GOVPH

 Grade 11 scholar Jonyle Suriaga once again showed excellence in the international stage when he garnered the bronze medal during the 13th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) in South Korea, September 2. 

 The International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) engages students to show their proficiency and knowledge in the different geosciences through problem-solving and critical thinking. 

 Suriaga was one of more than 190 students who represented their respective countries in the IESO.

He and the other contestants underwent two major challenges which involved analysis and evaluation. On the last day, Suriaga was awarded the bronze medal.

  "The awarding was knocking on my doors. I couldn't breathe as they, one-by-one, call out the names of the winners. I didn't expect anything at all. But with the grace of God, with the teachings of my mentors, with the support of my family and friends, I managed to harvest the fruit of my labor. I won, " said Suriaga. 

During the competition, Suriaga was accompanied by Mr. Miguel Cano due to the unavailability of some of the Earth Science teachers. Prior to the competition, he shared he wasn't able to attend any training for the IESO and that he was lagging compared to the other contestants. 

 "The topics were so advanced. I was lagging behind my teammates, but I still continued to do my very best. The fact that I lack in knowledge makes me feel like I should not be up to compete. It was not a good feeling. But i fought thinking I have no other choice, but to push through. As my very close friend told me in every difficult struggle there is an equally important lesson learnt," said Suriaga.

“Nadevelop ang passion for work and dahil doon nainspire ako na kailangan kong magtouch din ng lives of other people, and as the head of PSHS-SRC, to inspire the faculty and staff and perhaps, also the students.” 

This was the motivation of Philippine Science High School - SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus (PSHS-SRC) Director Dr. Chuchi P. Garganera, Ph.D., as she joins the school for six more years with her reappointment as the campus director.

In an interview with Garganera on November 6 regarding her reappointment as director of PSHS-SRC, she discussed her inspiration to continue serving the school, learnings from the past six years, her plans for her second term, and her message to the scholars.

“For my second term, I am also inspired by the accomplishments of the students,” said Garganera. “SRC is a very young campus but we have done so much,” she added.

Moreover, in regards to her plans for the next six years, Garganera talked about requesting for additional lots of land to build more facilities like a laboratory for emerging technology and a demonstration farm, saying that it is important because agriculture is the niche of the campus.

Garganera also discussed raising the rank of the campus in the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) and increasing the participation of the scholars in international events and competitions.

“We would like to raise the ranking sa UPCAT. It may be an ambitious plan pero kailangan natin gawin,” she said.

Furthermore, Garganera also shared her learnings from the past six years in her personal and professional life, saying that she found it difficult to handle people and that even if you are the head of office, you have to learn to understand your people.

“In my six years, the most important things that I have learned are 2 things: number one is to have faith, always, in God and; number two, be brave, to be courageous because you accepted a challenge,” said Garganera.

“Accept the fact that it's true what they said, that it’s lonely at the top,” she added as a third learning.