by Jonemel M. Alforque (GS Faculty)
The doctors are in, as parent-doctors took the spotlight as resource speakers in the opening session of the Wellness, Innovation, Science, & Environment (W.I.S.E.) Learning Series, held in celebration of the Grade School Department Science Week 2025. In harmony with this year’s theme, “Science and Health: Building Hope, Inspiring Change,” the W.I.S.E. Learning Series focused on nutrition, health, and overall wellness. With their professional expertise, our parent-doctors inspired Grades 1 to 6 Ateneo Hearter learners to better understand the importance of healthy choices. Pupils were encouraged to eat and drink wisely for a stronger future.
The series opened on September 22, 2025, after class hours with Dr. Simon Clyde Caputol, father of Simon Miguel Caputol from Grade 1 – Bl. James de Andrade, who delivered a talk titled “Eat the Rainbow.” Dr. Caputol inspired the Grade 1 pupils to enjoy a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables as part of their daily meals. He was followed by Dr. Psyche Beringuel, mother of Pia Miles Beringuel from Grade 2 – St. John de Brebeuf, who presented “What’s in My Lunchbox?” In her session, Dr. Beringuel showed the Grade 2 pupils how to pack a healthy, well-balanced lunch, emphasizing the right portions of Go, Grow, and Glow foods.
The series continued on September 23, 2025, with Dr. Jonathan Go, father of Lucette Catnis Go from Grade 3 – St. Paul Miki and Lucia Caitlin Go from Grade 6 – St. Peter Claver. Through his talk, “Junk the Junk,” Dr. Go urged the Grade 3 pupils to avoid unhealthy junk foods and make smarter choices by adding more fruits and vegetables to their diet. He was followed by Dr. Alvin Buranday, father of Ace Buranday from Grade 4 – St. Robert Southwell and Alvienne Buranday from Grade 6 – St. John Francis Regis. In his session, “Labels Matter: Healthy Food Options,” Dr. Buranday guided the Grade 4 pupils in reading product and nutrition labels carefully, helping them recognize which packed goods support healthier eating habits.
The first run of the series concluded on September 24, 2025, with Dr. Virna Josefa Gonzales-Amor, mother of Santiago Jose Amor from Grade 5 – St. Rene Goupil, who reminded the Grade 5 pupils about the importance of staying hydrated. In her talk, “Hydration Habits: Drink Up,” Dr. Amor emphasized the value of drinking enough water daily and avoiding sweetened beverages. Lastly, Dr. Francis Kim Capate, father of Emerald Duchess Frances Capate from Grade 6 – St. Ignatius of Loyola, delivered a session titled “Smart Snacks for Smart Kids.” Dr. Capate guided the Grade 6 pupils in selecting healthy and filling snacks, highlighting choices that support brain health and learning.
The W.I.S.E. Learning Series has truly ignited an awareness among our young learners about the vital connection between science, health, and wellness. Through the invaluable insights shared by our parent-doctors, the pupils were equipped with knowledge and practical habits that will help them make healthier choices every day. Now that Science Week 2025 has concluded, may this inspiring series motivated our young Ateneo Hearters to embrace a lifestyle of well-being, building hope and inspiring positive change for a brighter, healthier future.
