In a remarkable display of mathematical prowess, Team Philippines clinched three world stars at the Thailand International Mathematical Olympiad (TIMO) finals, held in Chiang Mai from February 21 to 24, 2025. The event, a crucial qualifier for the World International Mathematical Olympiad 2025 scheduled for January 2026, saw Filipino students excelling on the global stage.
The Math Olympiads Training League Inc. (MOTLI) proudly announced the achievements of Brian Jansen Vallejo from Sarrat National High School in Ilocos Norte, Yleisha Neil Sumo from General Emilio Aguinaldo National High School in Cavite, and Achillas Maximus Cristobal from Operation Brotherhood Montessori Center in Pampanga. These young scholars not only represented the Philippines but also dominated their respective categories.
En route back to the Philippines, coach Michael Malvar shared with the Philippine News Agency that Vallejo, celebrated as a math prodigy from Sarrat, not only secured a world star but also clinched the world champion title, alongside a gold medal and the prestigious Leibniz and Pascal awards.
Malvar praised the team’s dedication, stating, “These mathletes demonstrate that with hard work and passion, greatness transcends boundaries.” He encouraged the team to aim even higher in future competitions, buoyed by their consistent success in previous events.
The TIMO Finals attracted participants from 17 countries, including powerhouses like Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Singapore, highlighting the global competition’s intensity.
Sarrat National High School’s performance was particularly noteworthy, with Vallejo leading the charge. The school amassed an impressive haul of awards, including one world champion, one world first runner-up, four gold medals, one silver, two merit awards, and six perfect score awards. Other standout performers from the school included Allen Iver Barroga, Natalie Margaret Balisacan, Zyrene Angelica Dulluog, Jushiem Barrog, Cyrus Dwayne Salibio, and Ivy Fiona Lagua.
The awards at TIMO are specialized, with the Boole award recognizing logical thinking, the Euler award for number theory, the Leibniz award for algebra, the Euclid award for geometry, and the Pascal award for combinatorics, showcasing the diverse skills tested at the olympiad.