A 10-year-old Filipino student from Oriental Mindoro has clinched a gold medal at the 6th Copernicus Olympiad held in Texas, USA, showcasing the emerging scientific talent of the Philippines on the global stage.

John Mariñas, a Grade 5 student from Maria Loreto Integrated Foundation Inc. in Pinamalayan, secured the top honor in the Natural Science category and also placed third in Category 2, becoming the youngest member of the Philippine delegation.

The Copernicus Olympiad, an international science competition, attracted students from around the world competing in disciplines including natural sciences, physics, astronomy, film, entrepreneurship, and mathematics.

The Philippine team demonstrated impressive performance, with members winning multiple medals across different categories: Richmarth Duke Bad-ang: Bronze Medal in Natural Science Category 5; Iwen Sabio Manabo: Silver Medal in Natural Science Category 5; Rijan Felminia Acevedo: Gold Medal and 2nd Place Absolute Winner in Natural Science Category 4; Jaymee Kristen Concha: Bronze Medal in Natural Science Category 4; and Marquis Xavier Zamuco: Bronze Medal in Physics and Astronomy Category 3.

Mariñas’s achievement reflects the potential of young Filipino students in scientific fields, bringing international recognition to the country’s educational capabilities, according to an ABS-CBN report.