By Nasrimah R. Sampaco-Fayez
In a significant display of academic excellence, student delegates and Olympiad finalists from the Mindanao State University – Institute of Science Education (MSU–ISED) conducted a courtesy visit today, December 23, 2025, to the MSU System President, Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA. The gathering served to recognize the exceptional achievements of young scholars who have qualified for prestigious national and international competitions in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. President Tago lauded the students for their dedication, emphasizing that their success on the national and global stages brings immense pride to the university and reinforces its standing as a premier institution for science and mathematics education.
The delegation featured standout performers from the Philippine Mathematical Olympiad Area Stage 1, with Hamza S. Palala Jr. and Noroddin A. Cabila representing the university’s top mathematical talent following their qualification on December 13, 2025. The institution’s strength in Chemistry was also highlighted by Asian Chemistry Olympiad (AChO) qualifiers Mohammad Henaki G. Ali, Fatmah Alinah B. Alihussien, and Hamza S. Palala Jr., further demonstrating the students’ versatility across multiple scientific disciplines.
The university’s international reach was particularly evident in the field of Physics, where Mohammad Henaki G. Ali, Hamza S. Palala Jr. and Fatmah Alinah B. Alihussien were recognized for their participation in the World Young Physicist Olympiad 2024 held in Bali, Indonesia. Building on this momentum, a new set of finalists including Yamen W. Baraocor, Sitiie Naima M. Macarambon, and Queen Hasreen M. Lanto were honored for their qualification for the November 9, 2025, iteration of the World Young Physicist Olympiad, also slated for Bali. These students continue a tradition of excellence, representing the university against the brightest young minds in the world.
Looking ahead to the upcoming academic calendar, the President extended his well-wishes to the finalists set to compete in the Asian Chemistry Olympiad (AChO) in Bali, Indonesia, from January 15-18, 2026. The qualifying team, composed of Muzzamil Uzzayr U. Macarampat, Yasmerah Althea B. Lucman, Mohammad Hafez I. Lucman, and the multi-qualified Hamza S. Palala, Jr., is currently preparing for this high-level international engagement. Their selection underscores the rigorous training and academic standard maintained by MSU-ISED.
The successful visit and the students’ achievements were made possible through the unwavering support of the MSU–ISED administration and faculty. The delegates were accompanied by Dean Dr. Salamah M. Basher, Principal Prof. Norjanah U. Hadji Socor, and Research Coordinator Dr. Shaha D. Mustapha. Also in attendance were the dedicated Chemistry and Mathematics coaches, Prof. Norolayn K. Said and Prof. Raihanna H. Mangurun, whose mentorship has been instrumental in guiding these student-scientists to the pinnacle of competitive academic achievement.
Photos by Muhammad Tawfiq C. Cali
