  Excerpts from "The Power of the Human Spirit Because we all need some optimism in the coming days... here are some excerpts :) The following is a very inspiring and positive speech of Dr. Josette Biyo, the guest speaker during San Miguel's Best Practices Forum held at the Edsa Shangrila recently. Dr. Biyo is a public school teacher from Iloilo who won the Intel Excellence in Teaching award in the US, besting 4,000 candidates from all around the world. When asked by the judges why a Phd holder like her opted to teach in a public school in Iloilo, her response was, "And who would teach the kids? " "The Power of the Human Spirit" Dr. Josette T. Biyo , 24 October 2003, Edsa Shangrila, Manila Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I am here to talk about "The Power of the Human Spirit. " Indeed, the human spirit has no limits.
If you dream big, and you have the determination and the will to pursue your dream, it will become a reality. I dreamt of making stars; I was given a planet. A few months ago, I was featured in the local, national and international newspapers. I caused a stir to be the first Asian teacher to win the "Intel Excellence in Teaching Award" in an international competition held in the U.S. Since its inception in 1997, no Asian teacher has received this award. But I think what created waves was, I am a Filipino, and I defeated 4,000 other teachers from around the world, including the American finalists in their hometown.
Because of this, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory in Boston named a Minor Planet in my honor. There is now a Planet Biyo rotating around the sun which is located between Mars and Jupiter. In Kentucky, I presented to the panel of judges and to about 150 teachers from all over the world my method of teaching Science Research to my students in Iloilo. I told them that the Philippines is a third world country blessed with abundant natural resources. However, we face problems such as the rapidly declining environment and the lack of equipment and facilities for scientific endeavors. Faced with this situation, I introduced innovations and strategies for teaching the course.
These innovations included: a) building a scientific library, b) conducting field studies, c) establishing linkages with research institutions in the country, d) holding science forums in school, and e) teaching students laboratory and field techniques which would help them in the conduct of their research work. I went to Kentucky with three high school students from the Manila Science High School, and one student from the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology. These students competed in the International Science and Engineering Fair which was held back to back with the teaching competition. The students from Manila Science competed for a team project in Physics, while the student from Iligan competed for the individual category in the field of Microbiology. These students were competing with 1,200 other students from around the world. May 17, 2002 was a glorious moment for the Philippine delegation in the U.S.
When it was announced that the student from Iligan won second place grand award for Microbiology, our delegation was ecstatic. When it was announced that the students from Manila Science won first place grand award for Physics, our group was delirious. When the grand award for "Excellence Teaching" was announced, and for the first time in the history of the event an Asian teacher won, and a Filipino, there was a standing ovation from the crowd as the Philippine flag was waved in the air. Let me show to you the scenario during the first day of the teaching competition. When I entered the judging area, one table in front was occupied by the board of judges. At the right side of the room, the table was occupied by the finalist from China and her supporters.
The table at the left side was occupied by the finalists from U.S. and their supporters. The center table for the Filipino finalist was empty. I sat there alone. I went to the U.S. bringing a CD for my presentation. I also brought some transparencies and a white board pen in case my CD won't work. Coming from a third world country, I was prepared for the worst.
It turned out; I was the only finalist without a notebook computer. Luckily, one American finalist lent me his computer; but before doing so, he gave me a brief lecture on the parts of the computer and its use. I was the fourth presenter. When it was my turn to present, a panel member asked if I needed an interpreter. I said, "No thanks. " Personnel from Intel volunteered to run my presentation.
I said, "I can do it. " After my presentation, they said, "Wow, you're so cool. You know more than us! " What am I telling you? That despite our country's limited resources, Filipinos can compete globally given the proper training, support and exposure. Our winning at the international scene may not reflect the general condition of science education in the country.
But with our concerted efforts, my dear fellowmen, we can move this country forward and show the world that we are a globally competitive race. Last May, I was in Cleveland, Ohio to present my methods of teaching to 150 teachers from 17 countries. I also served as the team facilitator for the Spanish-speaking teachers from Brazil, Costa Rica and Argentina. Last August, I gave a demonstration lesson to educators from the third world countries of Laos and Cambodia. In winning this international award, I do not claim to be the best teacher of the land. There are thousands of best teachers out there, working silently, giving their hearts to teaching, without thinking of benefits or rewards.
I salute these teachers. In winning this award, I believe I was just commissioned by somebody up there to deliver the message that indeed, Filipino teachers can be world-class teachers. During the panel interview in the U.S., one judge asked me, "You have a Ph.D. in Biology, why do you teach in high school? " I answered, "And who will teach these kids? " Another judge asked how much am I paid for all my pains. They were shocked when I told them that I am getting a net pay of not more than $300 a month.
Believe in what you are doing. Believe that you can make a difference. Believing however doesn't mean you have to stop from where you are now. Believing is improving your skills and maximizing your potential. With determination and the will to win, your company can conquer the world. Be proud! 
