingatong (Premna Odorata Blanco)”, a tonic plant with strong potential against diseases caused by oxidative stress, earned the Gold Medal of Appreciation. The winning team included students Mica Ato, Rich Evu Arevalo, Rosti Luce Russel Cifra, and Nalieyah Rowan Lucip.

Another project, “Insulin Plant (Costus Igneus)”, a neuro-leaf tea formulation designed to help combat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia, won the Bronze Medal of Appreciation and the “C for Change Association United Kingdom Special Award.” This was developed by Jhaner Juguilon, Jason James Tusoy, Rojan Kyle Quintas, Arabella Margaret Catalan, and Rexeth Keith Permale.

The students were guided by principal instructor Elaine Sansait, with assistant instructors Marilou Curugan, Jocelyn Sumalinog, and Araceli Reforsado.

Journey of sacrifice
The PNHS team’s path to the international stage was far from easy. They relied on borrowed laptops and secured much of their travel funds through the personal efforts of teachers, parents, local leaders, and donors. The WSIE organizers extended free accommodations and cultural tours, adding to the students’ learning experience.

Philippine Consul General in Chongqing, Ivan Frank Olea, personally met the team, assuring them that the consulate would prioritize support for science and technology initiatives in schools like PNHS—an encouragement that inspired the students to pursue more breakthroughs.

Pride for the nation
Competing against more than 3,000 innovations worldwide, PNHS’s victory was hailed as a triumph not just for their school, but for the country.

“Our youth have shown that Filipinos can compete with the best inventors globally. This is proof of the resilience, talent, and ingenuity of our students,” Sansait said, adding that the achievement is also a call for stronger government and private sector support in research and innovation.

The 2025 WSIE, held from Sept. 5 to 8, featured forums, exhibitions, competitions, and industry-matching sessions. More than 100 new products and technologies were launched across its five focus areas: intelligent and connected new energy vehicles, digital city management, robotics, smart living, and the low-altitude economy.

—NPO News Team | PNA-PR

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