KABUGAO, Apayao – Six young yApayaos carried their province’s name beyond borders, competing in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Mathematical Olympiad Final Round held from March 14 to 17, 2025, in Shatin, Hong Kong.
Sahara Koph Labueng and Korina Apilit of Apayao Science High School carved their names into the international stage, clinching third place in the Secondary 3 category. At the same time, Apayao National Industrial and Agricultural High School also left its mark, with Eireen Ivy Cenu and Ace Miracle Pascua earning Merit Awards in the Senior Secondary category, while Jycyl Madriaga and Paulen Mae Cadag secured Merit Awards in the Secondary 3 category.
Despite limited preparation time due to their packed competition schedules, the students pushed through and delivered, proving that Apayao’s young minds are more than capable of competing against the best.
Teacher-coach Noble Marissa Domingo, did not hold back in expressing her pride.
“Ang galing-galing nyo guys! Malayo na kayo pero mas malayo pa mararating nyo mga anak! Alam kong kahit di kayo nakapag-prepare nang husto dahil sa sunod-sunod na contests—kakagaling nyo lang sa Division PressCon—pero heto, may medals na naman kayo! I am so much proud of you guys!” Domingo said in her Facebook post.
The students secured their spots in the final round through an online selection process in December 2024. Organized by the Math Olympiad Training League Incorporated, this competition draws top math talents from different countries.
Backing their journey was the provincial government led by Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., alongside the Office of the Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang. The municipal government of Calanasan, through Mayor Shamir M. Bulut, also extended financial support to help cover their travel expenses. By Diocen Tolentino
