The Directorate of Kindergarten and primary Education of the Ministry of Education in Indonesia announced the winners during the recently concluded 6th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) held on November 8 to 13, 2009 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, touted to be Indonesia's academic city due to the numerous centers for higher learning.

With its theme, “Smart, Skilled and Creative in a Joyful Competition for Excellence,” the IMSO 2009 had over a hundred participants from 11 participating countries which included Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Iran, Indonesia, India and the Philippines.

Adrian Reginald Sy of St Jude Catholic School bagged the gold medal for getting 86.5-percent in grueling mathematics competition. Other IMSO winners who made it to receive the silver medals are Jason Joseph Fernandez of San Beda College, Alabang; Prince Michael Balanay of Colegio San Agustin, Binan; John Thomas Chuatak of St Stephen’s High School, Nathanael Joshua Balete of St Stephen’s High School and Andrew Lawrence Sy of  St Jude Catholic School.

Bronze medals went to Farrel Eldrian Wu of MGC New Life Christian Academy, Benedict Ryan Chua Tiu of St Stephen’s High School, Jasper Amadeus Opulencia of North Central School Tanauan, Andrei Triz Patupat of Hold Rosary College, Sta Rosa, Franz Patrick Villamor from the division of Cagayan de Oro City and Emman Joshua Busto of Juan Sumulong Elementary School, Antipolo City.

Winners for the theoretical and experimental for science include Diego Nathaniel Mina of Holy Rosary College Sta. Rosa, Allen Cedrick B. Domingo of San Beda College Alabang and Caireen Tuppil of Placido del Mundo Elementary School Quezon City, who all got silver medals.

Bronze medals for science went to Gabriel Estampador of San Beda College Alabang, Sarah Jane Macuja of Kidapawan Elementary School and Paul Carlo Diamond Salise from the division of Cagayan de Oro City.

The IMSO 2009 tested the ability of students – who are in their elementary level – in solving mathematical problems and their intellectual capacity and skills in Mathematics and Science. This competition stimulates the students' creativity, develop critical and analytical thinking and improve their competencies in Mathematics and Science.

“Hosting the IMSO for Primary School shows how serious we are in trying to improve quality of education as well as providing these students the means to actualize their skills, talent and potentials,” IMSO chairman Mudjito AK said.