Pisay ‘98 conceptualized the project as they recognized that while PSHS has long nurtured the next generation of science scholars, there is a need to support the mental health and wellness of the community. The batch tapped their network of experts to transform a dilapidated office space into a bright new wellness center that was a hit among students as soon as it opened on January 9, 2025.

Nicknamed “Josie’s Nook” in honor of Mrs. Josefina Yu, co-founder, and matriarch of SEAOIL Philippines, Inc., the center aims to nurture the next generation of science scholars by providing them a space to reduce stress and develop strategies to deal with the rigors of their academic lives. The new center is designed to have natural elements, calming colors, and flexible spaces for a conducive environment for relaxation and personal growth. Immediately following its inauguration, students used the wellness center to play board games, do arts and crafts, and take a break from their studies.

“We wanted to make sure that we do something meaningful because to us, Philippine Science High School is not just our school, it is our home,” said Rebecca Ricalde of Pisay ’98.

“This project reflects our gratitude and our hope to make it a home for many more to come.”

Among those who attended the inauguration were Mr. Glenn L. Yu, CEO of SEAOIL Philippines; Mr. Stephen L. Yu, President (Commercial) and COO of SEAOIL Philippines; Mr. Mark L. Yu, President (Retail) and CFO of SEAOIL Philippines; Mr. Karlo Castro, President and CEO of the Palawan Group of Companies; Mr. Orlando Bautista, CEO of E*Chimes Pharmaceutical; Dr. Rod Allan De Lara, Director of PSHS Main Campus; Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, Chairman of the PSHS Foundation; Mr. Isabelo P. Africa, President of the PSHS Foundation; interior designer Maria Monica Clarino Tongol; architect Marvin Tongol; alumni from PSHS Batch 98; members of the PSHS faculty and staff; PSHS Foundation Board Members and officers; as well as students and parents.

Pisay ’98 acknowledged the support of donors, alumni, and the PSHS community in making the project come to fruition. “Today, we not only recognize the gifts that transform our school environment but also honor the spirit of giving that is alive (not just) in our alumni community, but also in the bigger Filipino community,” Ricalde said.

Aside from SEAOIL Philippines, Inc., Palawan Pay (Mr. Karlo Castro, B98, and Mrs. Maria Claribelle Ogerio-Castro, B99), Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino and Atty. Melanie Sia-Lambino, the Asian Institute of Management, Organica Nutrition Inc. and E*Chimes Pharmaceutical Inc. supported the initiative.

For his part, Mark Yu of SEAOIL expressed hope that the Wellness Center, which symbolizes their family’s commitment to advancing education in the Philippines, hopes that the new space will help transform students' educational journey at Pisay.

“I'm hoping that the memories for that room moving forward will now change to something where they look back and they say, this is where I had the best time when I was in Pisay,” Yu said.