Philippine Embassy Welcomes PH High School 1st Prize Winner of 2024 SEAMEO-Japan Award
Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus (center) with the student proponents of the Pasay City National Science High School’s (PNSHS) “Project Vinculum”; school principal, Dr. Mark Familiaran (6th from left); PNSHS teachers; and officials of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO)-Japan, and Koei Research & Consulting.
TOKYO, 24 September 2025 – The Philippine Embassy, represented by Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus, welcomed students and faculty of the Pasay City National Science High School (PNSHS) during their courtesy call on 16 September 2025.
DCM De Jesus extended the Embassy’s congratulations to PNSHS for winning first prize in the 2024 Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO)-Japan Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Award. The school bested 161 participating schools from ten Southeast Asian countries with its entry entitled “Project Vinculum,” which embraced and strengthened science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)-focused education through community engagement and partnerships with both the public and private sectors, by way of initiatives that contribute to achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs).
“Project Vinculum and winning first prize in the 2024 SEAMEO-Japan ESD are a testament to excellence in education of your school and its student proponents. The way PNSHS was able to connect STEM education with real-life community priorities and the SDGs is truly impressive and meaningful. I hope this experience and your activities in Japan will inspire you to continue working for the betterment of the Philippines and our countrymen,” said Deputy Chief of Mission De Jesus.
Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus (center) with the student proponents of the Pasay City National Science High School’s (PNSHS) “Project Vinculum”; school principal, Dr. Mark Familiaran; PNSHS teachers; and officials of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO)-Japan, and Koei Research & Consulting, during the courtesy call.
Project Vinculum’s five-pronged approach “Project Abante”, “Project Binhi”, “Project Buklod”, “Project Likha”, and “Project Sibol”, targeted SDG goals on gender equality and reducing inequalities; climate action, life below water and life on land; partnership for goals; sustainable cities and communities; and quality education. A total of 706 students participated in the initiative. The project brief was presented by PNSHS to the Embassy.
Pasay City National Science High School presented “Project Vinculum” to the Philippine Embassy during the courtesy call.
The four (4) student project proponents were, Mr. Xyrel James Canonoy, Mr. Zyrriel Josh Coronel, Ms. Elyzza Marie Esteban, and Mr. Neil Josh Icaro. They were guided by PNSHS school principal, Dr. Mark Familiaran, and teachers, Ms. Maria Theresa Estilong and Ms. Rexielle Joy Villareal.
PNSHS visited Japan from 15 to 19 September 2025 as part of its award. The group’s activities include visits to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), UNESCO Associated School educational institutions, and environmental facilities.
The courtesy call was arranged by MEXT, represented by Ms. Ai Chuman, Senior Specialist for Development Cooperation; and Ms. Rina Nagashima. Ms. Chunkan Benchaporn, Program Assistant of SEAMEO-Japan, Mr. Yuki Morishita, and Ms. Sayaka Suzuki of Koei Research & Consulting also accompanied the group.
The SEAMEO-Japan ESD Award aims to promote ESD in Southeast Asia through the participation of primary and secondary or high schools in the region. For the 2024 edition, the theme of the Award was “Promoting Lifelong STEM Learning through Community Engagement”.
