It’s been a wonderful 2012 for Filipino math and science wizards. A total of 308 elementary and high school students from 123 schools all over the country won gold, silver, and bronze medals in international math and science contests last year, the highest medal haul so far.

At the 53rd International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in Argentina, the Philippines won two bronze medals and an honorable mention, courtesy of Mikaela Angelina Uy of St. Jude Catholic School, Kenneth Tan-Co of Philippine Science High School-Main, and Henry Jefferson Morco of Chiang Kai Shek College.

At the 2012 International Young Mathematicians’ Convention (IYMC) in India last December, the country emerged as the overall champion, garnering 12 individual gold medals, one silver, and two bronze. These were made possible by students Gen Mark Tanno of Southville International School and Colleges, John Aries Ceazar Hingan of San Beda College Alabang, and Andrea Jaba of St. Jude Catholic School, among others.

The Department of Science and Technology’s Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) recently feted 174 of these outstanding students in the National Capital Region during the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Awards at the PHIVOLCS Auditorium in Diliman, Quezon City.

The YES medal “signifies DOST’s high regard for excellence and competitiveness through the distinguished achievements of young Filipinos in international science and mathematics competitions.”

The ceremony was graced by DOST Sec. Mario Montejo, DOST Usec. Fortunato dela Pena, DOST-SEI Director Dr. Filma Brawner, and Dr. Simon Chua, president of the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines.

DOST-SEI said Saint Jude Catholic School produced the most medals, with 22 won by 14 students abroad. Second was Grace Christian College with 21 medals from 14 students.

DOST Sec. Montejo said that he was overwhelmed by the number of awardees.

“This gathering of winners simply boosts my belief that with these students leading our charge, the future of the Philippines is as bright as the sun,” he said.

Dr. Brawner likened the awardees to warriors.

“Being members of the Philippine contingent to various international science and math competitions obviously implies that you are the best this country has to offer. That alone should give you the feel of being a warrior − a soldier who is ready and brave enough to reach the top while holding the faith in yourself and in your countrymen in the battlefield,” she said.

The SEI and the DOST are at the forefront of supporting and creating programs for future scientists and engineers.

Usec. Dela Pena said the country needs young people like the YES awardees in the science sector.

“We shall need the help of the brightest people in the country. An elite group of scientists, engineers, robotics experts, mathematicians, physicists, and others who could make science work for the benefit of the 100 million Filipinos. That elite group needs you. And you belong in that class,” he told the awardees.