Filipino students win big at global science Olympiad

OLYMPIAD WINNER. Richmarth Duke Bad-ang of the University of Immaculate Conception in Davao City won a bronze medal in Natural Science (Category 5) at the 6th Copernicus International Natural Science Olympiad in Houston, Texas on Jan. 8, 2025. Five other Filipino students won various awards in their respective categories. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Ma. Theresa Bad-ang)

DAVAO CITY – Six Filipino students won multiple awards at the 6th Copernicus International Natural Science Olympiad in Texas, the United States on Jan. 5-10.

Dr. Ma. Theresa Bad-ang, mother of contestant Richmarth Duke Bad-ang, said Friday the Philippines ranked among the top three countries with the most medals.

“All contestants from Team Philippines received an award,” she said.

Her son, 17, who attends the University of Immaculate Conception – Davao City, won a bronze medal in Natural Science (Category 5). Iwen Manaba, 17, from the School of Saint Anthony in the National Capital Region, won silver in the same category.

John Hermes Mariñas, 10, from the Maria Loreto Integrated School, Inc. in Oriental Mindoro, won gold in Natural Science (Category 2). Rjian Felminia Acevedo, 16, from the Philippine Science High School -Zamboanga Peninsula Region Campus (PSHS-ZPRC) in Zamboanga del Norte, also won gold in Natural Science (Category 4).

Jaymee Kristen Concha, 14, from PSHS-ZPRC, won bronze in Natural Science (Category 4). Marquis Xavier Zamuco, 18, from the Saint Louis University Laboratory Senior High School in Baguio City, won bronze in Physics and Astronomy (Category 3).

Bad-ang said more than 200 students from 18 countries competed.

The Olympiad focused on natural sciences, physics, and astronomy.

The examinations were held at the Rice University in Houston on Jan. 8.