Research teams from Lasip National High School and Pangasinan National High School in Lingayen, Pangasinan, garnered various medals at the International Environment Young Investigator 2024 held in Taiwan.

The event featured participants from 21 countries.

The Pangasinan National High School team brought home an impressive haul of one Platinum, one Gold, one Silver, two Bronze medals, and a Special Award from Russia.

Meanwhile, the Lasip National High School team won a Bronze medal along with Special Awards from Japan and Vietnam.

Among the research team members were Grade 11 student Wayne Mina and Grade 12 student Mark Erick Dela Cruz, who showcased their invention for fruit fly eradication.

”Masayang-masaya dahil nagkaroon kami ng opportunity to represent our school — not [just] our school, but the farmers, community, and also the Philippines,” Dela Cruz said.

”Masaya at nakalabas ako sa comfort zone ko. Marami kaming nakilala, tas maraming naging friends na mula sa ibat-ibang bansa,” Mina added.

This was the first time Lasip National High School participated in an international competition. 

“Ang mga batang ito ay performing [good] naman sa klase. Si mark, siya ang SSLG president. Si wayne talagang performing well, siya ay junior high school,” Joyce Arce, Principal III of Lasip National High School, said.

The victorious research teams returned to the Philippines on August 9, 2024, where a welcome celebration awaited them.