Filipino students scored another major victory in world mathematics competition when they emerged as one of the overall champions in the Po Leung Kuk 12th Primary Math World Contest in Hong Kong.

Seven Filipino students, including one from Muntinlupa City, achieved perfect scores in the individual competition that boosted their ranking in the contest.

The contest, held from July 11-15, drew 44 teams from the United States, Bulgaria, South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, People’s Republic of China, Macau, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Dr. Simon Chua, president of the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines (MTG) which trained the students, said the seven perfect scorers are Neil Benjamin DT. Kho of San Beda College-Alabang in Muntinlupa; Hazel Abigail Lim of Hope Christian High School, Keefe Collin Tan of St. Jude Catholic School, Michael Brodeth of Colegio San Agustin- Makati, Audrey Celine Lao of St. Jude Catholic School, and Kenneth Co and Brendon Matthew Go of Xavier School.

Chua, who accompanied the MTG-trained Philippine team to the contest, said this year’s performance of the students was spectacular.

"These students have trained and worked hard to prepare for this contest. Their performance this year is very impressive," he said.

MTG trains Filipino students for math competitions abroad.

The remarkable performance of the four teams from the Philippines paved the way for the Philippines to emerge for the first time as one of the seven overall champions both in the individual and team competitions.

In addition, Philippine Team B and Philippine Team D have been adjudged as first placers together with five other teams from Taiwan, Beijing-China, San MarcosUSA, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

The latest feat comes just three days after 14- year-old Sarah Jane Cua, another MTG-trained student, emerged as champion in the Brand’s Sudoku Challenge 2008 Asia Pacific Open held in Singapore over the weekend.

Other members of the Philippine team also garnered awards. Silver medalists were Isaiah Paolo A. Lee of Mother Goose School of Dagupan City, Justin Edric Yturzaeta of Jubilee Christian Academy and Julius Vincent Sy of St. Stephen’s High School.

Bronze medalists were Henry Jefferson Morco of Chiang Kai Shek College, Samuel Christian C. Ong of UNO High School, Deany Hendrick Cheng of Grace Christian High School, Mikaela Angelina Uy of St. Jude Catholic School and Seanne Daphne Ng of St. Jude Catholic School.

The Philippine delegation was headed by Chua together with Carlo Bryan Nerecena, Robert Degolacion and Anthony Ang as team leaders and Queenie Sarabia, Consesa Rapacon, Sheilla Lynn Diamse and Mark Ivan Robla as deputy team leaders.

"The amazing accomplishment of our students only reflects the passion of the MTG to uplift Philippine math education in the country," Dr. Chua said.