InCOIRdible SPONGE

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Piper Betel Leaf

usually pass through the water filtration system and make it to the oceans. Nowadays, the majority of store-bought cellulose sponges are made of nylon, polyester, or polyurethane, which are all non-biodegradable.

Now, here’s the great thing. A grade-12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) student of St. Lorenzo School of Polomolok, Inc. (SLSPI) has conducted a study related to this as compliance for their Practical Research subject. He looked for a possible solution to the abovementioned problem – an alternative product (sponge), and ended up with coconut coir fibres: seed-hair plant fibres made from the “outer shell” or “husk” of coconut. Due to its availability/ locality, composition, internal structures, biodegradability, and safety, the researcher was convinced and pushed on to execute the study which is entitled: Water Absorption and Greasecleaning Efficacy of Eco-friendly Dishwashing Sponge Made out of Coconut Coir Fibres. Through this, he aspires to successfully produce coir sponges – dishwashing sponges that are 100% organic and biodegradable; that could potentially reduce plastic wastes specifically microplastics and could be an efficient substitute to toxic cellulose sponges. In-coir-dible (incredible),

Jansen H. Loquias right? Presently, he aims to help the community by increasing their awareness of how impactful recycling is in our lives, and widen their knowledge about the negative effects of commercial cellulose sponges which are non-recyclable and great microplastic-contributors; instead, they could use recycled, eco-friendly, organic sponges. With this, he is willing to share to us the things and processes he used and followed on how to obtain the product.

The study has proven that the coir sponge could also be an efficient dishwashing sponge as the commercial, cellulose “plastic” sponge – with the coir sponge possessing no harm against human health and to the environment, having water absorption and grease-cleaning property, and with the natural sponge having single-usability. As what the researcher has said, “The study was not perfect. It has its flaws and discrepancies, and there’s so much more for the coir sponge to improve. Yet, we have already took a big step regarding with this. The present study, the related past researches before it, as well as the future studies to be conducted, will be very impactful not only here in our community but also in the globe. So, I am encouraging each and every one of you to continue the walk we have started – to conduct again, research more about the study.”

Paddlers bring pride to St. Lorenzo

Samantha Erni

The stars were aligned in the favor of the table tennis players of St. Lorenzo School of Polomolok Inc. (SLSPI) as they showed that the saint’s spirit was still breathing after the pandemic slump and shot their way through the 2023 District Meet at Polomolok Central Elementary School, February 17.

About 20 participants in both men and women division was seen in action as they competed for a chance to play in the cluster meet in the following week.

The players proved that St. Lorenzo was not easy to defeat as they conquered dominance against other schools in the district, four boys and three girls prevail over their foes and brought pride to the blue.

Earl Terrence, with a 3-0 standing said in an interview that trust in oneself is one important trait an athlete should have to win a game, it is determined to the skills that is possessed by a player either to win or lose and that an opponent should be studied to assess the game.

The sets were easy for the athletes as the fight against other schools was just a walk in the park.

Lady paddler Gwen Gillera never gave an inch to her foes as she harvested all the wins with a 5-0 standing showing her competence and deserving a spot in the next meet.

“I will practice more to prepare for the next meet. My strengths will be improved and my weaknesses will be practiced more. I will also prepare my body to become more physically fit because there were times that I almost can’t catch my breath while playing.” said Gwen in an interview.

All male table tennis players from St. Lorenzo were qualified to play in the cluster meet namely: Richie Angeluz Diendo, Earl Terrence Ecube, Adrielle Kiel Ileto, and Keno Sabornido.

All the saints lady paddlers were also qualified in the cluster meet, they are Gwen Gillera, Dhanna Octavio, and Kassandra Faye Descalzo.

On the other hand, all players should not be too complacent as they will face much bigger competition in the higher meets.