5 November 2026, Seoul —Two Filipino students brought pride and honor to the Philippines after winning a Silver Award at the 20th International Mathematical Science Creativity Competition (IMSCC 2026), held on October 30–31, 2026, at the Korea National University of Education (KNUE) in Cheongju, South Korea. 

The awardees are Jennalyn Castro Barquin, a Grade 9 student from Diosdado Macapagal National High School, and Gabriela Nicole Sapno, a Grade 8 student from San Pablo 2nd National High School. Their achievement marks a significant milestone for the young Filipino innovators, demonstrating their creativity, technical abilities, and determination to excel on the international stage. 

Their Project, titled “Plants Watering Machine: Saving Rainwater for a Greener Future,” was designed to address the challenges brought about by the alternating rainy and dry seasons in the Philippines. To help address water scarcity during the dry periods and promote sustainable water conservation, the team developed an innovative 4D Frame model demonstrating a system that collects and stores rainwater for future use. The collected water can then be used to irrigate plants, vegetables, and fruit trees, providing a practical and eco-friendly solution that supports gardening and contributes to a greener environment. 

Their journey to international recognition is a story of perseverance and resilience. Three years ago, the students faced visa rejections that prevented their participation in the competition. Despite this setback, they remained committed to pursuing opportunities to showcase their talents and capabilities internationally. Through educational sponsorship and institutional support, they finally realized their opportunity to compete this year and bring home international recognition for the Philippines. 

Notably, Barquin and Sapno are among the pioneer Filipino student beneficiaries of the Social Contribution and Educational Sponsorship Program of the Foundation for the Advancement of STEAM (FAS). Through this program, the Foundation provides comprehensive educational sponsorship and support to deserving young learners, helping remove financial barriers and providing them with opportunities to develop their abilities, pursue their aspirations, and participate in international academic and innovation competitions. 

Their achievement reflects the importance of sustained investment in young talent and the transformative impact of making quality educational opportunities accessible to children, regardless of their family's economic circumstances. 

Jointly organized by the Foundation for the Advancement of STEAM (FAS) and the Korea National University of Education, IMSCC 2026 marked the competition's 20th anniversary under the theme, “4Dframe × Embodied AI: Play, Create, Interact!” The international event brought together students, educators, researchers, and education professionals from a global network of 20 member countries. 

A total of 233 finalist teams competed across 12 divisions, presenting innovative projects integrating mathematics, science, technology, engineering, arts, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Participants demonstrated their ability to translate scientific and mathematical concepts into practical solutions through creative design, prototyping, and collaborative problem-solving. 

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul congratulates Jennalyn Castro Barquin and Gabriela Nicole Sapno on this remarkable achievement and recognizes the individuals and organizations whose educational sponsorship and support helped make their participation possible. Their experience serves as an inspiring example of how perseverance, opportunity, and investment in education can open doors to international recognition. 

The Embassy likewise commends the organizers of IMSCC 2026 for sustaining a platform that promotes creativity, innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and international educational cooperation over the past two decades. END