Paolo Araune during the 28th Philippine Mathematical Olympiad Awarding Ceremony held on 1 March 2026,
at the Sy Grand Ballroom, BGPOP Building, University of Santo Tomas.
Paolo Araune, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, was recognized for his invaluable support and dedicated service as Region X Coordinator for the 28th Philippine Mathematical Olympiad (PMO). The recognition was conferred on 1 March 2026, marking the fifth time Araune has received the award for his contributions to organizing and promoting the prestigious nationwide mathematics competition.
The Philippine Mathematical Olympiad is the oldest and most prominent nationwide mathematics competition among high school students in the Philippines. It serves as the first step for students who aspire to represent the country in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), one of the most prestigious international competitions in mathematics.
Qualifying Stage in Region X
The Qualifying Stage of the 28th PMO was conducted on 18 October 2025, with 399 high school students from across Region X taking the examination. Of these participants, 177 students took the exam at the Xavier Ateneo Main Campus, where Araune served as the local organizer.
The event was made possible through the collaboration of faculty members and student leaders who served as proctors in various classrooms to ensure the orderly administration of the examination.
Participating schools that took the examination at Xavier Ateneo during the Qualifying Stage included Angelicum Learning Centre, Inc., Kong Hua School, Oro Christian Grace School, Gusa Regional Science High School–Region X, Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan Junior High School and Senior High School, Santo Niño High School of Gitagum Incorporated, Tagoloan National High School, Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School, and Baliwagan National High School.
Araune receives recognition as Region X Coordinator with Dr Editha C Jose, President of the Mathematical
Society of the Philippines, and Dr Daryl Allen B Saddi, PMO Director.
Area Stage and National Stage
Following the Qualifying Stage, the Area Stage was conducted on 13 December 2025, where 11 students from Region X qualified to compete. Of these qualifiers, six students took the examination at Xavier University, with Araune again serving as the organizer and coordinator for the regional venue.
The National Stage of the competition was held on 28 February 2026, at the historic University of Santo Tomas in Manila, bringing together top student mathematicians from across the country.
Araune with Dr Rheadel Fulgencio (PMO Associate Director), Dr Jose, Dr Saddi, and the other
regional and school coordinators during the 28th PMO awarding ceremony.
Acknowledging Collective Support
Araune expressed his gratitude to all individuals and institutions who supported the successful conduct of the regional stages of the competition.
He extended his sincere appreciation to the PMO team and personnel for their trust, as well as to the proctors, participants, coaches, and school coordinators who helped make the event possible. He also acknowledged the continued support of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and its Department of Mathematics, which has co-hosted PMO activities in the region for the past five years.
The successful conduct of the 28th PMO in Region X highlights the strong collaboration among schools, educators, and institutions in nurturing young mathematical talents and promoting excellence in mathematics education in the region.