The National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) continued its long-standing support for the Philippine Team’s preparations for the 19th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) by hosting training and review sessions on August 11 and 12, 2026, at UP-NIGS. The sessions formed part of the team’s training program in preparation for the international competition in Turin, Italy. Through specialized lectures, laboratory activities, and field methods training led by NIGS faculty members, the sessions aimed to further strengthen the students’ knowledge and practical skills in Earth Science before representing the Philippines at the IESO. NIGS has played a key role in preparing the Philippine IESO teams by providing the team training and mentorship.
The Philippine team secured the gold medal at the recently concluded 19th International Earth Science Olympiad in Turin, Italy. Also in the photo are the team’s coaches Mr. CJ Landicho (far left), Dr. Marietta De Leon (2nd from right) and Mr. Miguel Cano (far right).
NIGS Instructors, Mr. Aris Castro, Mr. Glenn Vallespin, Mr. Audric Gardoña and Mr. Mark Sumaden, were on hand to lead the review sessions on Field Methods, Paleontology and Petrology. The NIGS faculty members also extended their sessions to accommodate the students, providing additional time to engage in discussions and hands-on activities as part of their preparation for the IESO.
(Left) NIGS Instructor Mr. Joshua Godwin Cuevas facilitated the Philippine IESO team’s review session on mineralogy. (Right) The team reviewed Field Methods concepts with NIGS Instructors Mr. Aris Castro (far left) and Mr. Glenn Vallespin (far right).
(Left) NIGS Instructor Mr. Audric Gardoña (far left) gave a review on Paleontology. (Right) NIGS Instructor Mr. Mark Sumaden (second from left) helped the Philippine team identify rock samples and review concepts in Petrology.
The Philippine Team subsequently delivered a remarkable performance at the 19th IESO, held in Turin, Italy. After 15 years, the Philippines once again secured a Gold medal in the Individual Competition, with Rodney Corbin P. Sarmiento of Nabua National High School emerging as the country’s Gold medalist. Jia Ruth Lauren P. Condino of Philippine Science High School–Main Campus, Ethan James L. Cheng of Saint Jude Catholic School, and John Andrei A. Brecio of Philippine Science High School–Bicol Region Campus each earned Silver medals in the Individual Competition. The Philippine delegates also earned medals in the group competitions. Sarmiento secured a Silver in the International Team Field Investigation (ITFI); Condino earned Bronze in the Earth Science Project (ESP) and Gold in the ITFI; Cheng received Silver in both ESP and ITFI; and Brecio earned Bronze in ESP and Silver in ITFI. The achievement marked the Philippines’ first IESO Gold medal in 15 years and its best medal tally since the country began participating in the IESO in 2007, with one Gold and three Silver medals in the Individual Competition.
The successful campaign of the Philippine Team highlights the value of the collective efforts of the students, coaches, mentors, and institutions that supported their preparation. For UP-NIGS and its faculty members, the training provided an opportunity to share their expertise and contribute to the development of young Filipino Earth Science talents competing on the international stage. Through initiatives such as this, NIGS continues to support Earth Science education, mentorship, and the development of future Earth scientists.