FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

HIGH SCHOOL

Determining the Effects of Different Varnish Solutions to the Durability of Binding Rope made
from Banana Pseudostem Sheath Fiber

A Research Proposal
Presented to the Faculty of Senior High School
Far Eastern University High School

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for Practical Research 2

by:
Samson, Mae Glenn A.
Baugan, Harvy M.
Dela Rosa, Christian Jay T.
Gomez, Alwyn Jan Q.
Lacsamana, Maria Benefrida Faye L.
Quiazon, Kyle Andre V.
Rodriguez, Ralph Andre Percival C.

Grade 12 – STEM 12

AUGUST 2017
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study 3
1.2 Statement of the Problem 4
1.3 Conceptual Framework of the Study 5

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Banana (Musa Paradisiaca) and Its Components 5
2.2 Banana Pseudostem as a Source of Fiber 6
2.3 Industrial Application of Banana 7
2.4 Banana fiber as a Source for Rope Making 8
2.5 Potential of Varnish in Increasing Durability of Material 9
2.6 Theoretical Framework 10

3.0 Methods
3.1 Design 10
3.2 Study Site and Selection of Materials 10
3.3 Data Collecting Instruments 10
3.4 Data Gathering Procedure 11
3.5 Data Analysis 12
3.6 Ethical Considerations 13

References 14

Appendices
Appendix I: Permit to Conduct Research 17
Appendix II: Informed Consent Form 17
Appendix III: Sample Questionnaire 17

Curriculum Vitae 17

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 Determining the Effects of Different Varnish Solutions to the
Durability of Binding Rope made from Banana
Pseudostem Sheath Fiber
Samson, M. A., Lacsamana, M. L., Quiazon, K. V., Rodriguez, R.C., Gomez, A. Q.,
Dela Rosa, C. T., Baugan, H. M.

1.0 Introduction

Banana (Musa paradisiaca) is were originally found in South East Asia, mainly in India.
They were brought west by Arab conquerors in 327 B.C. and moved from Asia Minor to Africa
and finally carried to the New World by the first explorers and missionaries to the Caribbean.
Bananas do not grow from a seed but from a bulb or rhizome. The time between planting
a banana plant and the harvest of the banana bunch is from 9 to 12 months. The flower appears in
the sixth or seventh month. Bananas are available throughout the year - they do not have a
growing 'season'.
Today, bananas are both a major staple in the global tropical zone as well as an important
cash crop and significant fruit varietal available for American and European consumption. They
are the fourth most important crop worldwide for developing countries, where they provide an
important starch source, especially in Africa and Asia. For instance, in Africa, as much as 400kg
of plantain are consumed per year as a main source of calories. Bananas are produced mainly in
tropical and sub-tropical areas of Africa, Asia, and America, as well as the Canary Islands and
Australia. The fruit is non-seasonal, and thus available year round, where it provides key
foodstuffs between seasonal harvests of other staple crops. Banana is also one of the most
important fruit crops grown in the Philippines, that occupy area of 443,270 hectares that
produces 9.1 million MT (2015). The Philippines is the second largest exporter of bananas,
having 2.6 m tonnes exported in 2012 that made up 98% of the Asian banana trade that year.
After harvest, huge amount of waste biomass is generated. In this generation, DIY products
became popular and recyclable items have been used to make the item efficient. Thus, the
biomass of banana is discarded as waste.
The Philippines lack materials in aspects of medical and emergency field. With the
inspiration to help the Filipino citizens to get prepared on the disasters that might come, the
researchers pondered ideas on how to innovate banana waste into something new and useable.
The rope will be used to prevent possible hazards and to save lives of people. Natural fibers such
as sisal, abaca and many others are good components for ropes. But without proper care, those
ropes could lose its strength after a short period of time, and then break. Thus, chemicals will be
used to strengthen those for better results.

