By Archie John Blas, STRATCOM Correspondent

Students from Mariano Marcos State University - Laboratory High School (MMSU-LHS) Laoag showcased scientific prowess on the global stage by winning multiple awards at the recent International Equilibrium Science Olympiad (IESO) held from September 19 to 21 in Cebu. 

Competing against peers from nine countries, the MMSU-LHS contingent achieved commendable results in both onsite and online rounds, proving the institution’s reputation for academic excellence in science and technology.

IESO, organized by the Math Olympiads Training League Incorporated (MOTLI), gathered young scientists from the Philippines, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Myanmar, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia. The competition tested participants’ scientific reasoning through rigorous challenges held at Cebu Institute of Technology University and JPark Island Resort in Lapu-Lapu City.

In the Secondary 2 category, Grade 9 students Merry Francess Joeselin Lazaro and La Veinn Queenzea Ramos each earned bronze medals in the onsite rounds. Adding to the school’s medal haul, Myrcel Aryll Odesey Mangrubang claimed a silver medal as 2nd runner-up in the online segment. 

The team’s achievements build upon earlier triumphs in the June 8 IESO Heat Rounds, where MMSU-LHS students Majell Pasalo and Mary Ysabelle Calaoagan secured gold medals in the Senior Secondary level, with additional silver and bronze medals awarded to Secondary 2 participants.

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. lauded the students’ accomplishments, emphasizing the significance of their victories for both the university and the country. “This achievement reflects the hard work and intelligence of our students, including the commitment to nurturing world-class scholars who can compete on an international scale”, PJM remarked.

The exceptional performance of MMSU-LHS students in the IESO underlines the rising prominence of Filipino scholars in international scientific competitions and affirms the university’s role as a leading institution fostering innovation and academic excellence in the Philippines.