DOST chief Montejo meets Intl Math Olympiad medalists

What does it take to be a math genius? Logic, common sense, hard work, and admitting that even math geniuses are – after all – normal people.

 

This is how members of the Philippine team to the International Math Olympiad (IMO) depicted themselves before Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo during a courtesy call at the Department of Science and Technology on Aug. 16.

 

Medalists Mikaela Angeline Uy, Kenneth Co, and Henry Jefferson Morco, also shared with Montejo their respective experiences when they competed with 548 other students from other countries during the IMO at Mar de Plata, Argentina, on July 4-16. 

 

St. Jude Catholic School’s Uy, a bronze medalist, was a first-timer in the competition. She bested 52 other female contenders in the competition.

 

“IMO was a really great experience,” Uy said. “Marami akong nakilalang new friends from different countries. 

 

“Given the chance, I would like to go again next year… Hopefully, po,” she added.

 

Uy also said it was an honor to represent the country in the IMO. “It made me appreciate math more, and learn about the beauty of math talaga.”

 

Morco went to high school at Chiang Kai-Shek College and is now an Applied Mathematics student at Ateneo de Manila University. A veteran of international math competitions, he received an honorable mention in this year’s IMO.

 

He said that IMO was a life-changing experience. “It really shaped how I view myself with respect to my friends, family, and my country.”

 

Another bronze medalist in this year’s IMO, Co of Philippine Science High School is set to fly to the United States next week to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at the Johns Hopkins University.

 

“It’s difficult to compete with students like that… especially… they are also the best from their own countries,” he said.

 

But more than that, Co said he was happy to know that math geniuses, even from other countries, do not have to be the stereotypical nerds.

 

“Other students – they’re like normal people too. I mean, they like sports and other stuff,” noted Co.

 

"I remember a mathematician [once] said, 'Don't think that math is complicated. Look at life, it's so much more complicated'," said Morco. Friends from competition circuit

 

Co and Morco have known each other since grade school.

 

“Kenny and I have known each other from grade school because of the competition. There’s really a community,” said Morco.

 

During the courtesy call, Montejo also awarded Co with the medal for Youth Excellence in Science – an award normally given at the end of each year, but DOST decided to do away with protocols in this case as Co would be out of the country for a long time.

 

This year’s feat of the Philippine team is the second best with a rank of 73rd out of 100 countries that competed. The team ranked 54th last year.

 

“We beat two Hungarians, two French teams, and our performance this year is equivalent to that of the weakest Chinese student,” said Dr. Julius Basilla, the team leader.

 

Montejo noted the current educational system in the Philippines gives students a two-year handicap in competitions like the International Math Olympiad.

 

“Be prepared, in 2020, we’ll beat you,” said Basilla. 

 

In 2020, the Philippine team members will be at about the same age as the other IMO competitors.

 

Asked about their plans for the future, the three math wizards see themselves pursuing careers in applied mathematics – research or social studies.

 

Uy, a senior student, is determined to pursue a math-related course once she finishes high school. In the mean time, she would like to join IMO next year, if given the chance.

 

Morco, on the other hand, intends to do math-related research. “I plan to somehow retain a connection with the academe, especially mathematics.”

 

An incoming Johns Hopkins freshman, Co wanted to apply math in research and other fields. “I wanted to conduct math research, how to use math to solve social problems, but I think my plans for now could change.”

 

With an urgent request, Montejo congratulated the three. “I hope you stay in the Philippines, or come back.” — VS, GMA News