The Philippine National Chemistry Olympiad: Fostering Talent and Cooperation Among Young Chemists

The PNCO is a competition for the Philippines’ most talented chemistry students at the secondary level, spearheaded by the Philippine Federation of Chemical Societies (PFCS). It aims to encourage student’sinterest in chemistry through problem solving of independent and creative chemical problems and promote national contacts in chemistry, friendship, and cooperation among secondary students from different regions and exchange of pedagogical and scientific experience in chemistry. The competition was divided into two written examinations, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. It involved problem solving in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Spectroscopy, Inorganic Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry. After the competition, Dr. Eric Punzalan, the PNCO Convener, introduced the Alex A. Tardaguila Award, which will be given to the winners, alongside the trophies/medals. The awarding of Certificate of Participation to the student-participants and regional coaches followed. The program was officially closed by the PLM-CS Student Council President, Edwin Karl Basa.