Three students from Bataraza, Palawan quietly made waves beyond Philippine shores after earning Merit Awards at an international math competition. Their journey reached Bali, Indonesia, where they faced some of the brightest young minds in the region. The recognition placed their hometown on the global academic map.
Palawan Students on a Global Stage
Kenji G. Millare, Rhexia Xylazine C. Sumanoy, and Kristina Margaux T. Taleon represented the Philippines at the Southeast Asian Mathematical Olympiad X 2026 Global Round. They competed against over 1,500 students from 22 countries across Southeast Asia and beyond. Their performance earned them Merit Awards at the event’s 10th edition.
A School Behind the Success
The three delegates are students of Leonides S. Virata Memorial School in Bataraza. LSVMS is operated by RTN Foundation Inc., the social development arm of Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation, with support from Coral Bay Nickel Corporation. The school has steadily built a reputation for nurturing academic excellence in southern Palawan.
Road to SEAMO X 2026
Their Bali appearance followed a strong showing in the SEAMO 2025 Online Round. The students advanced after competing against participants from 150 schools nationwide. At the qualifying stage, all three secured bronze medals, signaling their readiness for international competition.
Pride for the School Community
LSVMS Principal Marilou A. Madalogdog described the achievement as a milestone for the school. She noted that students usually compete only at division and regional levels. Representing the country abroad brought pride to the entire school community.
Inside the Math Olympiad
SEAMO X serves as the final international round of one of Southeast Asia’s respected math contests. Participants tackle non routine problems that test logic, analysis, and creative thinking. The competition aims to develop young mathematicians through challenging and engaging problem solving.
Support Beyond the Classroom
The students’ participation was made possible through financial support from Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation. The initiative reflects parent company Nickel Asia Corporation’s support for quality education. It also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.