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 The study aims to improve the strength of the rope, as well as to help stop pollution with
the use of; First, banana tree parts are used in fiber production especially the sheath and the
pseudostem. Since it is a good source of natural fibers, low cost, and can be produced easily, it
can be utilized as possible source of durable natural ropes. Second, varnish is being used to
protect woods from dirt, exposure to sunlight, chemicals, water and fungi. It is often and
generally used as a top coat of products and is widely used because of its durability which is due
to the higher ratio of solids as its component. The research topic has been made to utilize the use
of banana wastes regarding to the present time. Researchers have planned to make a rope, made
out from banana pseudostem, which will be needed most in the Philippines that lack awareness
and materials on possible disasters. The objective of the item is to prevent the hazards and to
help save the life of other people. The study will show 4 different varnish solutions that will be
applied on rope and state which solution can have its longest durability. Thus, it will contribute
to future researchers’ ideas in having solutions as their part of research to differentiate strengths
of their research item. Our results will also contribute to Filipino citizens as the rope can help
them, and will also lessen pollution in the Philippines.

1.1 Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the effects of different varnish solutions to the durability of
binding rope that was created using banana pseudostem sheath fiber in terms of its tensile
strength.
Specifically, the study will answer the following objectives:
1. To determine the effects of varnish in the durability of the binding rope made
from banana pseudostem fiber;
2. To state the specific effects of the different varnish solutions to the durability
of binding rope created from banana pseudostem sheath fiber;
3. To determine whether the independent groups have significant differences
between one another; and
4. To determine the different varnish solutions and its variations identifying its
effects to the tensile strength of the binding rope created from banana
pseudostem sheath fiber.

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 1.2 Conceptual Framework of the Study

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE

Rope soaked in Varnish only

Rope soaked in Varnish with Durability of Binding Rope

Tap Water made from Banana
Rope soaked in Varnish with Pseudostem Sheath Fiber
Alcohol

Rope soaked in Varnish with

Paint Thinner

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

This study focuses only to the effect of varnish to the durability of binding rope made
from banana pseudostem sheath fiber. Based on the figure, the independent were the different
varnish solutions specifically varnish-tap water solution, varnish-alcohol solution and varnish-
paint thinner solution. While the dependent variable is the durability of binding ropes made from
banana pseudostem sheath fiber.
As shown on the figure, an arrow indicated that different varnish solutions could possibly
have a significant effect to the durability of the naturally made binding rope from banana
pseudostem sheath fiber.

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Banana (Musa Paradisiaca) and Its Components

Banana (Musa paradisiaca) is a central fruit crop of the tropical and subtropical
regions of the world grown on about 8.8 million hectares (Mohapatra, Mishra, & Sutar,
2010). It is possibly the world's oldest cultivated crop (Bhowmik et al., 2012). Banana is
one of the most important fruit crop plants and belongs to the genus Musa. After
harvesting the fruit, the plant is cut down and thrown away, mostly as waste. The banana
plant is largely divided into three parts- pseudostem, peduncle and leaf. Another unique
aspect of the banana plant is its short life. The pseudostem of most banana plant species
dies after just one bunch of bananas is grown. As a result, banana plants must be cut
down and disposed of regularly. (Weed, 2014).

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 In 135 countries and territories across the tropics and subtropics, bananas are being
produced. The majority producers are farmers who grow the crop for either home
consumption or for local markets (Bergh et al., 2013). Banana is the second most
produced fruit after citrus. It has 16% contribution in the world’s total fruit production. It
has also stated that India is the most or the largest producer of banana in the world
estimating up to 27% of banana’s production. According to them the banana is useful in
every part just like food, feed, pharmaceutical, packaging, and many other industrial
applications (Debabandya Mohapatra, 2010).
In the study of Mohiuddin et al. (2013), banana is one of the most important fruit
crops grown everywhere in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, pseudo stem is abandoned and is
a hazardous waste while other countries used it to make different products. The study
provided the usefulness of banana, not only the fruit itself, but also the benefits of
recreation through banana pseudostem. They concluded that the research information
they gathered will be of immense help to the farmers, entrepreneurs, planners, scientists
as well as the Bangladesh government to take proper initiatives for the betterment of their
nation.

