2 Filipinos bag bronze medals in int'l Math, Physics Olympiads

MANILA, Philippines - Two Filipino students obtained international recognition after bagging bronze medals in the 49th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and 39th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). GMA's 24 Oras reported that Diogo Miguel del Almeida of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) obtained the bronze medal in the IMO that was held in Madrid, Spain last July 10-22, wherein 515 contestants from 99 countries joined the contest. Almeida, 18, described his experience in the competition as "hard." “It's a lot harder than what people would say," he said. IMO is the largest and the most prestigious mathematics competition among the secondary students in the world. Almeida said it was his dream to bring such recognition to the country. However, he said he regrets not being able to bring home the silver award. "Everyone's congratulating me since the Philippine hadn't gotten a medal in 13 years. I really thought I could have gotten silver (medal). I was one question away which is a big thing. I regret it so much," Almeida said. On the other hand, Tobit James Narciso of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) won a bronze medal at the IPhO which was held at Hanoi, Vietnam last July 20-29. Narciso described the competition as a "fun experience," saying it's one of his dreams to win in an international science Olympiad. "It's a fun experience. It's one of my dreams to obtain a medal in any international science Olympiad, physics being one of them." Narciso humbly added that it was mostly "mostly luck" that made him win. He proudly added that this achievement only proves that the Filipinos can compete in any international Olympiads. "It shows that Filipinos can do this thing. We have the capacity to improve and actually sign on science competition," he said. Like the IMO, IPHO is also considered as the largest, hardest, and most prestigious Physics competition for the secondary students, wherein 376 students from 80 countries joined the competition. In relation to this feat, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) honored both Almeida and Tobit by giving them the “Youth Excellence in Science” medals. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV