TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN — From a Grade 1 boy in Catanduanes who dreamed of becoming a “legend” to representing the Philippines twice on the world’s biggest stage for competitive programming, EdRonn James “Jared” Tapel Panti has come a long way.
Jared recently competed in the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking his second consecutive appearance at the prestigious international competition.
His first IOI was in 2025 in Sucre, Bolivia, where he represented the Philippines among hundreds of the world’s top young programmers. This year, Jared returned to the international stage with more experience, determination, and a goal to once again proudly carry the Philippine flag.
And this time, he is coming home with a Bronze Medal, finishing among the Top 140 out of 386 contestants from 97 countries—a remarkable achievement at one of the world’s most challenging competitions in computer science and competitive programming.
Jared’s journey began at Virac Pilot Elementary School, where, as early as Grade 1, he would confidently say that he would one day become a “legend.” That childhood dream, which may have sounded ambitious at the time, became the beginning of a remarkable journey in mathematics, computer science, and competitive programming.
He later attended the Philippine Science High School, where he continued to develop his passion and exceptional skills in informatics. Through years of dedication and hard work, Jared earned the opportunity to represent the Philippines not once, but twice, at the international Olympiad.
His achievement in Tashkent is a milestone not only for Jared but also for his family, his schools, and his hometown of Catanduanes.
Behind every step of Jared’s journey are his parents, Ronnie Sosito Panti and Maria Fenida Tapel Panti, whose unwavering support has helped him pursue his dreams. From his early years in school to national competitions and international Olympiads, they have remained his strongest supporters, encouraging him to work hard, stay grounded, and continue believing in himself.
Jared is also an inspiration to his younger brother, DeRonn Amadeus Tapel Panti, who looks up to him and is following his own academic journey at the Philippine Science High School. Like his older brother, DeRonn is developing his interests in science, mathematics, and technology, making the Panti brothers a source of pride for their family and community.
With high school now completed, Jared is set to begin another exciting chapter as an incoming freshman at De La Salle University–Manila, where he will continue pursuing his interests in technology and computer science.
Jared’s story is not simply about competing in an international Olympiad. It is about a young boy who dared to dream, a family that believed in that dream, and years of hard work that transformed that dream into reality.
From a Grade 1 classroom in Catanduanes, to the halls of the Philippine Science High School, and then to the international stages of Sucre, Bolivia and Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Jared has shown that big dreams can take a young Catandunganon far beyond the island.
As he begins his university journey at De La Salle University–Manila, one thing is certain: the Grade 1 boy who dreamed of becoming a legend is only getting started.
And this time, he is coming home with a Bronze Medal for the Philippines—a proud achievement for Jared, his family, and the people of Catanduanes.