Around 700 young achievers in science and mathematics gathered at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Friday for the annual Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Award.

The ceremony, organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DoST-SEI), celebrated the momentous wins of elementary and high school students in international science and math competitions such as the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and the Singapore International Mathematics Olympiad Challenge.

In her welcome remarks, DoST-SEI Director Josette Biyo thanked the awardees for reminding the world of the excellence and hard work of Filipinos.

“We hope you can be our scholars and be with the people as you reach your dreams,” she added.

DoST-SEI Director Josette Biyo thanked the awardees for reminding the world of the excellence and hard work of Filipinos.

DoST-SEI spearheads the country’s premier science scholarship program.

Biyo also lauded parents, teachers, school officials and national organizers of science and math competitions who wholeheartedly supported the students.

YES awardee Emmanuel Osbert Cajayon of Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite expressed gratitude to DoST and shared his experiences and reflections in his student’s response speech. The IMO bronze medalist reminded his fellow awardees to focus on their passion for their chosen field and not just on achievements.

TAGS 2019 Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Award DoST-SEI Director Josette Biyo YES awardee Emmanuel Osbert Cajayon of Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite