Pinoy math wizards off to South Africa for 55th Math Olympiad

The Philippines' top math wizards are heading to South Africa this week to represent the country in the 55th International Mathematical Olympiad, the most prestigious international mathematical competition for high school students.

 

Composed of winners and finalists in this year's Philippine Mathematical Olympiad, the Philippine bets are considered seasoned participants in international math tilts.

 

Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Director Dr. Josette Biyo expressed confidence the team can strike gold.

 

“We can definitely win. Hopefully, our time to win that precious gold is now,” said Biyo.

 

IMO will be held at Cape Town in South Africa from July 3 to 13.

 

Members of the Philippine team include:

 

Sy led three of the contestants in last year’s IMO. He won a bronze medal.

 

He also placed first-runner up in this year’s PMO and won a silver medal in the Asian Pacific Mathematics Olympiad (APMO), where Lao and Wu also won honorable mentions.

 

Meanwhile, Dulay won a silver medal in the recent APMO, while Tan was a bronze medalist in the same event. Ang earned honorable mention.

 

Guiding the six math wizards are team leader Dr. Jose Ernie Lope and Deputy Team Leader Joseph Ray Clarence Damasco, both of the Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP).

 

Some former members of the Philippine team to the IMO are also joining them for support.

 

On the other hand, supporters from the government, private and academic sectors gathered last June 28 to boost the team’s spirit in time for their departure on July 6.

 

Medal haul

 

Since 2008, the Philippines has brought home at least the bronze medal in the competition, winning three bronze medals in the 54th IMO.

 

For this year, the team has high hopes of bringing home a either a silver or gold medal. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News