Wikipedia

Josette Biyo

Filipina educator in the sciences; namesake of asteroid

Dr. Josette T. Biyo (born 1958; née Talamera) is a Filipino educator and former executive director of the Philippine Science High School System. She has received international recognition for her contributions to science and education.[1][2][3]

Early life and academics

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Josette Biyo was born on January 19, 1958, in Januiay, Iloilo. She earned her bachelor's degree in biological sciences from the University of the Philippines Visayas in Miagao, intending to continue to medical school. Instead, she took a teaching post and afterward earned a Ph.D. in biology from De La Salle University in Manila.[2] Her dissertation examined seagrass community dynamics on Guimaras Island.[4]

In 2004, Biyo was conferred with an honorary doctorate in humanities by the Manila Central University.

Career

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After her research ended, Biyo spent eight years teaching in a rural community in her home province, Iloilo.[1] She used her knowledge of biology to educate the residents in primary health care using local plants and ingredients.

In 1995, Biyo accepted a science teaching position at the Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus. In her three years there, she developed and refined a unique educational philosophy that fosters a "culture of science". She also organized teaching trips for educators on the island of Panay. She was invited to Laos and Cambodia to speak, and developed a formal method of science teaching and research.[1]

Biyo served as the executive director of the Philippine Science High School System from October 17, 2011 to March 31, 2014. Afterwards, she became the director of the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute.[5][6]

Biyo science research teaching method

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Biyo's methodology encourages students to adopt several learning and life behaviors, in order to maximize their career potential.

  • Build a physical library of science books
  • Conduct field studies that ask interesting and difficult questions
  • Establish personal connections with research institutions and laboratories
  • Hold science forums in and after school
  • Teach students field and lab techniques to aid in research work.

Biyo's mentorship and teaching methods have cultivated noteworthy scientists in diverse fields of research, including oceanography, marine life, physics, and robotics.[1]

Awards and honors

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  • Outstanding Teacher of the Philippines, 1997[7]
  • Ten Outstanding Young Filipinos, 1998 (Philippine Jaycees and Gerry Roxas Foundation)[8][9]
  • International Excellence in Teaching Award during the ISEF in 2002[10]
  • Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES), 2004
  • Distinguished Lasallian Award, 2004
  • "Women of Distinction Award", 2004 (Soroptimist International)
  • Fil-Up Award, 2004 (Global Doors Foundation)
  • Doctor of Humanities (honoris causa), 2004 (Manila Central University)
  • Philippine American Foundation Friendship Award, 2004 (National Press Club)
  • Presidential Award, 2007 (Philippine College of Physicians)
  • Lingkod Bayan Award, 2007 (Civil Service Commission)
  • Special Award, 2007 (Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service)
  • 50 Great Men and Women in Science, 2008 (Department of Science and Technology)
  • National Award for Community Service, 2008 (Rotary Club of Makati)
  • Honorary Fellow, 2009 (Philippine College of Physicians)

The Florian main-belt asteroid 13241 Biyo, discovered by LINEAR at Lincoln Lab's ETS in 1998, was named in her honor. The naming was part of the International Excellence in Teaching Award she received during the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in 2002.[3][7][10][11] The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 24 July 2002 (M.P.C. 46109).[12]

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References

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  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Guillermo, Artemio R. (2012). Historical Dictionary of the Philippines. Scarecrow Press. pp. 78–79. ISBN 0810872463.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "DR. JOSETTE T. BIYO" (PDF). Republic of the Philippines - Civil Service Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 25, 2014. Retrieved September 16, 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Schmadel, Lutz D. (2007). Dictionary of Minor Planet Names – (13241) Biyo. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. pp. 794–795. ISBN 978-3-540-00238-3. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  4. ↑ http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=543206[permanent dead link]
  5. ↑ "SEI director discusses scholarship grants; IRC pays tribute to former PSHSS Executive Director". irc.pshs.edu.ph. Philippine Science High School Ilocos Region Campus. Archived from the original on 11 October 2019. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  6. ↑ S&T Media Service, DOST-STII (12 October 2014). "New PSHS system exec takes oath with new campus directors". Department of Science and Technology. Archived from the original on 12 April 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Dr. Biyo". Official website of the Municipality of Janiuay. Retrieved September 16, 2015.[permanent dead link]
  8. ↑ Lubiste, Ma. Diosa (June 16, 2002). "Winning Teacher Lauded in Home Province". Philippine Daily Inquirer. No. 188. Retrieved September 16, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Three Lasallian educators receive 2nd Metrobank Foundation honors". De la Salle University Newsletter. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2015.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Fernandez, Rudy (2 February 2003). "Small planet named after Pinoy science teacher". Philippine Star. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  11. ↑ Biyo, Josette (2005). A Trip to Planet Biyo. Enthos Publishing House.
  12. ↑ "MPC/MPO/MPS Archive". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
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