By Brian Jules Campued
As the Philippines celebrates the stellar performance of Filipino athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics, our young chemists also brought home medals and recognition at the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 21 to 30.
The Philippine team, showcasing exceptional prowess in the field of science, delivered bronze medals in the Chemistry Olympiad, courtesy of Gelraycs Jules Fornan of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Soccsksargen Region and Rex Alphonse Reventar of PSHA Main Campus.
Fornan, who also bagged a bronze medal at the 55th IChO in Zurich, Switzerland in 2023, was coached by Jomarie Enerio, while Reventar was coached by Mara Milagros Esguerra.
Meanwhile, Ogden Michael Javier of PSHS Main and Jacob Emmanuel Sadorra of PSHS Central Luzon both earned honorable mentions. Javier was also coaxed by Esguerra, while Sadorra was coached by Princess Ann Digneneng.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Sec. Renato Solidum Jr. congratulated the Philippine delegation for their outstanding performance on the global stage, adding that their “dedication and hard work have brought immense pride” to the nation.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to all the organizations, coaches, mentors, families, friends, and individuals who supported the Philippine delegation in the International Chemistry Olympiad. Your unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in their success,” Solidum said, as quoted in a PSHS news release.
The IChO is an annual competition for the world’s brightest chemistry students at the secondary school level, where their knowledge and skills in chemistry are tested in a five-hour laboratory practical examination and a five-hour written theoretical exam.
Each delegation consists of up to four students and two mentors. The head mentor for the 2024 Philippine team is Dr. Raymond Malabed of De La Salle University (DLSU), while Dr. Ian Ken Dimzon of the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) served as the mentor. – av