By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
BACOLOD CITY – Ilonggo students excelled in the recent International Science Olympiad Competition of Southeast Asia (ISOCSEA), bagging top honors during the event held Dec. 20-24 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Shaun Ryielle Yap and Jose Iñigo Sotelo, Grade 10 students from PAREF Westbridge School in Iloilo City, secured first and second runner-up titles in the Secondary 4 category of the ISOCSEA international rounds.
They also earned Gold medals alongside their classmates Jose Gabriel Amarante and Gualfredo Ramon Servano. Yap further distinguished himself with a Bronze medal in the International Mathematics Olympiad Competition of Southeast Asia (IMOCSEA), held simultaneously.
Gold medals were awarded to participants scoring between 81 and 95 points, while Bronze was given to those scoring 65 and below. Other distinctions included Diamond (96 to 110) and Silver (66 to 80). The top three scorers were honored as champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up.
The four competed against more than 50 students from the Philippines and other nations, including Bulgaria, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Categories included general science, biology, chemistry, physics, and space science.
Their journey began with recommendations from teachers to join the national rounds in the Philippines. After excelling, they voluntarily participated in the international rounds.
“Joining the international round was voluntary. Our teachers recommended it to students who excelled in science. We were selected to take the national round, and we never expected to achieve Gold and Diamond medals,” Amarante told Daily Guardian.
To prepare, the group received training from their teacher, Bryan Tagabe, in general sciences before pursuing self-directed studies.
“We were fortunate to have a very supportive teacher, Sir Bryan Tagabe, who discussed key topics. Afterward, we focused on self and group studies, spending hours reviewing materials, answering mock tests, and sharing ideas,” Servano said.
The students credited their families for unwavering support, both financially and emotionally.
“I’ve been lucky to join many Olympiad competitions, and my family has always been my greatest support. They never hesitated to spend on competition fees, materials, and travel expenses,” Yap said. “My family believed in me during difficult times, celebrated my victories, and encouraged me to focus on my goals.”
Sotelo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his parents’ motivation to strive for excellence.
“My parents always remind me to strive for the best and not be complacent. Their advice pushes me to improve every day,” Sotelo said.
Amarante dedicated his medal to his parents, acknowledging their role in encouraging him to explore opportunities.
“Growing up, I didn’t like being pushed into things I didn’t want to do, like joining competitions or learning new skills. Now, I realize it was for my own good. I’m thankful for their encouragement to try new things,” he said.
The competition also solidified the students’ aspirations in science-related fields. Yap hopes to become a chemist, while Sotelo is now motivated to pursue a career in science.
“I’ve always dreamed of becoming a chemist, and winning this competition strengthened my belief in my dreams,” Yap said. “This Olympiad gave me confidence in achieving my goal of becoming a chemical engineer.”
“Before this competition, I didn’t see myself as talented in science. Achieving second runner-up in an international competition showed me I have a strong foundation in it. I’m now likely to pursue a career in a science-related field,” Sotelo added.
