Like a Mighty Kingfisher leaving its familiar waters, every journey begins when one dares to go beyond what is known.
From Sogod to Clark, Pampanga, Melchor Jacobe took that step as he joined Team Sogod National High School in the Philippines International Mathematical Olympiad (PHIMO) 2026. The first-year Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) student from Southern Leyte State University – Sogod Campus (SLSU-SC) earned a Silver Award, carrying with him not only his knowledge of mathematics, but also the spirit of an SLSU student who continues to “Soar Beyond Limits.”
Held in Clark, Pampanga, from September 4-6, PHIMO 2026 brought together more than 1,000 participants from the Philippines and different countries, including Korea, Thailand, Guatemala, Mexico, and others. Organized by the Mathematics Olympiad Training League Inc. (MOTLI), the competition tested students’ mathematical knowledge, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
Alongside PHIMO, the Final Round also featured the International English Masterclass Olympiad (IEMO) 2026 and the International English and Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026. Members of the same Sogod National High School delegation took part in the different competitions, bringing together students with different areas of strength under one delegation.
In IEMO, the team earned one Gold Award, one Silver Award, three Bronze Awards, and one Merit Award, adding another set of achievements to the delegation’s participation in Clark.
Behind these accomplishments were students who prepared for the competitions and coaches who guided them along the way. Their efforts were also recognized through three Most Outstanding Coaches Awards, highlighting the contribution of the coaches to the delegation’s performance.