18/10/2025
๐๐๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ก๐ฌ ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐
The STEMLive 2025 STEM Student Research Conference was more than just a competition for Harrold King Talicug, a Grade 12 student from Mintal Comprehensive Stand Alone Senior High School (MCSASHS). It represented a milestone not only for him but also for his schoolโs reputation.
Despite the intimidating presence of competitors from eight different schools and the cold, tense atmosphere of the conference room, Talicug remained composed.
Ultimately, he was awarded the 2nd runner-up, a remarkable achievement at such a prestigious event held at the Center for the Advancement of Research in Mindanao (CARIM) Complex, University of the Philippines Mindanao.
Accompanying him was his research adviser, Maโam Rosallen Batingal, whose guidance and encouragement proved invaluable throughout his journey.
โMy adviser kept reminding me that this was very important for our school, especially for the STEM strand, because it could open doors for future collaborations with UP Mindanao. I hope I did my part to contribute to the betterment of our school,โ he shared with a proud smile.
Once a confident child during his early years, Talicug had lost some of that self-assurance over time. But this experience rekindled his confidence, igniting a new sense of purpose and determination.
Standing there, he saw himself as the confident young scientist he aspired to beโa reflection of growth and resilience. โBefore this, I only participated in contests when I was in elementary school, and I lost my confidence along the way. But because of this experience, that confidence has been restored,โ he said.
His path to success was paved with relentless training and perseverance. Every day was a challengeโendless rehearsals, strict guidance from his coach, and memorization amid the chaos of classroom distractions.
โI prepared by repeatedly reading my research paper, practicing mock presentations with my coach and classmates, and honing my skills in answering questions that my coach prepared for me,โ Harrold explained.
He refused to let fear overcome him. Instead, he faced each obstacle head-on, demonstrating unwavering dedication. His hard work paid off, culminating in this proud moment of victory and recognition.
Talicugโs journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and self-beliefโan inspiring story for aspiring young scientists and students everywhere.
Writer: Jannie Alvarado
Source: Cluster 6 Information Office
