Medalists from seven International STEM Olympiads were given the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Award for their performance in their respective competitions last 10 October 2023 in Novotel Manila, Quezon City.

The country's best and brightest young minds in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) gathered for the Presentation of the 2023 Philippine Teams in International STEM Olympiads at Novotel Manila in Quezon City held last 10 October 2023.

Medalists, participants, and coaches from various International STEM Olympiads were in attendance, as well as members of the media and several honored guests, including Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo.

“Napaka-importante nitong event natin dito, to recognize students, high school students, na nanalo sa international science and mathematics competitions na ginanap sa ibang bansa,” said

Dr. Biyo. “Hindi basta-basta maka-represent ang Pilipinas sa isang kumpetisyon sa international events. Kasama sila sa mga pinakamatalinong bata sa buong mundo.”

Dr. Biyo stressed the importance of these competitions in inspiring the youth to pursue further education in the STEM strand.

“Napaka-importante nito kasi ‘yung training nila, I would like to believe, starts as early as elementary… Bata pa lang sila, I’m sure na interested na sila sa science and mathematics. Nag-iintensify ‘yung kanilang pag-hone ng skills through organizations really organizing events at the local, national, and even trying to participate in international competitions,” she explained.

The cream of the crop amongst the high school students who joined the local and national Olympiads were chosen to participate in grueling International STEM Olympiads, namely the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), International Biology Olympiad (IBO), International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), International Geography Olympiad (iGeo), and International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA).

The mentors explained that these Olympiads spanned several days and included both theoretical and practical examinations that lasted five to six hours a day. Most were the first fully face-to-face competitions since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Participants were trained for a few weeks prior to the contest proper.

“Although this is our highest registration count so far, to be honest, I think medyo mababa pa siya,” said Kevin Charles Atienza, team leader of the Philippine IOI team. “Malaki ‘yung student population ng Philippines, and I really think we have a lot of talent here. Unfortunately, it’s very hard to reach them for many different reasons, partly dahil maraming schools ay di pa ganun ka-developed ang curriculum nila, partly hindi pa sila aware na nag-eexist ‘yung competition na ito, and partly dahil mahina ang support from the schools.”

Despite this, all Philippine teams bagged medals in each of the competitions.

Filbert Ephraim Wu, who bagged Silver and Bronze Medals in the 64th International Mathematical Olympiad and the 35th International Olympiad in Informatics respectively, recounted his experiences during the events.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this established yet dynamic effort that develops our economy’s young talent,” shared Filbert Ephraim Wu, Silver Medalist of the 64th IMO and Bronze Medalist of the 35th IOI. “To DOST-SEI, we are grateful for your comprehensive support of the Olympians. Your support enables equitable opportunity for Filipino youth to excel at the highest level in STEM, regardless of individual resources.”

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. congratulated the Olympians for their exemplary performance before they were awarded the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Medals.

“We at the DOST are very proud to celebrate and honor each of you for your contribution to the fearless spirit of grit and perseverance while continuously pushing the frontiers of lessons, thus paving the path for the future generation to follow in your footsteps,” he said. “Allow me to take this opportunity to thank you for bringing honor to the country.”

The Philippines will be participating once more in the seven International STEM Olympiads in 2024. Local and national Olympiads will be conducted a few months prior to their international counterparts. (By Jacqueline R. Parairo, DOST-STII)