Pinoy kids win 12 medals in Taiwan math competition

MANILA, Philippines - Twelve math whiz kids who composed the lean Philippine team that competed in the prestigious Hua LoGeng Golden Cup Mathematics Invitational Competition in Taiwan last week managed to win a medal each in the tournament.

Dr. Simon Chua, president of the Mathematics Trainers Guild (MTG)- Philippines, expressed pride in what he said was definitely an impressive performance of Team Philippines, with a medal haul of four silver medals, and eight bronze medals.

“All of them managed to get scores within the cut-off scores assuring them a medal each. We’re so proud of them, we know they deserve it,” Chua told The STAR.

The four Filipino silver medal winners were Mario Antonio Ongkiko of Xavier School in the Junior High School Division individual competitions; Ma. Czarina Angela Lao and Austin Edrich Chua, both of St. Jude Catholic School, and Jayson Fernandez of San Beda College-Alabang, in the Elementary Division-individuals.

John Aranas of Maximo Estrella Elementary School, Kaye Yao of Grace Christian College, and Ethan Riley Chan of Zamboanga Chong Hua High School won bronze medals in the elementary division individual contests.

Aljan Balbuena of Senator R. Cayetano Memorial Science and Technological School, Philip Lizarda of San Beda College-Alabang, Jason Tan of Jubilee Christian Academy, Benson Tan of Jubilee Christian Academy and John Alexander Co of Xavier School also won bronze medals in the high school division individual contests.

The Hua Logeng Golden Cup Mathematics Invitational Competition was held at Lukang Town in the ChangHua county of Taiwan from Aug. 10 to 12.