Ilokano math wizards win at World International Mathematical Olympiad

Five (5) Ilokano students from Sarrat National High School secured medals at the recently concluded World International Mathematical Olympiad (WIMO) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from January 5 to 8.

The World International Mathematical Olympiad has joined a Global Mathematical Society to form a union aimed at training elite math students guided by former IMO winners.

The math wizards showed exceptional prowess, bringing home a total of six (6) medals—a World Champion medal, three (3) gold medals, and two (2) silver medals. Brian Jansen Vallejo earned both the World Champion Award and a Gold Award, while Allen Iver Barroga and Zyrene Angelica Dulluog each claimed Gold Awards. Meanwhile, Natalie Margaret Balisacan and Ma. Cassandra Reich Duque received Silver Awards.

The students were coached by Mr. Michael Malvar, Ms. Agnes Calilao, and Ms. Jenifer Balisacan, together with the guidance of their school principal, Dr. Marietta B. Yap, and Head Teacher in Math, Mr. Edmund T. Respicio.

The Ilokano math wizards competed against 243 gold medalists from 12 countries who qualified for the WIMO. 

 “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable support of our Governor, Matthew Marcos Manotoc, and all other sponsors, private companies, and individuals who truly made our participation in the competition possible,” said Mr. Malvar, one of the coaches of the math wizards.

He added, “Your belief in the potential of our team has empowered us to reach new heights and has left a lasting impression on each member of our Sarrat National High School Math Team. God bless you, Sir Gov [ernor].”

Last year, the same team also earned gold medals at both the Thailand International Mathematical Olympiad and the Hong Kong International Mathematical Olympiad.