The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) on Oct. 10 honored outstanding Filipino students who exemplified global excellence and bagged awards in various international science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) competitions.
The Philippine Olympiad team was represented by seven brilliant students who secured five silver and 14 bronze medals, marking the country's biggest victory.
DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo expressed delight at the outstanding achievements of the young talents.
"We honor to celebrate your bravery to venture into an intensive yet fulfilling journey. Your valor in participating in the STEM competitions is a fete we're celebrating, and with that, we applaud all of you," Biyo said.
She also lauded the agency's unwavering commitment to represent the Philippines on the international stage, bringing pride and hope to the nation in the field of STEM competitions.
DOST-SEI said the Philippines' ranked 26 out of 112 countries and has been the fourth-best ranking of the Philippine Team.
In addition, this year is the highest cumulative team score of 145 for the past years.
Exceptional talents
As a DOST institutional award, the students received the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Award, which signifies its high regard for excellence and competitiveness through the distinguished achievements of young Filipinos in international science and mathematics competitions.
"It is not easy to represent the Philippines in a competition in international events," Biyo said.
"That means among the brightest young minds in the world. We are delighted with the high school students who won," she added.
Moreover, Biyo also encouraged the young Olympians to be part of DOST-SEI's roster of science and technology (S&T) scholars.
She expressed her hope that their STEM Olympiad experiences have helped spark motivation in them to become the country's future great scientists and mathematicians, "ready to serve the people and impact society."
"We believe that these Olympiads can draw Filipino students towards the field of STEM, boost the country's pool of S&T professionals, and even make the Philippines world-class in such fields.
However, she emphasized that while DOST-SEI is not a funding agency, it can only provide limited support.
The one thing they can offer in full is recognition, celebrating the student's achievements not only for themselves but also for the Philippines.
Furthermore, Biyo extended her gratitude to the national organizers of the STEM competitions, the coaches and trainers, and the parents and guardians who invested in nurturing these young talents.
In a video message, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. also congratulated the students for bringing honor to the country and serving as incredible role models to the young generation to engage and pursue excellence in STEM.
"Your success is our success as well," he said.
He then vowed that the DOST will continue to invest in the young and many extraordinary Filipino people to ensure that they will discover and use their talents to shape the future of the Filipino community.
One of the YES Awardees, Mohammad Nur Casib from the Philippine Science High School- Central Mindanao (PSHS-Central Mindanao) Campus, who won a bronze medal, shared his hope to underscore the importance of science and technology for the nation's development and progress as a whole.
He even recalled how they struggled in the competition because of the lack of funding and wished for increased funding for such events.
"I would say first thing is it may seem overwhelming, but it also gives us a sense of responsibility. We are representing our country and facing some of the best in the world," Casib said.