By: Dee Yudelmo and Edward Benagua of The Paulletin
St. Paul University Iloilo’s Senior High School Department recently celebrated their annual SCIMATH event, embracing the theme “The Paulinian Quest: Navigating New Realms with Science and Math.” This academic event highlighted the integral role that science and math play in Pauline education and aimed to promote collaboration and camaraderie among students. To foster a sense of friendly competition and teamwork, the participants were divided into three elemental groups—fire, water, and air.
The day’s festivities began with a colorful parade of teams and characters, setting the tone for an exciting and enriching event. The parade allowed each elemental group to showcase their team spirit and creativity as they introduced themselves to the crowd, with participants embodying the energy of their respective elements. The vivid representation of fire, water, and air marked the start of an eventful day.
The official opening of the event was marked by the Gleaners Prayer, immediately followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Ms. Maria Angiela Limbaga, LPT, delivered the opening remarks, warmly welcoming the students and setting a positive tone for the day ahead. As each elemental group geared up for the activities, they expressed their enthusiasm with spirited cheers and yells, igniting the excitement that would carry on throughout the day.
The academic competitions began with “Discentia: The Ultimate Science Debate,” a thought-provoking match that saw Grade 11 and Grade 12 students engage in intellectual sparring. The debate allowed students to share their insights and perspectives on various scientific topics, demonstrating their critical thinking and communication skills.
Next on the program was the Sci-Math Quiz Bee, where students’ knowledge of science and math was put to the test. Participants tackled challenging questions, showcasing their expertise in these essential subjects. The morning session concluded with the Amazing Race, a fast-paced and physically demanding event that tested students’ teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
The afternoon session commenced with more dynamic activities designed to engage both mind and body. Students competed in the Rubik’s Cube Race, testing their speed and dexterity in solving the classic puzzle. This was followed by the Human Tic-Tac-Toe and Number Relay games that combined strategic thinking and coordination.
The highlight of the afternoon, however, was the much-anticipated DRRMatization. Each elemental group took to the stage, showcasing their creativity and acting abilities through dramatizations based on real-life disaster scenarios. The performances were both educational and entertaining, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness and response.
The Fire group captivated the audience with a dramatic portrayal of a fire outbreak, bringing the dangers of fire to life in a striking way. It was both thrilling and attention-grabbing. The Water Group followed with a powerful dramatization of a flood, highlighting the devastating impact of natural disasters. Presenting a detailed performance by drawing inspiration from the “Yolanda” typhoon. Finally, the Air Group stole the show with an exhilarating performance depicting a flight disaster. Their daring and imaginative approach to the theme garnered the most applause from the audience, securing their spot as crowd favorites.
As the SCIMATH event drew to a close, the Paulinian Supreme Student Government (PSSG) surprised the students with an exciting teaser for the upcoming Senior High School Week. The teaser introduced mythological tribes—Egyptian, Norse, and Greek. Building anticipation and excitement among the students. This sneak peek heightened the sense of community and school spirit, leaving everyone eager for the next big event.
The day concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Richie Piñero, LPT, who commended the students for their participation and enthusiasm. The event ended with the Paulinian Prayer, a fitting close to a day filled with learning, teamwork, and fun.
The SCIMATH event at St. Paul University Iloilo not only underscored the importance of science and math but also reinforced the value of unity, creativity, and collaboration among students. It was a day of both intellectual and personal growth, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.