Pisay power: Filipino students bag 6 medals at 2025 International Biology Olympiad in Russia
Team of 6 student-researchers from various Pisay campuses prove science knows no borders
Manila: The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System, fondly known as Pisay, has done it again.
At the 2025 Open International Biology Olympiad (OIBO) held in the scenic Sirius Federal Territory in Russia from May 10 to 17, a team of six brilliant student-researchers from various Pisay campuses proved that Filipino excellence in science knows no borders — clinching five silver medals and one bronze in this prestigious global competition.
Out of 75 competitors from 15 countries, every single member of the Philippine team came home a winner, marking another golden chapter in Pisay’s history of academic excellence.
Silver medalists
Evrald Keinth G. Villaflor – PSHS-Ilocos Region Campus (IRC)
Coach: Angel Palabrica
Chloe Marie L. Zampaga – PSHS Main Campus (MC)
Coach: Dawn CrisologoShawn Renfred Amper – PSHS Main Campus
Coach: Dawn CrisologoJahara May A. Jarmin – PSHS Zamboanga Peninsula Region Campus (ZRC)
Coach: Philip Noel Banaag IIJoefel Matthew G. Tugano – PSHS-Bicol Region Campus (BRC)
Coach: Maria Feliciana Benita Eloreta
Bronze medalist
Juliene Nathalia S. Barcellano – PSHS–Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Campus
Coach: Melissa Ann Kindipan
Biology, brains, and brilliance
The OIBO isn’t just about textbooks — students tackled three grueling rounds of Theoretical, Practical, and Project-based challenges that tested their problem-solving skills in real-world biology and biotechnology.
From dissecting data to innovating in labs, these young scientists held their own against teams from powerhouse nations, including Russia.
Beyond the labs, students engaged in cultural exchanges, science lectures, and international friendship-building.
Talk about brains and diplomacy.
Raising the bar for global science education
“This victory proves that when we continue to nurture our learners through quality science education, the talent of the Filipino youth can shine on the global stage,” shared Dr. Ronnalee N. Orteza, Executive Director of the PSHS System.
“It also reflects our unwavering commitment to developing globally competitive scholars who embody both academic excellence and international collaboration.”
Leading the delegation was Michelle B. Ducusin (PSHS-Ilocos Region Campus), with Maria Feliciana Benita M. Eloreta (PSHS-Bicol) and Jamaica Ann A. Caras (PSHS System–Office of the Executive Director) as official observers.
PSHS: A legacy of excellence
The Philippine Science High School System, operated under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has 16 campuses across the country.
It continues to be a powerhouse in international STEM competitions.
Recent PSHS achievements include:
Gold medals at the 2024 International Physics and Math Olympiads
Top awards in the 2024 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles
Winning projects at the 2024 ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey
Whether it’s robotics in Singapore or biology in Russia, Pisay scholars consistently represent the Philippines with honour.
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