Philippine Science High School student Gian Karlo Dapul wins in the English Speaking Union International Public Speaking Competition (ESU ISPC) after delivering a speech entitled "Fish Mucus and Foot Fungus", about the impact and the still unfulfilled potential of research in the Philippines today. Dapul made it to the finals after making the short list of four in the semifinals out of nine speakers.

The competition was open to all Filipino students age 16 to 20, enrolled in any high school or college. The participants were asked to prepare a speech based on the theme New Horizons, New Frontiers. After speaking uninterrupted for five minutes, the panel or members of the audience then asked the speaker questions related to the speech.