San Juan Math Wizards Reap Four Medals and Merit Awards in Singapore

Young Math Wizards from the Division of San Juan City won 4 medals (1 silver and 3 bronze) and 2 merit awards during the 15th International Mathematics Competition (IMC) last August 2 – 5, 2019 in Singapore.

Mathematics Trainers Guild, Philippines has been training young Filipino students to keep abreast with their skills in math and keep on track to compete in an international math contest. Founded in 1995, the MTG is a non-stock, non-profit organization of volunteer mathematics teachers committed to promote excellence in mathematics education as it seeks to develop the analytical thinking and creative skills of the students through intensive trainings.

MTG-Philippines made way for the six elementary pupils from the Division of San Juan to be a part of the Philippine Delegation in the 15th IMC in Singapore. Four representatives from Pinaglabanan Elementary School namely: Lance Gabriel C. Sanone, Christian Benedict D. Valdespina, Alyssa Nichole Insigne and Kristoff Nathan B. Consulta along with Mrs. Wilma O. Rosales (Pinaglabanan Elementary School teacher) and Mrs. Princess C. Sanone (Lance parent), John Laurence D. Barsica from San Perfecto Elementary School and Joaquin Arhtur P. Villareal from San Juan Elementary School with his School Head Mr. Lloyd T. Tulaylay, tried to bring their high hopes to obtain gold medals. Thru the undying support and endless love of their parents, the imparting of knowledge and skills of their trainers in their respective school, the patience of Ms. Realeila Santos who kept an eye on the LGU fund, the convincing power of our Education Program Supervisor in Mathematics, Mrs. Helen S. Acedo, the genuine support from our OIC-Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Alejandro G. Ibañez, the kindness of our San Juan City Councilors and with the generous assistance from the Local Government Unit headed by our San Juan City Mayor, Hon. Francisco Javier M. Zamora and Congressman Hon. Ronaldo B. Zamora, made these pupils to represent and give honor to the Division of San Juan.

In order to qualify for this international competition, one must have to go through a series of mathematics trainings to select the best math wizards to represent the Philippines to the competitions in Singapore. The pupils attended comprehensive trainings and passed the given series of tests of the Mathematical Challenge for Filipino Kids Training Program (MCFKTP) in 12-Saturday sessions; Young Mathematicians In-House Intensive Training Program (YMIITP), a training that would sharpen both their intellectual and emotional intelligence; and lastly the Mathematical Olympiad Summer Training Program (MOSTP), a month-long rigid training, respectively. Luckily, all the pupils surpassed these trainings and were equipped to compete internationally.

This year’s competition was composed of more than a thousand math whizards from the following countries and territories: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. The Philippine delegation from different parts of the country was headed by Mr. Felix Romy Triambulo, Schools Division Superintendent of Zamboanga City together with team leaders Manuel Kotah, and different center coordinators.

With their rigorous trainings, dedications and hard works, pupils of San Juan bagged the following awards:

Name Award Grade Level School Principal

John Laurence D. Barsica Merit 5 San Perfecto E/S Mrs. Lucila G. Artuyo

Joaquin Arthur P. Villareal Merit 5 San Juan E/S Mr. Lloyd T. Tulaylay

Lance Gabriel C. Sanone Bronze 4 Pinaglabanan E/S Mr. Dennis M. Bacle

Christian Benedict D. Valdespina Bronze 5 Pinaglabanan E/S Mr. Dennis M. Bacle

Kristoff Nathan B. Consulta Bronze 6 Pinaglabanan E/S Mr. Dennis M. Bacle

Alyssa Nichole Insige Silver 5 Pinaglabanan E/S Mr. Dennis M. Bacle

As Dr. Isidro Aguilar, MTG President said, “Congratulations to our Filipino students for achieving a bountiful harvest of medals this year at IMC. We commend them for their hard work.” It is a very clear indication that these young math wizards aimed beyond average to excellence. Thus, they are indeed a product and a pride of Division of San Juan.