2.2 Banana Pseudostem as a Source of Fiber

Banana has long been considered a food, fruit and fodder crop. In addition to this,
now a day, it is also gaining importance as a source of fiber. Annually about 1.5 million
tons of dry banana fibers can be produced from the outer sheath of pseudostem. Being a
rich source of natural fibers, the pseudostem can be profitably utilized for numerous
applications and preparation of various products (Bhowmik et al., 2012).
The banana plant has a very juicy aerial stem, properly denoted as the pseudostem,
which is a clustered, cylindrical aggregation comprised of leaf stalk bases of leaf-petiole
sheaths (Fanquiero, Mukhopadhyay, Senturk, & Yusuf, 2008). There is also a
subterranean stem, known as the corm, as well as the part that supports the banana fruit,
peduncle, stalk, or rachis. The leaves and stalk of the pseudostem are disposed of after the
fruit has been harvested. Collectively, the waste of banana production is an estimated 220
tons of byproduct per hectare annually (Padam et al. as cited in Pereira et al., 2014).
Banana is one of most important fruit crops grown in India. With continuous increase
of production, huge quantity of waste biomass from pseudostem, burnt or left situ causing
detrimental impact on environment. They have available technologies for extraction of
fibers and paper making from pseudostem, but it is not being adopted in industries due to
lack of awareness (Ravindran et al., 2016). The pseudostem portion of the plant has fiber
that is good for making ropes. And it can be also used as greaseproof paper and because
of its non absorben to oils and grease you can used it in various purposes (Marella,
Madireddy & Maripi, 2014).
Pseudostem and peduncle are the major source of fibre for banana. These fibers can
be used as raw material for making paper, cardboards, tea bags, and etc. The strong
property of pseudostem as a fiber is an advantage for it to be a main product for making a
rope since it contains a massive amount of cellulose. And cellulose contains an
indigestible or insoluble substance, making it hard (Preethl, 2013).
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 Many authors, who have studied the utilization of banana pseudostem as a
bioresource, even using a biorefinery, usually consider the whole trunk as a uniform
material (Akpabio et al. as cited in Pereira et al., 2014). However, the pseudostem can be
separated into several sheaths. The physicochemical properties of each sheath may be
different, because they have different physiological ages and functions. So, it could be
possible to fractionate the same pseudostem in several sheaths, as a simple physical
pretreatment, and each group of sheaths can be used for the most suitable application in
accordance to its properties instead of using a mixture of all the fractions and performing
chemical treatments to separate each organic fraction (Gabhane et al. as cited in Pereira et
al., 2014).These sheaths are composed primarily of long fibers, which themselves are
composed of concentric lignin and hemicellulose fibrils, these concentric 5 cellulose
fibrils provide structural support for the fiber yielding considerable tensile strength.
(Weed, 2014).
Banana pseudostem is a large biomass resource that is usually wasted, fibers
extracted from the pseudostem have begun to be used for a variety of products such as
silk, clothing, and even iPad cases. One such company that supplies banana fibers for
mats, bags, and even furniture is Banana Star, a banana fiber extraction company based in
India (Weed, 2014). The application of natural fibers including banana pseudostem has
been proved promising in various technical fields, such as synthetic fibers as
reinforcement in various composites used in automobile parts (Pothan et al., 2010).
According to M.K.V Karthikeyan et al. (2016), banana ribbon is a new natural fiber,
it has a polyester composite and have more improvement than a regular fiber, they
studied about the fiber and use electron microscope to probe the fiber matrix interaction,
and they learned that mat composites are used to fabricate windshield of cars and
mudguard of two wheelers.

2.3 Industrial Application of Banana

As stated by Vigneswara et al. (2015), banana fibers have a huge contribution for
textile and packaging industry. However, the banana stem forms a major source of waste
material. But today, most of banana fibers are used for making ropes and cordage. They
have compositions, properties, and structures that are suitable for using in industrial
applications (Vigneswara, 2015).
Banana fibers are completely biodegradable, recyclable and are more environment
friendly than synthetic fibers both in terms of production and their disposal (Fanquiero et
al., 2008). Therefore, the banana products have export potential. Unlike synthetic fibers
which are largely produced from non-renewable resources, banana fibers are made of
renewable resources.
It was concluded that banana fiber can replace certain percentage of Mesta, a
cellulosic fiber in the composition of agricultural ropes. The Mesta or allied fibers thus
saved could be more profitably be used for packaging textiles and other materials fiber
yarn makes the cloth brighter, impart better dyeing properties and can also be bleached.
This additional outlet for the products of banana plantations would benefit the farmer, but
a prerequisite for economic use of banana fiber will be a steady bulk supply, initially at a
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somewhat lower price than that of the existing comparable fibers. The fibers are 1.5-2.7m
long have a tensile strength and are traditionally used for making ropes (Karolia, 2009).
Also, the fibers that you will acquired in the leaf of a banana can be used for preparing
handicrafts, ropes and many more (Barhanpurkar, Kumar & Purwar, 2016).

