Nicolas Czar B. Antonio, a grade 12 student of the Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus, presented his research during the 2nd International Conference on Cordillera Studies held at the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center in Baguio City last July 12-14, 2017.
Among more than 400 delegates composed of scholars, educators, artists, media practitioners, policy makers, activists, government officials and other groups, Antonio was the youngest and the only high school student.
His paper was entitled “Ethnobotanical Study of the Medicinal Plants used by the Magbukun Ayta Negrito Indigenous Group in Sitio Kanawan, Morong, Bataan”. Reneir John Tuason was the research adviser.
University of the Philippines Baguio, through its Cordillera Studies Center, organized the first conference last February 2008 with the main objective of discussing different approaches and issues that concern the indigenous groups of Cordillera in Northern Luzon. This year, the conference provided a wider perspective of understanding the indigenous societies in the Philippines and elsewhere.
With this year's theme "Indigenous Studies in the Philippines: Issues and Prospects", the conference aimed to promote initiatives to preserve indigenous scientific knowledge, history, spirituality, rituals, culture, heritage, literature, visual arts, language, health, lifestyle, gender issues, education, and political and economic systems.
