PSHS wins gold at Nuclear Science Olympiad

PSHS wins gold at Nuclear Science Olympiad

Story by The Manila Times
15 Aug 2024

MOHAMMAD Nur "Iman" Casib of Marawi City, an incoming Grade 12 student of Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Central Mindanao Campus, won not just gold at the 1st International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) but was hailed as Nuclear Ambassador for obtaining the highest points overall among 55 contenders from 14 Asia-Pacific countries in the theoretical and experimental exams.

Mohammad Nur Casib and Neil Kyle Olaer Maniquis (3rd and 4th from right, respectively) of the Philippines are among eight gold medalists at the 1st International Nuclear Science Olympiad in New Clark City, Pampanga on Aug. 1 to 6, 2024. Casib is hailed as Nuclear Ambassador for obtaining the highest points overall among 55 contenders from 14 Asia-Pacific countries in the theoretical and experimental exams. INSO PHOTO

PSHS Central Mindanao is located in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.

A competition for junior and senior high school students ages 15 to 20, INSO was held at the New Clark City in Pampanga from August 1 to 6.

Neil Kyle Olaer Maniquis of Manila Science High School also won gold for the Philippines and six others for their respective countries in the olympiad.

Besides Casib and Olaer, the other gold medalists were Caldras Tan Hong Xun, Caleb Chia, Tran Doan Duy Phuc, and Wong Kheng Hshin (Singapore); M N Ahamed Mushab (Sri Lanka); and Nopparuj Sodsri (Thailand).

Silver medalists were Nonpawit Koheng, Rawisara Chokdeepanich and Tharatep Lertpetaiy (Thailand); Isaac Toh Thiam Tek and Lim Yee Jian (Malaysia); Subhan Kashif and Suleman Nouman (Pakistan); Pabasara Kaushalya Maduwage and W. A. Akila Chamodya Bandara (Sri Lanka); Seyedabolfazl Mahdaei (Iran); Jeremiah Auza (Philippines); Galvandi Ibrahim (Qatar); and Mohammed Akrikish (Saudi Arabia).

Bronze medalists were Ayda Bina, Seyed Mohammad Sajadiyan and Shayan Rezazadeh (Iran); Arell Yazid Fazrin Bin Mohd Fauzi and Saratt Suthagar (Malaysia); Ehban Awan and Qasim Salam (Pakistan); Ganzorig Khuslen and Nyam-Ayush Tuvshin (Mongolia); Azzam Khalid Abdullah Alomari, Hala Salman Al Abbad and Hasan Alawadh (Saudi Arabia); Hasan Aman (Bahrain); Omar Amjad Yousef Shbeita (Jordan); Aditya Vivek (Qatar); and Saayuj Ion Mathew (UAE).

According to INSO, the contestants came as teams representing their respective countries but competed as individuals.

Further, they were ranked according to the points they obtained in the two exams, where Casib emerged as the topnotcher.

Topics covered in the olympiad were the structure of an atom and nucleus, radiation, fission and fusion, radioactivity in the environment, history of nuclear science, risk and safety, and applications in energy, health, industry/agriculture, and the environment.

"The Olympiad is not just a competition but also building long-lasting cooperation for future activities,'' Helena Zhivistkaya, expert of the Nuclear Knowledge Management Section of the International Atomic Energy Agency Department of Nuclear Energy, reminded the contestants.

On opening day, Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Director Carlo Arcilla, PhD, said organizing the first-ever nuclear science olympiad was challenging.

"When we accepted the invitation to host this event, we did not know how big of a feat this would be for our country, but we are delighted to see all of you here with us today as the participants of this competition that is the first of its kind,'' he said.

Meanwhile, DoST Secretary Renato Solidum stressed that INSO aims to "increase global awareness on the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, particularly on how these are supportive to the current thrust of the science department."

56th International Chemistry Olympiad in Saudi Arabia

At the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on July 21-30, 2024, the Philippine team showcased their exceptional knowledge and skills, securing bronze medals and honorable mentions.

The brightest young chemists from around the globe gathered to showcase their exceptional knowledge and skills. Amid this fierce competition, the Philippine delegation shone brightly, securing bronze medals and honorable mentions, highlighting the nation's talent and determination on the world stage.

Stellar performances from the Philippine delegation were witnessed as they triumphed over challenging theoretical and practical examinations.

Securing bronze medals for the country were Gelrays Jules Fornan of PSHS Soccsksargen Region Campus and Rex Alphonse Reventar of PSHS Main Campus.

Honorable mention were Ogden Michael Javier of PSHS Main Campus and Jacob Emmanuel Sadorra of PSHS Central Luzon Campus.

"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 of the students' achievement.

10th Asean+3 Junior Science Odyssey

PSHS students achieved remarkable success in competitions at the 10th Asean+3 Plus 3 Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO-10) held in Siem Reap, Cambodia on July 22-26, 2024.

The APT JSO-10 is an annual educational event to gather young and talented students ages 13 to 15 who are passionate about science and technology.

The event provides a platform for these young minds to share their scientific insights, ideas, and experiences in applying science and technology to address common issues.

Winning gold in the quiz competition were Julius Benedict Rios and Bon Matthew Singayao, who also won the Excellent Award.

Silver medalists in the quiz competition were Sean Steven Duco and Gabriel Angelo Bacani of PSHS-Southern Mindanao Campus and Celyna Ahnya Daguro for the project pitching competition.

Bronze medalists were the Soccsksargen Region Campus team of Daguro, Emmanuel Neil Manzares and Singayao for the video competition, and Sean Steven Duco for the project pitching competition.

This year's event, themed "Racing Up Against Climate Change," gathered 225 students and representatives from secondary schools across the 10 Asean member countries plus China, Japan and South Korea.

The event was organized by Cambodia's Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation in partnership with the Asean+3 Center for the Gifted in Science to foster scientific exploration and innovation among young talents in the region.