2.4 Banana Fiber as a Source for Rope Making

Rope making from extracted banana fiber is called banana fiber yarn. Rope making is
one of the most basic skills for converting any linear material into a usable stage
(Manandhar, 2010). Rope is a length of fibers, twisted or braided together to improve
strength, for pulling and connecting. It has tensile strength but is too flexible to provide
compressive strength (Maleque et al., 2007). There are actually three layers in the
decaying bark of the banana tree. The outer layer is the toughest and usually used for
weaving items. The middle layer produces rope that is used for thick cloth making and
the inner layer which is the silkiest fibers is used for spinning yarns and making fine
clothing (Mohapatra et al., 2010).
Early ropes were made of natural fibers twisted together by the hand or a machine
invented on earlier years called “spinner”. Spinner made rope making easy on early ages
unlike the old twisting method which could be done by braid or twisting the strands of the
fibers which could consume much time and effort. As early as 17,000 BC, the use of
ropes from natural fibers is evident because of the fossils found in Egypt. On the other
hand, in Europe, they used the ropewalk method in producing ropes. The fibers they used
were hemp. But due to the shortage of it, they tried another fiber coming from manila and
sisal. The quality of manila fiber is as much of sisal’s because sisal could withstand salt
water. Recent years, ropes made from natural fibers are not that popular to be used, since
there are already stronger and lighter ropes made from metal or nylon. These ropes are
synthetic ropes. Ropes are effective depending on its usage and characteristics. It could
be used as climbing rope or suspension ropes/cables. Climbing rope does not really need
much strength but it must be flexible, and stretchable. Unlike the climbing ropes,
suspension cables must be strong because it is use to suspend bridges and other
infrastructures and flexibility is not that much required (Fronzaglia, 2009).
Ropes are made of fibers either naturally or synthetically. These fibers will be held
together to form yarns, the yarns will be twisted to each other to form strands, and those
strands will be rotated to each other to form a rope. Natural fibers are usually coming
from twigs or parts of plants, while the synthetic materials are usually coming from oil.
Samples of natural fibers are manila which come from the leaf stems of abaca plant
which is the family of the banana; sisal rope which is made from two different plants
which are the sisalana and henequen; moreover there are a lot of plants that are being
used to make natural ropes, to make it to its highest quality, chemicals are being added.
Manila fiber is relatively strong and elastic.
Based on Maleque et al. (2007)’s mechanical properties of study of pseudo stem
banana fiber reinforced epoxy composite, there are high source of banana fibers in the
waste banana trunks or stems which aren’t used in places around the world. Therefore,

8
composites of high-strength pseudo stem banana woven fabric reinforcement polymer
can be used in a broad range of applications. They have concluded that with the use of
epoxy material the flexural strength of banana woven fabric is increased and the tensile
strength is increased 90% compared to virgin epoxy.
Banana fiber is also called as a tropical product because this is the most common
material that is used for rope (Tandfonline.com, 2017). According to the study of
Santhosh et al. (2014), a banana fiber with epoxy and vinyl ester resin with coconut shell
powder as hybrid composite are tested with an alkaline treatment for increasing the
strength of a banana fiber. Results showed that the alkali treatment of banana fiber has
improved the mechanical properties like tensile, flexural and impact strength of both the
epoxy/vinyl ester and hybrid composite.
Sample of synthetic fibers are nylon and polypropylene which are made up of refined
oil and are stronger than natural fibers and lighter. Nowadays, threads, wires and metals
are being used to make stronger ropes which are lighter and the diameter is smaller. Fiber
ropes can be characterized depending on its size, weight, and strength. Mostly, fiber
ropes have a diameter of 5/8 inch and 12 inches circumference. The weight of the rope
varies upon the use of it and depending also upon the weather conditions it will be use.
The strength of the rope is calculated based on the stress it could handle without
breaking. Fiber rope will last if it was carefully handled. Unlike the synthetic ropes, fiber
ropes must be used with extra care and must be keep on dry, cool and clean places so it
will not easily distort.

