DAVAO CITY — Two Grade 12 students from the University of the Immaculate Conception have brought honor to Davao City after winning the Diamond Award at the Asiarope Olympiad held in Bangkok, Thailand on September 7, 2026. Reine Therese Bad-ang and Whitney Pajarillaga received the highest recognition in the English Category 6 for Grades 11 and 12.
A Historic Achievement for Davao Schools
The Diamond Award is the highest tier in the competition, ranking above Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Bad-ang emerged as the top scorer in her category, adding another remarkable achievement to her growing list of international honors. The victory underscores the quality of education and talent emerging from Davao City schools.
The Asiarope Olympiad is an international academic competition organized by the Global League of Winners. It brings together students from across Asia and Europe to compete in Mathematics, Science, English, and Journalism. The event fosters enriched educational experiences and camaraderie across nations.
Bad-ang's Remarkable Year of International Wins
Bad-ang's success in Bangkok is part of an impressive run of international achievements. In April 2026, she won a Diamond Award at the Global English Language Olympiad of Southeast Asia in Singapore. On May 26, she bagged a silver medal and topped the English Category 6 at the AmerAsian Tesla Olympiad in Houston, Texas.
She has been given opportunities to represent the country in several international events for School Year 2026-2027. These include returning to GELOSEA in Singapore and competing again in the AmerAsian Tesla Olympiad in Houston. Her consistent performance reflects dedication, discipline, and a passion for academic excellence.
Gratitude and the Support System Behind Her Success
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, Bad-ang expressed deep gratitude to those who supported her journey. She credited her family, especially her mother, her teachers, and her friends for their unwavering encouragement. She also acknowledged the grace of God as central to her achievements.
Bad-ang described her experience in the competitions as spectacular. She noted that the events foster enriched educational experiences and camaraderie across nations. For her, the awards prove not only her dedication but also the support of those who guided her along the way.
She offered a heartfelt message to her supporters, calling them pillars who pushed her and had faith in her. She said she could not be more grateful for their encouragement in her educational pursuits.
Bringing Pride to Davao City and the Philippines
The victory of Bad-ang and Pajarillaga brings immense pride to Davao City and the entire Philippines. Their achievement demonstrates that Filipino students can compete and excel on the international stage. It also highlights the importance of supporting young learners in their academic pursuits.
The University of the Immaculate Conception has produced students who are making their mark globally. This success serves as an inspiration to other students in Davao City and beyond. It proves that with hard work, faith, and a strong support system, Filipino youth can reach remarkable heights.
