PNoy commends 2010 IMO winners; DOST honors 272 int’l science and math medalists

President Benigno Aquino III has awarded recognition to the Philippine team to the 2010 International Mathematical Olympiad as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) honors the 272 elementary and high school students who brought pride to the country through medals they won in various international science and mathematics competitions.

At the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Awarding Ceremony held at the auditorium of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo presented to Carmela Antoinette Lao, Henry Jefferson Morco and Zheng Rong Wu President Aquino’s “Letter of Commendation” for their performance at the 51st IMO held at Astana, Kazakhstan on July 2, 2010.

The President lauded the students “for serving as an inspiration to the Filipino youth by achieving such distinction and for giving pride and honor to the country and people.”

Lao, fourth year student of St. Jude Catholic School, is the first Filipina to win a silver medal at the IMO and only the second silver winner for the country. The Philippines got its first silver at the IMO in 1989 by Jerome Khohayting, then of Xavier School.

Morco, third year student of Chiang Kai Shek College, and Wu, then of Zamboanga Chong Hua High School, both won Honorable Mentions. Wu is presently enrolled at the Ateneo de Manila University.

The YES Award is a DOST institutional award for exemplary achievement of the youth in the fields of science and mathematics and shall come in the form of a medal of distinction to be awarded by the Secretary of Science and Technology or the DOST Regional Director in a fitting ceremony toward the end of each year.

The 272 student awardees this year garnered a total of 276 medals for the Philippines in the various international competitions in 2010. Individual medals totaled 254 consist of 29 golds, 58 silver and 167 bronze. Team medals summed up to 22 including 12 gold, two silvers and eight bronze.

Saint Jude Catholic Schools topped the number of schools with most medals with 51 medals won by 23 students. It is followed by Zamboanga Chong Hua High School (30 medals, 21students), Grace Christian College (27 medals, 18 students), Philippine Science High School –Main Campus (25 medals, 17 students); and Xavier School (18 medals, 12 students).

A total of 76 students got multiple medals with 52 coming from the National Capital Region.

In his message, Montejo said he has always believed in Filipino talent, especially in science and mathematics, and that it can charge the nation to a better tomorrow.

“With the great potential you all possess, I believe that our country is headed towards a brighter future. I have always believed in Filipino talent and have embraced the mantra that “local technology works.” I believe that our talent is far more sufficient to answer the needs of the Filipino people,” he said.

DOST-Science Education Institute Officer in Charge Dr. Leticia V. Catris said the DOST values the YES Awardees as they are part of the Department’s quest for excellence, making them part of the roster of young honorable men and women of science.

“Our awardees for today not only demonstrate integrity, honesty and core scientific values but they represent the next generation of competitive, involved and committed young Filipinos in pursuit of excellence and exceeding expectations,” she said.

DOST Undersecretary for S&T Services Prof. Fortunato T. dela Pena also challenged the students to be Filipinnovators, combining innovation with Filipino culture.

“We hope that our young achievers can be part of a cadre of future scientists and engineers who will push our own brand of innovation. Get into careers in science and technology and be part of our dynamic science community. Moreover, I encourage you to be among our scholars and continue to pursue excellence in your chosen fields,” he said. (30)