MAKATI CITY, Philippines—The University of the Philippines Diliman continued its dominance at the annual Bank of the Philippine Islands-Department of Science and Technology (BPI-DOST) Science Awards with two studenst making it to the finals.

Physics student Mickhail Solon and biology student Marvin Masalunga, both from UP Diliman, were awarded first and second runner-up, respectively.

Meanwhile, Stephen Michael Co, a biology student at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), won first runner-up.

In an interview, Solon said his research project titled, “Analysis of Selected Nonlinear and Non-local Systems,” offers a platform for further studies on how sub-atomic particles behave in USB flash drives.

Solon said he is happy that the value of curiosity-driven research like his was recognized in this year’s awards.

A fan of Albert Einstein and Richard Feynman, Solon said his study is “mainly a piece of fundamental research in theoretical physics,” which he stressed is important in understanding how nature works.”

When asked why he chose to do a research on physics, Solon replied: “Doing Physics is just as addicting, interesting, challenging and fun as playing with Lego when I was a young boy. Hard questions excite me.”

Solon has already published his paper in science journal “Physics Letter” in 2008.

In the future, he plans to research on quantum mechanics and work in a biotech company before going to Cambridge University.

Meanwhile, Co is passionate about solving a 75-year-old problem in the local coconut industry, which led him to his work on “Design and Construction of a Synthetic Coconut Cadang Cadang Viroid cDNA.”

A follower of programs in Discovery Channel, Co said 30 million palm trees are lost annually in the industry due to the “cadang cadang” disease, which causes the yellow-bronzing and broom-like appearance of coconut leaves, as well as stunted plant growth.

“The cadang cadang disease is unique to the Philippines. The challenge of finding a solution to the long-standing and under-studied problem has inspired me,” Co said.

Co hopes further research on what he started would allay fears and concerns of countries that have barred Philippine coconuts.

Masalunga, for his part, said his molecular diagnostics study, dubbed “Genetic Diversity of Philippine Trichomonas vaginalis Isolates using the 5.8s Ribosomal RNA gene” marked the start of his search to find a solution to the cause of trichomoniasis, a commonly overlooked sexually transmitted disease.

“The rate of infection is alarming but we do not have enough information on the disease,” Masalunga said.

His study involved collecting swab samples from sex workers in Angeles City, Pampanga with permission from the Department of Health, a local hospital and patients.

Other finalists this year include Physics student Stein Alec Baluyot of ADMU, Computer Engineering student Ryan Joseph Bitanga from De La Salle University and Biology student Bernard Demot of Saint Louis University.

“Together, we should look at the same value of science for the society and having the heart for social responsibility,” said Ester Ogena, director of DOST-Science Education Institute, in an interview.

“This year, the support of BPI to three student researches in the 10 partner universities is P25,000 each, amounting to a total of P75,000 per school,” added Ma. Celitas Jacob, associate director of BPI Foundation Inc.

On March 11, winners will receive their cash prizes of P50,000 for best project of the year, P30,000 for first runner up and P10,000 for second runner up.

The best project of the year will also receive P200,000 from DOST.