Virac continues its legacy of fostering world-class talent as Edronn James “Jared” Tapel Panti, a standout student at the Philippine Science High School – Main Campus, secures a coveted spot on the Philippine National Team. He is set to compete in the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) 2026, scheduled for August 9 to 16 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Jared earned his place on the international stage after a rigorous selection process in the National Olympiad in Informatics Philippines, emerging as one of the top four young programmers in the country. This historic feat has resonated deeply within his hometown.
In a swift gesture of pride, the Sangguniang Bayan of Virac unanimously approved Municipal Resolution No. 2026-06-379. The resolution commends Jared for bringing honor to the municipality and highlights his journey as a powerful catalyst for the Catandunganon youth to pursue excellence in science, technology, and innovation.
Jared is the son of Ronnie Sosito Panti and Maria Fenida Tapel Panti. His academic prowess is rooted in a strong family tradition of excellence; he is the grandson of retired Prof. Esperanza Panti San Juan, CPA, former Dean of the College of Business and Accountancy at CATSU, and Dr. Nida Arjona Tapel, PhD, a respected retired Mathematics educator. Family and friends observe that Edronn has seamlessly inherited the analytical rigors of Prof. Esperanza and the deep-seated passion for mathematical excellence championed by Dr. Nida.
The International Olympiad in Informatics is widely recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious competitions in computer science for secondary school students, bringing together the brightest young programmers from around the globe to solve challenging algorithmic and computational problems.
As Jared prepares to raise the Philippine flag in Uzbekistan, the entire province of Catanduanes stands in solidarity with its champion. Congratulations, Jared! Your achievement is not just a personal victory, but a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of Filipino innovators. The nation awaits your success on the global stage.