MANILA, Philippines – A 16-year-old incoming high school senior won the coveted English Speaking Union’s (ESU) International Public Speaking Competition last Friday in London.
Gian Carlo Dapul, a student at the Philippine Science High School bested almost 60 participants from 35 countries with the competition’s theme, “New Frontiers.”
Dapul’s five-minute speech entitled, “Fish mucus and Foot Fungus” focused on how scientific research could serve as a cure-all for many of the world’s problems.
His speech also went well with judges for its oft-humorous lines.
For instance, while speaking about the “most expensive coffee in the world” which is gathered from the droppings of a civet cat, Dapul asked, “So, who’s had coffee with their breakfast?”
“If only we could make science fairs and contests as popular as the thriving ‘Pop Idol’ franchise. Although I’m not sure if Simon Cowell’s sardonic comments will sit well with my peers,’ he added in his speech.
Dapul is the second Filipino to have won the ESU competition following Patricia Evangelista in 2004. Evangelista is now a columnist and TV host.
During the question and answer portion following each of the delegates’ speeches, Dapul was asked about his stand on the morality of genetic research particularly stem cell.
He replied: “I believe that the challenges that morality presents is a bit dubious depending on your point of view. For example, what is better to not conduct stem cell research which would save lives or to conduct stem cell research which can cure cancer, Parkinson’s and many other diseases.”
“Controversy is caused by differing opinions it depends on where those opinions can meet in the middle because there is such a thing as ethical research. And this research can be pursued if ethics dictates that other types of research should not be pursued,” he added.
Dapul is set to formally receive his award on November at the Buckingham Palace.
Tags: Education, Gian Carlo Dapul, Young Achievers
