Pinoy Olympiads recall journey to winning on international stage

Dedication, hard work and perseverance were keys to victory for the Philippine teams in international science and math competitions.

After a series of wins on the international stage, students and coaches who represented the country shared their stories of competing and winning medals during the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Media Conference presenting the 2022 Philippine Teams to International STEM Olympiads held recently at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Present during the event are representatives from the national organizers for the Philippine participation in six (6) prestigious STEM Olympiads held this year, namely:  1) the 63^rd International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) held in Oslo, Norway; 2) 33^rd International Biology Olympiad held in Yereven, Armenia; 3) 54^th International Chemistry Olympiad held in Tianjin, China;  4)  52^nd  International Physics Olympiad held in Switzerland; 5)  34^th International Olympiad in Informatics held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

This year, the Philippine teams bagged ten (10) bronze medals, eight (8) honorable mentions and a merit citation.

Dr. Ronald Cruz, team leader to the 33^rd IBO narrated how the Philippine team’s medal haul this year is its largest since joining in 2018. Dr. Cruz also mentioned that they are planning to host the 36^th IBO in 2025.  Dr. Faith Marie G. Lagua, coach of the PH team to the 54^th IChO explained how this year’s competition was conducted. She thanked all the organizations, including DOST-SEI, for the support to the national team.

Since their first medal haul in 1999, the award streak continues for the Philippine Team to the 52^nd IPhO according to Dr. Perico Esguerra, who also talked about the importance of finding talented students outside the usual line up of schools.

Dr. Christian Paul Chan Shio, team leader of the PH Team to the 63^rd IMO and Mr. Gerard Francis Ortega, team leader to the 34^th IOI highlighted how the support of the Institute has helped them increase their reach throughout the year.

All team leaders are hopeful that the participation of the Philippine Teams to the international Olympiads will be even more successful as they prepare for full in-person competitions in the years to come.

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, through a video message, congratulated and encouraged the students to continue aiming for excellence while honing their skills and core values as they become inspiration for other students to take interest in the breeder sciences of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics.

“The medals that you have won are fruits of your perseverance, and proof of your world-class talents. Wear it proud, fly high but keep your feet on the ground. Reach for greater heights but do not forget that your countrymen need thinkers and doers like you to become bearers of hope for your country.”

Dr. Solidum also honored and recognized the efforts of the following organizers in constantly developing a rich pool of talents in STEM:

Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP)

1. Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies, Inc. (PFCS)
2. Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas, Inc. (KKP)
3. Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers, Inc. (PACT)
4. Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP)
5. Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas (SPP)
6. Samahang Pisika ng Visayas and Mindanao (SPVM)
7. Philippine Physics Olympiad (PPO)
8. Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) – Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering,
9. Ateneo Biological Organization (BOx)
10. National Olympiad in Informatics Philippines (NOI.PH)

On the same occasion, the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) award was conferred to selected students who won in international STEM Olympiads in 2021. The awarding was led by DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo, Deputy Director Engr. Albert G. Mariño and Dr. Ruby R. Cristobal, Chief of the Science and Technology Manpower Education, Research and Promotions Division of DOST-SEI. The YES medal signifies DOST’s high regard for excellence and competitiveness and is part of the Institute’s thrust to develop a culture of science in the country. The YES medals are annually awarded by the DOST secretary to young Filipinos who had significant achievements in international science and math competitions at the primary and secondary education level.

Dr. Biyo also thanked the media for giving prestige and importance to the achievement of young people in STEM. She congratulated the Philippine Teams and the national organizers for an outstanding feat and highlighted the importance of recognizing and honoring STEM excellence. This is part of DOST-SEI’s mission to inspire more students to join the field.

“The fact that we are excelling in these fields on the global stage says that we should increase our support in nurturing the talents of our students and to continuously recognize the significant contributions of these organizations as DOST-SEI’s partner in promoting the value of pursuing excellence in STEM.”