Cebuano student wins in international Math challenge

CEBU, Philippines- A grade eight student of the Philippine Science High School Central Visayas in Argao was among the Filipino students who bagged 138 medals and 63 merit awards for the Philippines to finish second place overall in an international Math contest in Hong Kong.

Barly Dinalo, 14, won bronze medal in the International Mathematics Wizard Challenge on August 9 to 12.

Dinalo’s father, Benedicto, said he had to sell their cow so he can fly to Hong Kong to support his son. Benedicto, 42, a computer technician, said he believes in the potential of his son because he had been a consistent winner in various contests while he was still in elementary.

Barly, eldest of the two siblings, graduated an honor student at the Argao Central School. He won the Metrobank Math contest in the provincial competition and his team finished second in the regional level.

The Cebu Provincial Board invited Barly to yesterday’s regular session, in which Board Member Yayoy Alcoseba promised to give him an incentive for bringing honor to Cebu.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale also promised to give him financial assistance and a replacement of the cow that his father sold.

 A total of 913 students from different countries joined the competition. The Philippines hauled 12 gold medals, 37 silvers, and 89 bronzes. China topped the competition with 16 gold medals while Hong Kong ranked third with 11 gold medals; Taiwan, 7; Macau, 4; and Indonesia, 2.  (FREEMAN)