By Archie John Blas, STRATCOM Correspondent

Through a display of intellect and skill, the young math prodigies of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Laboratory Schools clinched four silver medals and three merit awards at the Hong Kong International Mathematical Olympiad (HKIMO) Finals held on August 23–24, at the Hong Kong Science Park in Shatin.

Organized by the Olympiad Champion Education Centre in collaboration with the Math Olympiads Training League Incorporated (MOTLI), the competition challenged participants from 21 countries worldwide on logical thinking, arithmetic, algebra, number theory, geometry, and combinatorics.

For Primary 1, the winners included Pietro Bong Claron R. Depona (Silver, Euler Prize for perfect score in Number Theory), Quinn Aishi A. Jacinto (Silver, Pascal Prize for perfect score in Combinatorics), Andrew Alexius G. Ragasa (Silver), and Billie Joseph M. Santos (Merit Awardee). 

Other awardees include Adam Enrique Thor Salacup (Merit, Primary 2), Ma. Bryghet A. Quinay (Merit, Secondary 1), and Kairene Zara F. Marquez (Silver, Secondary 2). 

Their success followed their strong performance at the HKIMO National Heat Round on May 18, 2025, where other MMSU students, Jirone Mandrey Pacris, Jemiflor Lindcy Pacris, and Majell Pasalo also represented the school and the country.

The students’ feat was made possible through the mentorship of Mrs. Marissa Calpito, Mrs. Praise Yra Majesty Bendal, Mr. Joseph Ian Baloaloa, and Miss Hazel Marianne Mariano, who trained and guided them for international competition.

This achievement highlights MMSU Laboratory Schools’ commitment to fostering academic excellence and nurturing the next generation of problem solvers and innovators.

HKIMO is an annual international Olympiad competition organized by Olympiad Education from Hong Kong and developed by a team of former IMO winners from Hong Kong. It aims to create a platform for all mathematics enthusiasts worldwide to engage in educational and cultural exchange.