Legacy builders: What the DOST-SEI hopes the YES awardees will be

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Every year, the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Insitute (DOST) recognizes outstanding young Filipino minds in the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Awards. 

Conferred with YES medals, this recognition signifies DOST’s high regard for excellence in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).  This also serves as their badge of honor as their generation’s emerging STEM leaders and advocates.  

For over seventeen years, SEI’s aspiration has been clear: to build generations of learners who will champion the pursuit of scientific excellence in the country. This is exactly what the YES medals stand for: a symbol of inspiration to achieve the Filipino youth’s great potential and dreams. 

DOST-SEI Director Jayeel S. Cornelio delivers an inspiring message to the YES medalists during the awarding ceremony at the 2024 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration in Northern Mindanao. 

In his speech, DOST-SEI Director Jayeel S. Cornelio expressed this same aspiration, “Through this event, we hope to build the next generation of scientists who are committed to the welfare of the nation... While you are winning medals around the world, remember to serve this nation to show the world that the Philippines can be great again.”  

Furthermore, he emphasized that more than intellectual excellence, the Filipino youth should put value in their virtue and moral excellence. For him, “Intelligence is useless if not used beyond one’s gain and self-recognition. Instead, intelligence is more meaningful if used to make a difference.” 

Expanding Community 

In 2024, a record-feat of 2,504 young Filipino geniuses from various regions in the country were conferred the YES medals. This marks an impressive 18.45% increase from 2023’s record of 2,115 awardees. This is the only the second time that there are more than 2,000 recipients since the recognition rights began in 2007.  

Given this number, for the first time, DOST-SEI hosted three successive awarding ceremonies to recognize and celebrate the Filipino youth’s great feat in the international STEM scene. The ceremonies were conducted in Tacloban (Region VIII), Benguet (Region II), and Cagayan de Oro (Region X) in June, August, and November 2024, respectively.  

YES Awardees from Eastern Visayas [top], Cordillera Administrative Region [center], and Northern Mindanao [bottom] pose for a photo as they receive their medals during the awarding ceremonies conducted in the cities of Tacloban, Baguio, and Cagayan de Oro, respectively. 

Joining the celebration were the awardees’ parents and guardians, members of the science community. the academe, and the Institute’s valued partners from local STEM competitions. 

The annual celebration of the YES Awards forwards one vision: to call the Filipino youth to serve the nation through science and technology. It emphasizes public service that goes beyond mere recognition and moves people to action. More than this, the YES medals are the recipient’s lasting reminder of humility before excellence.  

Bacolod joins roadmap dev’t for PH film industry

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Bacolod City Government officials and Negrense filmmakers met with the Film Development Council of the Philippines and global creative industries research organization Olsberg•SPI to discuss the development of a strategic roadmap for the future of the country’s film industry.

Councilor Em Legaspi Ang, Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marty Go, Bacolod Film Festival (BFF) 2024 Director Seymour Sanchez, and Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions head Dr. Mae Ferrer-Llamas and colleagues Zabrina Bentley and Aisel Joyce Tupas welcomed Project Development Officers Rachelle Villaluna and Kianne Cho of the FDCP Policy and Planning Unit and Olsberg•SPI representatives Joshua Hines-Dedman and Kayleigh Hughes at the Office of the City Mayor last January 16.

The consultative meeting focused on the Bacolod filmmaking industry, the city’s pitch to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film, the recently concluded BFF, and proposals for a filmmaking workshop or bootcamp. 

The Bacolod City Government expressed its willingness to foster partnerships and collaborations to help further improve the city’s creative industry.

After the meeting, regional filmmakers and industry professionals from Negros Occidental gathered at Cinematheque Centre Negros to meet with the same team from FDCP and Olsberg•SPI for a separate group discussion organized by the Sine Negrense Film Festival.

FDCP is collaborating with Olsberg•SPI to come up with a roadmap that “will underpin the FDCP’s main priorities of strengthening the country’s domestic film industry and expanding the potential to attract more international productions.”

