Winners of the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Science Olympiad (PNSO), L-R: Lorenzo S. Mercado (5th Place, Philippine Science High School System-Central Luzon Campus), Magnus Rex C. Navarro (4th Place, Philippine Science High School System Main Campus), Ivan Gerard S. Empizo (1st Place, Philippine Science High School System-CAR), Clara S. Canta (2nd Place, Philippine Science High School System-Eastern Visayas), and Francis Ian Oliver P. Corachea (3rd Place, Philippine Science High School System-CALABARZON). They will represent the Philippines at the International Nuclear Science Olympiad in Saudi Arabia in August 2026. (Photo: DOST-PNRI Nuclear Information and Documentation Section)
Students tested their nimble minds as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) held the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Science Olympiad (PNSO). This annual competition aims to identify and nurture future nuclear scientists, promoting excellence in nuclear science education. Winners will have the opportunity to represent the country at the international competition this August.
“Through initiatives like the Philippine Nuclear Science Olympiad (PNSO), we are building a pipeline of future scientists, researchers, engineers, and innovators,” said Dr. Valerie Anne I. Samson, the officer-in-charge of Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI). “In just a few years, this Olympiad has become a powerful platform for cultivating bright young minds and future leaders in nuclear science.”
She also emphasized the importance of youth development and early exposure through competitions such as the PNSO, noting that the knowledge and skills gained can be applied across many fields of science.
She highlighted that such experiences provide young participants with a valuable edge, not only in nuclear science but in various scientific disciplines as well.
“This is an excellent avenue for students to explore and pursue nuclear science and technology at an early stage, as we continue to strengthen nuclear science education in support of the country’s future,” said Samson. “It also highlights the wide-ranging applications of nuclear science across various sectors in the Philippines.”
She added that these young individuals will help shape the future of nuclear science in the Philippines, as the country is investing in the youth so they can contribute to national development and global progress.
Champions’ row
On April 22, 2026, high school students from across the Philippines gathered in a clash of the best young atomic minds during the final round of this year’s PNSO. Here are the winners:
1st Place – Ivan Gerard S. Empizo (PSHS-CAR)
2nd Place –Clara S. Canta (PSHS-Eastern Visayas)
3rd Place – Francis Ian Oliver P. Corachea (PSHS-CALABARZON)
4th Place – Magnus Rex C. Navarro (PSHS-Main)
5th Place – Lorenzo S. Mercado (PSHS-Central Luzon)
The top five students will represent the country as the national delegation for the upcoming 3rd International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO). In 2024, the Philippines hosted the first-ever INSO.
Ivan Gerard Empizo, the top scorer from the Philippine Science High School in Cordillera Administrative Region, shared his thoughts on the results.
“In a surprising turn of events, I found myself at the top of the leaderboard, a testament to the power of believing in oneself. I encourage everyone, especially the Grade 10 and Grade 11 students, to always trust in your abilities, despite any doubts or challenges you may face,” said Empizo.
The elimination round previously consisted of simultaneous examinations held on March 7 at the Philippine Science High School-Main Campus in Quezon City and the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City.
The students faced a myriad of conceptual questions as well as problem-solving topics such as atomic structure and radioactivity; radiation; nuclear fission and fusion; environmental radioactivity; history of nuclear science; radiation safety and protection; and applications to various sectors such as energy, health, industry, agriculture, and the environment.
The 81 contestants were narrowed down to 20 qualifiers, who first participated in a nuclear science training program before proceeding to the final round. The finals consisted of another five-hour gauntlet of challenging problems meant to test the contenders’ mastery of nuclear science and technology.
Among the 20 contestants, the top four will be the official members of the Philippine National Team for the 3rd INSO, with two coaches from DOST-PNRI. The fifth placer will serve as a reserve member. Apart from the opportunity to represent the country, the finalists also won cash prizes: P30,000 for the top placer, P25,000 for the second placer, P20,000 for the third, P15,000 for the fourth, and P10,000 for the reserve finalist.
The Philippine team will undergo further training on nuclear science concepts to be facilitated by scientists and researchers from DOST-PNRI.—Allan Mauro V. Marfal (Press release via DOST-STII)/MF
The DOST-PNRI is one of the attached agencies of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit https://www.pnri.dost.gov.ph/.
