TABUK, Kalinga (1 June) -- Proving that the Ykalingas could excel in the international level, Hester Mana Docasao Umayam, 16, took home the Fourth Grand Award for her research during the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) held at Albuquerque, New Mexico last May 13 to 18, 2007 (Mexico time).
In an interview, she informed that her research on ‘Ethnomathematics in the Geometric Pattern in Woven Fabrics of the Indigenous Kalingas of the Philippines’ won the award, along with five other Filipino students from the various science high schools in the country, who also won individual and team awards.
“We were only nine students representing the Philippines who qualified as finalists in the Intel ISEF fair and I was thankful to be one of them,” she said.
Umayam, a constant honor pupil at the Kalinga Christian Learning Center (now St. Tonis) related that she had joined several teams in trying to come up with a proposal but failed, so she decided to work on her own which later gave her the chance to be recognized in the international science fair.
“It was my adviser who gave me the idea on ethnomathematics,” she said relating that she has chosen to focus her study on weaving since it interests her and is one of the common traditional practices in the province.
“When I asked the help of weavers in the province with my study, I found out that they were not aware that mathematics is being applied in their patterns,” she disclosed explaining that this is an indication that these weavers even without formal education have an innate knowledge in mathematics.
Through her research, the incoming BS Statistics student of theUniversity of the Philippines aims to document the Kalinga culture.
“As observed, only a few are now practicing weaving in the province. This study is my contribution in preserving this tradition and I also hope to elevate the respect for Kalinga people who are often branded as ‘headhunters’ outside the province. We have to show them that the Kalinga culture is also worth of their appreciation,” the young mathematician expresses.
Umayam is also expectant that her study would likewise inspire mathematics teachers and students that math is not all figures and formulas but it also has its practical applications.
“My study intends to disprove the notion that mathematics is very difficult and boring. Through this research, I hope that teachers and students will learn to appreciate and realize that mathematics has also its practical applications like in the socio-cultural activities of ethnic group like the Kalingas,” she conveyed.
Sharing her thoughts on her achievements, she expressed that she could not still believe that she could accomplish that much.
“This experience is amazing and life changing. I could not still believe that I went to New Mexico not only to visit and have a vacation but I was also overwhelmed and a little bit pressured to think that I was there to represent our country in one of the biggest science fair in the world,” she excitedly shared about her first trip abroad.
Umayam informed that they were given $500 dollars. And as finalists in the Intel ISEF, a certificate and a medal were also given upon registration. (ggd/PIA-Kalinga) Source >> here
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