2.5 Potential of Varnish in Increasing Durability of Material

Varnish is often and generally used as a top coat for finished products. It is mainly
composed of oil, resin, solvent, dryers and ultraviolet additives. It is widely used because
of its durability which is due to the higher ratio of solids as its component (Hill, 2013).
The components of varnish represent the effect of the properties like for example the
brightness, toughness and lastly the fastness of the surface sticking resistance of the
varnish (Mehta, 2012). Adequate adhesion of the varnish layer on the wood surface may
not be attained if the moisture content is too high. This puts the banana leaf at risk
because the pseudostem of a banana stem consists of water. It is claimed in the literature
that, in some cases, the presence of excess moisture in the wood creates layer defects in
polyester, polyurethane and some other reaction curing varnishes. It is also stated that,
especially in polyurethane varnish applications which is cured by allophone formation,
high moisture content inhibits the drying and reacting of varnish (Sonmez, Budakci &
Bayram, 2009)
The varnish oil is responsible for longer effect of the varnish through the wood or
fiber. The oil helps the varnish to penetrate easily into the wood, thus the color of the
wood or the varnish will remain the same even on high exposure to sunlight and changes
in weather for quite longer time. The phenolic resin is responsible for water and chemical
resistance due to its effect of dry and hard coating to the wood. For the right blending of
the color, right thickness and leveling of the varnish, solvents are being used. The resin
content is not affected even though solvents are being mixed. Varnish has a property of
9
 drying in quite short time due to the driers, which are being added for the varnish to dry
easily, maintain the color, and be stable for quite longer time. Lastly, additives are being
mixed together with the main components of varnish such as the ultraviolet absorber,
surface stabilizer and anti-oxidants for added protection (Yacht Paint, 2008).
In the study made by Kaygin et al. (2008), different types of varnish (cellulosic,
polyurethane, polyester, synthetic and nanolacke ultraviolet) were used to apply on beech
(Fagus orientalis L.) and oak (Quercus robur L.) wood as samples for experimentation. It
was concluded that the use of different types of wood does not have any significant effect
on varnish hardness and resistance, but there are significant differences about the types of
varnish that they used.

2.6 Theoretical Framework of the Study

Theoretical Framework

Durability of the
rope

Varnish with Varnish with tap Varnish with paint

Varnish only
alcohol water thinner

Venables et al.'s
Mechanical
Interlocking Theory

Figure 2. Theoretical Framework

There are six theories that perhaps the most widely accepted mechanisms for one material
adhering to another. One of these is mechanical interlocking theory by Venables et al.
The study draws theoretical support from mechanical interlocking theory which states
that interlocking occurs when adhesive flows into pores in the adherend surface or around
projections on the surface. The adhesive must not only wet the substrate, but also have the right
rheological properties to penetrate pores and openings in a reasonable time. It focuses on
interlocking between adhesive (i.e. varnish) and a rough substrate surface (i.e. wood).

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3.0 Methods

3.1 Design

The researchers used experimental research design because it is the most efficient
way of knowing the best conclusion for the banana rope. Since the researchers will look
for the most effective mixture of varnish, they will conduct an experiment to gather
informations. Experimental research design is also the most efficient type of research that
can be applied in lots of variety that is why it is the most efficient type of research design
that can be used for the research.
3.2 Study Site and Selection of Materials

The Arroceros Forest Park in Ermita, Manila will be the study site of this research. It
has been called the “Manila’s last lung” because it is the city’s only nature park. It has
various of trees inside including banana tree. Researchers have chosen this site since this
is the nearest forest park in Far Eastern University and also to promote the forest park
itself for people to know that Manila is not only a city.
The researchers will select pseudostem sheaths of fallen banana trees randomly that
will make 12 ropes (8-9 inches) to test each. Three ropes per mixture because there will
be three trials. And for the mixture, there will be four types; varnish only, varnish-tap
water, varnish-paint thinner, and varnish-alcohol.

