Pisay wiz wins first PH gold in astronomy olympiad

A GRADE 12 student of Philippine Science High School-Central Mindanao Campus (PSHS-CMC) in Baloi, Lanao del Norte, won the Philippines' first-ever gold medal at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) during the 17th edition of the contest held in Rio Janeiro, Brazil, from Aug. 17 to 27, 2024.

Mohammad Nur Casib's victory is an improvement of his silver medal finish at the 16th IOAA in Poland last year.

Philippine Science High School-Main Campus students Sean Ken Galanza and Yanna Lorraine Tenorio won bronze and honorable mention, respectively, while Alvann Paredes Dy from St. Jude Catholic School garnered honorable mention.

The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Region 10 said IOAA was among the 12 prestigious international science olympiads.

IOAA is an annual competition for the brightest high school students in astronomy and astrophysics. Participants undergo tests related to theoretical knowledge, data analysis and observational skills.

Delegates from over 50 countries joined this year's edition.

Its main goal is to «promote the growing interest in Astronomy and related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, especially through the general education of young people, and enhance the development of international contacts among different countries in promoting Astronomy and Astrophysics in schools.»

Casib also won the gold at the 1st International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) and was hailed as Nuclear Ambassador for obtaining the highest points overall among 55 contenders from 14 Asia-Pacific countries in the theoretical and experimental exams held at the New Clark City in Pampanga from August 1 to 6.

INSO is a competition for junior and senior high school students ages 15 to 20.

Casib won another gold in an international competition earlier on.

PSHS-CMC congratulated Casib on its Facebook page on August 28, soon after the announcement of IOAA results: «Just as we were wrapping our heads around your two golds, you've once again brought home another one! Wow, just wow! It's now three golds in a row! Congratulations, Mohammad Nur. G. Casib, our extraordinary gold medalist from PSHS-CMS, for