PhilSci-WV studes get study grants from Pfizer
Dr. Anthony C. Leachon, M.D., Pfizer Medical and
Regulatory Affairs Director during the awarding
program.
Students from the Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas campus received research grants from drug giant Pfizer.
Six groups of student-awardees presented their studies funded by the drug company Friday afternoon at the schools's auditorium as part of the institution's activities in line with their 14th founding anniversary. They are this year's awardees of the PSHSWV-Pfizer Youth Science Research Program
PSHSWV is the first and only secondary school in the country to have received a research grant from the drug giant, Dr. Anthony C. Leachon, Pfizer Medical and Regulatory Affairs Director, said during a press conference held after the presentation.
"Since R&D plays a vital role in improving the lives of people and is largely valued in Pfizer, the PSHSWV-Pfizer Youth Science Research Program will encourage and provide opportunities for everyone, especially the youth, to come up with innovative concepts and be recognized for their work," said a statement from Pfizer.
Dr. Josette Biyo, PSHSWV director, expressed gratitude for the support of Pfizer.
Leachon said that their company spent P70,000 to finance the researches. Each group received P10,000, with the remaining P10,000 spent for miscellaneous expenses like printing and encoding.
All in all, the company allocated P2 million for a research grants extended to schools around the country.
At the same time, Leachon said that they are willing to spend more.
"That's P2 million down the drain, but its for research," he said.
He stressed though that no 'vested interests' in the outcome of the researches.
This is part of their so-called 'corporate social responsibility,' he added.
Leachon opined though that the researches could serve as 'templates' for further studies by government agencies or scientific societies.
The researches should be applied to help the country, he said.
The students, backdropped by a multimedia presentation showing pictures and illustrations related to their topic, discussed topics ranging from antibacterial property of crocodile serum to virgin coconut oil to seaweed extracts. Representing their group mates, Criselda Cruz, Bemboy Subosa, Camille Reyes, Hilda Medrano, Kimberly Abad, James Patrick Manejero, Matthew Arroz and Chariss Baes presented their research.