Figure 3. Study Site

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3.3 Data Collecting Instrument

In order to collect data, the researchers will be testing 12 ropes to know their
durability. There will be no questionnaires or surveys since this is experimental.
The researchers will conduct the experiment and gather the data results with the
following tools and materials;
 Varnish – a substance with resin dissolved in a liquid as a protective coating applied
onto different kinds of materials such as; wood, metal, or other materials, which in
this case, banana pseudostem fiber, to form a hard, clear, shiny surface when dry.
 Tap water – (H2O) a form of liquid that is clear and is usually supplied from a tap
(valve). May also be referred as running water and faucet water. This will be used as
a mixture with varnish to form one of the varnish solutions to be experimented for
this research.
 Paint thinner - is a solvent used to thin oil-based paints or clean up after their use.
This will be used as a mixture with varnish to form one of the varnish solutions to be
experimented for this research.
 Alcohol – (C2H6O) Most commonly referred as ethanol, ethyl alcohol, and drinking
alcohol, is the principal type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. It is a volatile,
flammable, colorless liquid with a slight characteristic odor. This will be used as a
mixture with varnish to form one of the varnish solutions to be experimented for this
research.
 Paint brush – A tool that is made out of many bristles that will be used to apply the
various varnish solutions.
 Fine-toothed comb – A finely toothed comb that allows a precise kind of combing
through hair (or fibers, in this case). This will be the instrument used to properly
comb the fibers of the banana pseudostem sheath.
 Metal spoon – this will be used as an improvised metal scraper to remove the excess
non-fibrous components of the banana pseudostem.
 Plastic cups – These will be used to segregate the different kinds of varnish solutions
for the experiment.
 Syringe – A tool that is composed of a needle and a small container of substance that
provides the measurement of the substances within is. This device will be used to
transfer and measure the amount of each substance in each varnish solution.
 Metal Piece – This will be used as the component where the rope will be attached to
during durability test of the experiment.
 Rice – A crop produce. This will only be used as weights that for the durability test of
the binding rope made from banana pseudostem fiber which will be used by kilogram.

3.4 Data Gathering Procedure

3.4.1 Making of Rope

For the ropes, the pseudostem sheaths of fallen banana trees will be
gathered and set aside. After drying for an hour, the pseudostem sheaths will be

12
 pounded to remove some of its non-fibrous components. The fibers will be
separated using a fine toothed comb. Lastly, a metal spoon will be used to scrape
the remaining non-fibrous components. These obtained fibers will then be shade
dried for 5 hours.
The three twisted ropes will be braided to make a binding rope with a length of 8-
9 inches. These processes should be repeated until there were 12 binding ropes already.

3.4.2 Preparation of Different Solvents

For the preparation of solvents, varnish, alcohol, paint thinner and tap
water will be prepared. Four plastic cups should be filled with 30 mL of varnish
using a syringe. After that, 30 mL of each solvent (alcohol, paint thinner, tap
water) will be mixed with the varnish.

3.4.3 Soaking of Binding Ropes

Three binding ropes will be subjected to each set up (varnish, varnish-

alcohol solution, varnish-water solution, varnish- paint thinner solution). The
ropes will immerse into these solutions for 10 minutes and will be dried for a day.

3.4.4 Durability Test

In testing the product’s durability, the ropes will be tied into a metal piece
and for every two minutes, 1 kilogram of rice will be tied to the rope. The weight
of the rice that the rope can hold before it breaks will be recorded.

3.5 Data Analysis

The data that will be collected will then be analyzed using the One-way ANOVA
(Analysis of Variance) to test the hypotheses and t-test, to determine whether the
independent groups have significant differences between one another.*indicate formula
and its uses

3.6 Ethical Considerations

While carrying out this research, researchers maintain the highest integrity at all times
regarding data gathering as the researchers report all their findings honestly and
truthfully. They will observe the highest possible ethical standards. Seek informed
consent by asking the permission of the researchers itself in conducting this research.
Furthermore, researchers will secure their safety in this experiment. Since there will be
no respondents, ethical consideration will be applied to the researchers. Researchers will

13
treat each other equally, as they provide equal resources to be used in this experiment. All
gathered information will be used to further support this research.

14
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 APPENDIX I
Permit to Conduct Research

Dear Ma’am/Sir,

Good Day! We are currently Grade 12 research students from Far Eastern University
High School – Manila, and we would like to conduct our research here in Arroceros Forest Park.

We are looking for a banana tree that is located near our school and this is where we
came to. Since our research involves pseudostem sheath of banana, we need some materials to
fulfill the needs of our research.

We would like to inform you that we will be gathering banana leaves, fallen banana
leaves to be exact, to be our main source for experiment. We are highly grateful if you will allow
us to enter and collect some fallen banana leaves.