Filmmakers from BFF, Sine Negrense, Margaha Film Festival, La Salle Film Society, Hinigaran National High School, and others engaged “in meaningful discussions on workforce development, infrastructure, production incentives, distribution challenges, and sustainable practices in filmmaking” with the goal of strengthening the Philippine film industry and amplifying its presence on the global stage. 

Last year, ten filmmakers showcased their short films with the theme “Stories with a Smile” during the Bacolod Film Festival held at SM City Bacolod and Ayala Malls Capitol Central cinemas from September 12 to 15. “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” (The Barber’s Chair), written and directed by Vincent Joseph Entuna, won BFF Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

FDCP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes, who also headed the BFF 2024 jury, and Olsberg•SPI CEO Leon Forde signed a strategic roadmap partnership to “deliver goals and targets that will address challenges and gaps, and will also outline the strategic direction of the Philippine film industry in the next five to 10 years.”

A Heartbreaking Loss: Skating Team Among Victims of American Airlines Flight 5342 Tragedy

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The world of figure skating is in mourning following a devastating midair collision that claimed the lives of an entire skating team. American Airlines Flight 5342, en route to Washington, D.C., tragically collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29, 2025. None of the 67 individuals aboard both aircraft survived. Among them were 14 members of the U.S. figure skating community—rising stars, devoted coaches, and supportive family members—who were returning home from a national development camp.

This tragic loss has left an irreplaceable void in the sport, robbing the world of young talent and experienced mentors who had dedicated their lives to the ice.

A Sport in Mourning

U.S. Figure Skating confirmed the heartbreaking news, revealing that several promising skaters and coaches had been aboard the ill-fated flight. They had just attended the National Development Camp, a prestigious event held alongside the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.

In an emotional statement, the organization expressed its profound sorrow:

"We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts."

Vigils and tributes have begun across the nation as the skating community grapples with the shock of losing some of its brightest talents and most dedicated mentors.

Gone Too Soon: Remembering the Victims

Among those who perished were two young skaters who had already begun making names for themselves:

Jinna Ha of the Skating Club of Boston, a graceful and determined competitor with Olympic dreams.

Spencer Lane, a rising star from New York, known for his artistic expression and powerful jumps.

Both were accompanied by their mothers, who had been their biggest supporters in their journeys to the top.

Also lost were two legendary figures in the sport:

Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, former world champions whose contributions to the sport had inspired generations of skaters.

Their tragic deaths have left the skating world reeling, with tributes pouring in from athletes, coaches, and fans around the globe.

The Tragedy That Shook a Nation

The collision between Flight 5342 and the Black Hawk helicopter occurred just minutes before the jet was scheduled to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Air traffic control recordings revealed the shock and horror as controllers watched the disaster unfold in real time. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River, leaving behind no survivors.

Investigators are now working tirelessly to determine how such an unthinkable accident occurred. They are examining factors such as air traffic control communications, flight paths, and weather conditions.

Political Controversy: Trump’s Blame Game

In the wake of the tragedy, former President Donald Trump sparked outrage by politicizing the incident. He claimed—without evidence—that diversity hiring policies within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were to blame.

"This is what happens when you put diversity hires in charge of air traffic control," Trump stated.

His remarks were met with immediate backlash from aviation experts, lawmakers, and grieving families, who condemned the baseless accusations. FAA officials confirmed that there was no evidence of mistakes by air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport, and investigators have urged the public to await official findings.

A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten

As the figure skating community gathers to mourn, the loss of these young athletes and dedicated mentors is a painful reminder of life’s fragility. Yet, their passion, dedication, and love for the sport will live on in the hearts of those they inspired.

The ice may seem emptier today, but their legacy will continue to shine as a beacon of perseverance and excellence for future generations.

At this moment of sorrow, the world stands with the figure skating community, offering strength, support, and remembrance for those who will never be forgotten.