via Graphic Plus — Three students from the southernmost part of Palawan clinched Merit Awards at the Southeast Asian Mathematical Olympiad X 2026 (SEAMO X) Global Round in Bali, Indonesia, after competing against more than 1,500 students from 22 countries worldwide.

Kenji G. Millare, Rhexia Xylazine C. Sumanoy, and Kristina Margaux T. Taleon, students of Leonides S. Virata Memorial School (LSVMS), represented the Philippines at SEAMO X.

LSVMS is operated by RTN Foundation, Inc., the philanthropic arm of Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC), and is co-funded by Coral Bay Nickel Corporation. 

RTNMC, based in Bataraza, Palawan, is a subsidiary of listed natural resources development company Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC).

The trio earned their slots in SEAMO X 2026 after advancing from the SEAMO 2025 Online Round, where they demonstrated strong mathematical skills and consistent performance against 150 schools at the national level.

At the qualifying stage of the 2025 Online Round, all three delegates delivered strong performances against some of the region’s top young mathematicians, earning bronze medals and underscoring their excellence in mathematics and readiness to compete at the international level.

“As an administrator, I am deeply proud and honored by this achievement. Our students have traditionally competed at the division and regional levels, so representing the Philippines on the international level is a truly significant milestone. This accomplishment is a source of pride for the entire LSVMS community,” said LSVMS Principal Marilou A. Madalogdog.

SEAMO X, now in its 10th edition, serves as the final international round of a highly respected Southeast Asia-based competition that brings together outstanding young mathematicians from around the world. Organized to promote excellence in mathematics, the contestchallenges participants with non-routine problems that test logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and creativity.

The LSVMS delegates’ participation in SEAMO X 2026 was made possible through the support of Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation. RTN’s financial support underscores Nickel Asia Corporation’s commitment to advancing quality education in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 (Quality Education) by providing Filipino students with opportunities to compete and excel on the international stage.