We are hoping for your kind consideration. Thank you very much!

Sincerely,

FEU Senior High School Students:

Harvy Baugan
CJ Dela Rosa
Alwyn Gomez
Maria Benefrida Lacsamana
Kyle Quiazon
Ralph Rodriguez
Mae Glenn Samson
APPENDIX II
Informed Consent Form

Start here

APPENDIX III
Sample Questionnaire*

Start here

18
 CURRICULUM VITAE

Name, Contact Details (E-mail, Contact Number), and Brief

2X2 Picture Description (Academic Background, Awards Received,
Affiliations/Organizations, Contest Joined and Seminars Attended)
Baugan, Harvy Mercurio
Dela Rosa, Christian Jay Taguinod

Gomez, Alwyn Jan Quimson

Lacsamana, Maria Benefrida Faye Lagman

fridafayelagman@gmail.com
+639975475631

Studied at Mary Immaculate Parish Special School (MIPSS) – Las

Piñas City from Nursery up to her Junior High School
Completion. She finished Valedictorian for her Preparatory
Graduation. An active student, being a part of the Student
Government when she was in Elementary and the Student
Council during Junior High School. She became the Supreme
Student President during her Grade 10 academic year (2015-
2016). A student leader and a consistent honor student. She is
also an avid participant of public speaking contests, such as
oratorical speeches, declamations and leader in annual speech
choir contests. Champion of Oratorical Speech High School
Division when she was in Grade 8 (2013); Champion of Sabayang
Pagbigkas HS Division(2014); Champion of Speech Choir HS
Division (2015). She was also “Best in English” for her Grade 9
recognition (2015). She is now currently a Grade 12 STEM
student of FEU High School – Manila. She also became champion
for an English Short Story writing contest when she was in
Grade 11 (2017). She also became an Academic Awardee (2017).
She is the Assistant Chairperson of the FEUHS – COMELEC (2016-
present).

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Quiazon, Kyle Andre Valencia
sterofex@gmail.com
+639154822774

Graduated Grade school at St. John of Beverley, and High school

at St. Mary's Academy of Caloocan City. Consistent honor
student from Pre - school to Grade school, and top student in
class 2012-2016. Received an award of "Amazing Math Kid Top
2" (2007 - 2008), 2 Gold Medals in Swimming Challenge 2011, 1
Gold and 1 Silver in Swimming Challenge 2012, "Deportment
Awardee" (2012 - 2013), "Bronze Medalists" on KADSA Meet
2015, Mythical 6 on Intrams 2015, 2nd placer in Math Amazing
Race 2016, and one of the honors on the year 2016 - 2017. I'm a
member of Parish Youth Ministry in our Parish, The Varsity from
2012 - 2016, Marian Liturgical Alliance (2015 - 2016), Emergency
Response Youth Council (11 - First Semester), and Boys
Volleyball Club (11 - Second Semester). I'm a consistent
competitor of Math Contest, Spelling Bee, and Word Finder
from Pre - school to Grade school. I also joined various
volleyball tournaments in High School, and attended seminars
at our Parish, FEU HS S.A.I.L.S., and FEU TECH MATHrix. I'm
currently studying at Far Eastern University - High School
Manila.
Rodriguez, Ralph Andre Percival Cruz
Ralphrodriguez06@gmail.com
+639265689282

Studied at St Joseph Academy of Valenzuela in Junior High

School. Top 4 in class 2015 and consistent top 3 from nursery to
grade 3. Awarded as “Best Cadet Officer”, “Snappy Officer”,
“Best in Duty Officer”, and “Finals MVP 2015” (basketball). I also
joined in the battle of the brains (2014) and various quiz bees. I
haven’t attended any seminar yet, and I am currently studying
at Far Eastern University High School-Manila.
Samson, Mae Glenn Alicdan
maeinesamson@gmail.com
+639957346206

Currently studying at Far Eastern University High School-Manila,

I am also an Academic Awardee last school year 2016-2017. I’ve
been a top student when I was in Kinder, Grade 1, Grade 5, and
Grade 8. Top 2 in Grade 6 and Top 4 in Grade 10. I also received
Best In Math Award during elementary and junior high school.
My first competition that I joined was Math Quiz Bee (2016) in
our school and luckily, I won first place. I love Math that’s why I
am one of the members of Math Club last year.

20