Hong Kong — In a victory that has brought renewed attention to the Philippines’ young mathematics talent, Grade 11 student Ashley Cassandra Rasos of Sarrat National High School has won the Senior Secondary category of the Hong Kong International Mathematical Olympiad. Organized by the Olympiad Champion Education Centre, the annual global tournament drew thousands of elite young mathletes from over 15 participating countries—including Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Rasos represented the Philippines in the division for Levels 10 through 12, competing against students from multiple countries. Her championship adds to a growing record of international mathematics competition successes for students from Ilocos Norte.
The achievement was also part of a broader strong showing by Sarrat National High School. Immanuel Gamayo received a Merit Award in the Secondary 1 category, while Clark Kent Malaqui and Patrick Jirah Cabasaan earned Bronze Awards in Secondary 2. Kurt Arjan Palalay also competed in Secondary 1.
The delegation was coached by Michael Malvar, who guided the students as they represented both their school and the country. The Philippine delegation also received four distinctions at the event: the Boole Award, Leibniz Award, Euler Award and Euclid Award.
For Sarrat National High School, Rasos’ victory carries significance beyond a single medal. It reflects the sustained work of students, teachers and coaches who have helped build a culture of mathematics competition in a public school far from the country’s largest urban centers.
Ilocos Norte has produced other notable performers in international math contests. In 2024, Sarrat National High School student Brian Jansen Vallejo was recognized as a world champion in the World International Mathematical Olympiad’s Secondary 1 category. Another graduate, Ma. Cassandra Reich Duque, also became a WIMO world champion and later received a full scholarship to the Chinese University of Hong Kong, according to the report.
Rasos’ success underscores the opportunities that international academic competitions can offer young students: a chance to test problem-solving skills against global peers, gain confidence and demonstrate that strong academic performance can emerge from schools across the Philippines.
Her championship has given Sarrat National High School, Ilocos Norte and the Philippines another reason to celebrate.
