By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Philippine participation in the 2025 Science and Mathematics Olympiads resulted in one gold, five silvers, seven bronzes, and several honorable mentions/merit citations – an outstanding feat worth honoring and celebrating.
The DOST-Science Education Institute Director (DOST-SEI) on Monday (Oct. 27) held a recognition program to promote these competitions and give recognition to the impressive milestones that young Filipino students have achieved this year through a fitting ceremony.
In his welcome remarks during the 2025 Philippine Teams in International STEM Olympians Recognition Program at Sequioa Hotel, Usec. Maridon O. Sahagun, DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services, congratulated the winners for bringing pride and honor to the country for their achievements.
Sahagun said that despite all the things that happened in the past week, it’s time to take a pause and recognize the achievements of the youth student Olympians.
“At the DOST, Science knows no boundaries,” she said.
“The country needs you today and in the future, she added.
She read the message of Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, whom she quoted as saying that the Olympians have brought recognition and inspiration to all Filipino youth both in the international stage and at the home front.
Aquino also congratulated the DOST for continuing to support the Filipino youth in the international science scene.
Ebenezer A. Beloy, OIC-Director III of the Bureau of Curriculum Development of DepEd, said that he is honored to represent the Department of Education.
Beloy added that the youth is really the hope of the nation.
“You have brought pride and honor to the nation in the international scene of science,” he said.
“STEM is borderless like the milestones you have achieved in the international stage,” he added.
He urged them to be bold in the achievements in the international science and mathematics competition.
Dr. Randolf S. Sasota, PhD Chief SRS of DOST-SEI STMERPD, expressed gratitude to Usec. Sahagun, the DepEd, and the parents of the Filipino Olympian winners.
Dr. Sasota cited the story of a Moro student who won the gold in the 1st International Nuclear Science Olympiad.
He said that is why the DOST is continuously investing in 8 prestigious International STEM Olympiads such as the International Chemistry Olympiad, International Mathematical Olympiad, International Nuclear Science Olympiad, International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, International Physics Olympiad, International Olympiad in Informatics, and International Geography Olympiad.
Among others, the winners were Wins Keinrich Chen, from St. Jude Catholic School, Noel Christian Amagin, Mohammad Nir G. Casib, Jerome Austin Te, Ervin Joshua Bautista, Mark Justin
Biology Olympiad Min Sung G. Lee, Joetel Mattyew G. Tugano, Thadeus I. Trazo, and Eliah S. Asperin.
The Team Leaders on the performance of Philippine Teams in 2025 International Competitions International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics International Physics Olympiad, and International Olympiad in Informatics International Geography Olympiad were presented.
Wins Keinrich Chen was the Gold Medalist in the 2nd International Nuclear Science Olympiad.
The Awarding of Certificate of Recognition to the Organizers Awarding of Youth Excellence in Science (YES) was also held.
Engr. Albert G. Mario, DOST-SEI Director III, was the host of the event. ###
