BPSU partners with BCNSHS in MOA Signing for the extension of SMART Calorimeter Training for Science Teachers

On November 5, 2024 Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) officially kicked off its partnership with the Balanga City National Science High School (BCNSHS) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement in a meeting titled “Signing of Memorandum of Agreement for the Extension of SMART Calorimeter Training for Science Teachers,” which aims to provide the school with BPSU’s newest advancement in the field of science, the invention known as the SMART Calorimeter.

Prof. Monica B. Tanchiatco-Hipolito, the Vice President for Research, Extension and Technology Transfer, led the BPSU delegation composed of staff from the Research and Development Office, Technology Entrepreneurship and Transfer Office, and the Extension and Training Services Office in an amicable meeting with the BCNSHS Principal, Dr. Janice D. Forbes, along with the Officer-in-Charge and Assistant Principal, Prof. Lorena L. Gaza.

Prof. Gaza opened the event with heartfelt gratitude towards BPSU and the Research, Extension and Technology Transfer offices for making this event a reality, serving as an inspiration for them to accomplish what BCNSHS offers to its students, which is quality education and a piercing focus towards science education.

Following Prof. Gaza’s opening remarks, Prof. Lucky Sonny A. Ligsanan, the Head of the Peninsulares Ethics Research Committee and the Proponent and Inventor of the SMART Calorimeter, presented the general overview of the technology extension and provided a fruitful discussion of the remarkable research behind the SMART Calorimeter’s invention. In a bid to make BCNSHS shine as an excellent science high school that embraces the newest technologies in the 21st century, Prof. Ligsanan expresses the excitement of BPSU in being able to help in this regard.

The SMART Calorimeter itself is an astounding technological innovation, as indicated in Prof. Ligsanan’s research titled “SMART Calorimeter: Improved Laboratory Equipment for Calorimetry Experiment in Physics.” This newest model is far more efficient compared to its older, aluminum counterparts and is far cheaper to produce as well, being able to construct it via the use of a 3D printer. Prof. Ligsanan expressed that this new invention is not only easy to use for both high school students and teachers, but it is also more experiential and fun to use. Furthermore, he stated that BPSU will commit itself fully into facilitating the training of its partner institution as well as oversee the distribution of the invention itself for use in the laboratory setting.

Dr. Forbes expressed her sincerest thanks to BPSU and towards VPRET Prof. Hipolito for taking the time and effort to bring such innovations to the school. As the principal, she spoke about the long road ahead for BCNSHS, having recently taken off in the field of science, and expressed the need for experts to be able to help not only the students, but also the teachers into learning how to properly use these newer, 21st century devices such as the SMART Calorimeter.

Prof. Hipolito also spoke of her experiences as a General Sciences major, resonating with the needs and mission of the BCNSHS officials in preparing for the future. Taking pride in the passion and creativity of the school, Prof. Hipolito praised their hard work and dedication towards their students, reminiscing how far the sciences and technological advancements have gone since her time as even the realm of physics become so exciting to learn about when discussed among those who share a deep passion towards the field.

The event ended with the MOA signing with Prof. Hipolito, Dr. Forbes, and Prof. Gaza, cementing the long and fruitful partnership between BPSU and BCNSHS. This astounding event is but one of the many more partnerships that BPSU hopes to cultivate, remaining committed towards extending the wealth of knowledge and expertise not only in Bataan, but even beyond. The bridge leading to the future is built on innovation, but the key towards it lies with the relationships we establish with our fellow schools and universities dedicated to providing quality education to all.