HIGH school students from across the Philippines showcased their scientific prowess in a competition of the country’s brightest young “atomic minds” during the final round of the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Science Olympiad (PNSO) held on April 22, 2026 at the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) in Diliman, Quezon City.

Emerging as the top scorer was Ivan Gerard Empizo of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS)–Cordillera Administrative Region Campus.

He was followed by Clara Canta of PSHS–Eastern Visayas Campus in Leyte, who made history as the first female finalist to break into the Top 5 of the PNSO.

Placing third was Francis Ian Oliver Corachea of PSHS–CALABARZON Region Campus in Batangas City, while Magnus Rex Navarro of PSHS–Main Campus secured fourth place. Completing the Top 5 was Lorenzo Mercado of PSHS–Central Luzon Campus.

The five finalists will form the Philippine delegation to the upcoming 3rd International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) in Malaysia.

Earlier, the elimination round was held simultaneously on March 7 at PSHS–Main Campus in Quezon City and the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City. A total of 81 students competed, answering challenging examinations covering atomic structure, radioactivity, nuclear fission and fusion, environmental radioactivity, nuclear history, radiation safety and protection, and real-world applications in energy, health, industry, agriculture, and the environment.

From this initial pool, 20 qualifiers advanced to a specialized Nuclear Science Training Program before competing in the final round.

The finals consisted of a rigorous five-hour examination designed to test the students’ depth of understanding and problem-solving skills in nuclear science and technology.

From the Top 5, the top four will officially comprise the Philippine National Team for the 3rd INSO, along with two coaches from DOST-PNRI. The fifth placer will serve as the reserve member of the team.

Aside from representing the country, the finalists will also receive cash prizes: ₱30,000 for first place, ₱25,000 for second, ₱20,000 for third, ₱15,000 for fourth, and ₱10,000 for the reserve finalist.

The national team will undergo further intensive training under scientists and researchers from DOST-PNRI in preparation for the international competition.

The 3rd PNSO builds on the Philippines’ strong performance in previous editions of the international competition, where the country earned multiple gold and silver medals. In the inaugural INSO, the Philippines secured two gold and one silver medal, followed by one gold and three silver medals in the second edition. One Filipino delegate was also named Nuclear Ambassador and top scorer in the 1st INSO.

Organizers said the PNSO aims to strengthen nuclear science education in the country by fostering student and teacher interest, identifying young talents, and preparing them for international competition. The contest is open to secondary school students aged 15 to 20 who have not yet enrolled in university by August 2026, in line with INSO requirements.