The nation’s brightest young minds in science and mathematics were lauded in a formal ceremony on Monday, October 27, following their outstanding performance in various 2025 international Olympiads, where they secured a haul of one gold, five silver, and seven bronze medals, alongside numerous honorable mentions.
The “2025 Philippine Teams in International STEM Olympians Recognition Program,” held at the Sequioa Hotel and organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), served as a platform to celebrate the remarkable achievements that have brought pride and honor to the Philippines on the world stage.
In her welcome remarks, DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services, Maridon O. Sahagun, set the tone for the event, urging everyone to pause and recognize the youth’s accomplishments. “At the DOST, Science knows no boundaries,” Usec. Sahagun stated, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent. She added a forward-looking message to the awardees: “The country needs you today and in the future.”
The undersecretary also relayed a message from Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, who praised the Olympians for “bringing recognition and inspiration to all Filipino youth both in the international stage and at the home front.” The senator also commended the DOST for its unwavering support for young Filipino scientists.
Echoing the sentiment of national pride, Ebenezer A. Beloy, OIC-Director III of the DepEd’s Bureau of Curriculum Development, honored the students’ role as the true hope of the nation. “You have brought pride and honor to the nation in the international scene of science,” Beloy said. “STEM is borderless like the milestones you have achieved in the international stage,” he added, encouraging them to remain bold in their future pursuits.
Dr. Randolf S. Sasota, PhD, Chief SRS of DOST-SEI, highlighted the significance of these victories by citing the inspiring story of a Moro student who clinched gold in the 1st International Nuclear Science Olympiad. He underscored that such success stories are why the DOST continues to invest in the country’s participation in eight prestigious international STEM competitions, including the International Mathematical Olympiad, International Physics Olympiad, and International Chemistry Olympiad.
The ceremony put a spotlight on the medalists, including Wins Keinrich Chen from St. Jude Catholic School, who brought home the gold medal from the 2nd International Nuclear Science Olympiad. Other notable winners recognized were Noel Christian Amagin, Mohammad Nir G. Casib, Jerome Austin Te, and the members of the Biology Olympiad team, among others.
Team leaders from various delegations, including those for the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics and the International Olympiad in Informatics, also presented reports on the Philippine teams’ performance in the 2025 competitions.
The event, hosted by Engr. Albert G. Mario, DOST-SEI Director III, culminated in the awarding of Certificates of Recognition to the organizers and the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) medals to the outstanding student-Olympians, cementing a day of celebration for Philippine scientific excellence.#
