Seven students from Leonides S. Virata Memorial School (LSVMS) earned medals and awards at the Hong Kong International Math Olympiad (HKIMO) Final Round 2026, competing against young mathematicians from 18 countries in Hong Kong on Aug. 22 and 23.
The LSVMS delegation secured four silver medals, one bronze medal and two Merit Awards at the competition held at Hong Kong Science Park.
Franco Miguel M. Batocong led the school’s winners after receiving a silver medal and the Leibniz Award for achieving a perfect score in Arithmetic and Algebra.
Other LSVMS silver medalists were Jan Karl Akio M. Batocong, Kristina Margaux T. Taleon and Rhexia Xylazine C. Sumanoy.
Liam Klyde S. Cacananta won a bronze medal, while Kenji G. Millare and Stephanie Glaize M. Batocong received Merit Awards.
The HKIMO Final Round brought together approximately 3,500 online participants and 1,100 onsite competitors representing 18 countries across five categories.
The seven LSVMS students were part of Team Philippines, which fielded 1,117 participants, including 201 onsite competitors and 916 online participants.
The Philippine delegation recorded three champions, two first runners-up, two second runners-up, 22 gold medals, 50 silver medals, 67 bronze medals and 62 merit awards.
The LSVMS students were coached by Mrs. Annie M. Gangoso and Ms. Madel Ompad, who guided the learners in their preparation for the international competition.
The school said the results demonstrated the ability of its students to compete internationally and highlighted the importance of support from teachers, families and partner organizations.
LSVMS also acknowledged the Rio Tuba Nickel Foundation Inc. (RTNFI) and identified Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp. (RTN) and Coral Bay Nickel Corp. (CBNC) as major donors supporting the school through the foundation.
The students’ performance adds another international achievement to the school’s academic record, with seven learners representing Palawan among thousands of competitors from around the world.