Education officials and local leaders encouraged students to pursue excellence and use their skills for the public good during the awarding ceremony and gala night of the Philippine International Math and Science Olympiad Final Round 2025-2026 at the Dusit Thani Residence Davao in Davao City on Sunday night, March 1.

International Champions in Education President and Chief Executive Officer Robert D. Fordan welcomed delegates, coaches, parents, and partner organizations, saying the event celebrates not only academic achievement but also “global unity through education.”

The final round gathered about 600 students, about 300 from the host country — the Philippines — and the rest from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Hong Kong, Macau, and Bangladesh. Others joined online after last-minute travel cancellations.

Fordan noted that PIMSO, which ran from Feb. 27 to March 1, covered kindergarten through Grade 12. He said the competition tests students’ problem-solving skills in mathematics and science and aims to promote Philippine tourism by bringing international delegates to host cities.

The ICE official added that the majority of the top winners came from the Philippines, saying the results challenge perceptions that the country’s education quality is poor and demonstrate that Filipino students continue to perform well in international competitions.

From Davao City Special School, Francis James Togonon secured gold as first runner-up in Primary 3, Ethan Craig Bero won silver in Primary 5, and Abdul Rahman Umpar received bronze in Primary 4.

Panabo City National High School math wizards Jasmine Carmona, Eunico Xaigel Igpit, Don Kian Mikhaylo Sales, and Samuel Enoch, each won silver medals, and Zildjian Ceballos, earned a bronze medal.

Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, in a message read by a representative, congratulated all the participants and awardees of the PIMSO and described mathematics and science as “languages of innovation” and tools for global progress.

“We celebrate more than just academic achievement. Every medal and certificate earned tonight represents the discipline, the Creed, and the tireless effort required to master these complex feelings,” Vice President Duterte said.

The Vice President encouraged participants to treat their achievements as the beginning of a lifelong commitment to excellence, while thanking parents and teachers for their support.

Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte said the PIMSO serves as a platform where “brilliance meets opportunity,” describing participants as future innovators, researchers, educators, and leaders who will shape the world with knowledge and activity.

“Kudos to the entire organizing committee and your partners for staging this prestigious competition that challenges you to compete with honor, demonstrate your capabilities, and strive for the highest standards of excellence,” Mayor Duterte said.

Mayor Duterte cited the organizers and partners for fostering discipline, resilience, collaboration, and mutual respect among students. He said the city takes great pride in its accomplishments, describing them as living examples of excellence in its endeavors.

“Congratulations to all our participants. Please use your knowledge not only for personal success but also for the betterment of your respective communities and countries,” the mayor added.

North Cotabato Vice Gov. Rochella Marie “Ella” Taliño Taray, representing Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, said participants are already champions for daring to compete by measuring themselves against the best and embracing the rigor of intellectual pursuit.

Mendoza said math and science are foundational to innovation and progress and challenged students to keep asking questions and exploring “not just for personal success, but for the progress of our communities, our nation, and the world.”

“Every equation solved, every experiment conducted, and every theory mastered becomes a stepping stone toward breakthroughs that can transform communities, nations, and even the world,” Mendoza said.

Taray commended the ICE for their unwavering commitment to nurturing the youth as critical thinkers and promoting global collaboration by building bridges across nations and cultures. She said ICE reminds everyone that education is a universal language of hope, excellence, and progress.

“Our dear students, as you move forward, I encourage you to keep dreaming big, keep asking questions, and keep challenging yourselves,” Taray said. “This world does not move forward through ordinary thinking — it advances through young minds like yours who dare to explore, discover, and innovate.”

Student awardees and speakers Dhanakrit Hatrongjit of Thailand and Abbygail Celine Bunyi of the Philippines shared their experiences, emphasizing that success in life—like in math and science—comes from continuous studying, practice, courage, learning from mistakes, and the determination to keep going.

Fordan thanked local leaders and the delegates for attending the event. He said the competition highlights academic excellence and international cooperation, and showcases Davao City as a host of primary math and science competitions in the region.