Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) on Monday commended 10 Mathletes for scooping awards in the World International Mathematical Olympiad (WIMO) finals in Macau, China in March.

Sarrat National High School (SNHS) students Brian Jansen Vallejo, Allen Iver Barroga, Natalie Margaret Balisacan, Zyrene Angelica Dulluog and Ivan Genesis Calaro bagged two world championships, one world first runner-up and four gold medals.

First-time participant Bacarra Comprehensive High School (BCHS), represented by Ezekiel Arellano, Hyacinth Albano, John Daniel Cadavona, John Bernard Yanos and Azaleah Cyryll Villaluz, took home one silver and three bronze medals and a merit award.

“We are so proud of you. Thank you so much for bringing so much pride and honor to our province,” Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos told the 10 WIMO contestants and coaches during their courtesy call at the capitol’s session hall on Monday.

Dr. Danny Daquioag, head of the provincial education department, said they are hoping the mathletes will qualify anew for the Australia WIMO next year.

“Thank you for your unending support. May we continue to celebrate and inspire more Ilocanos to achieve greater heights,” Daquioag told the provincial council.

Under the annual Sirib (Knowledge) Awards, which was institutionalized through Provincial Ordinance No. 010-2016, outstanding Ilocanos, categorized as individual and group who have excelled in academics, leadership, sports, journalism, culture, and arts, among others, are entitled to receive cash incentives between PHP5,000 and PHP8,000 from the provincial government.

Coaches and teachers also get recognized for sharing their expertise with the learners. (PNA)