A Grade 9 student of the Philippine Science High School–Central Luzon Campus (PSHS-CLC) emerged as the top performer in Category A of the International Life Science Olympiad 2026, earning both a Gold Award and the Grand Award after posting a perfect score.
Mary Louize P. Carbungco of the Philippines, competing in Category A for Grades 7 to 9, scored a perfect 200/200, earning the highest score in the category. Organizers described the feat as a record-breaking achievement.
Carbungco was named Grand Award winner for Category A, while Russell Kurniawan of Indonesia received the Grand Award for Category B, covering Grades 10 to 12.
The international competition was held September 3 to 6, 2026, in Bali, Indonesia, bringing together young science enthusiasts from seven countries: the Philippines, Indonesia, Mongolia, the United States, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Bangladesh.
The Philippine delegation had advanced to the final round after competing in the national competition in Lapu-Lapu City the previous month, which drew participants from 13 countries. Seven countries eventually qualified for the final round.
The competition featured two categories:
- Category A: Grades 7–9
- Category B: Grades 10–12
All 23 participating students from PSHS-CLC and two students from PSHS–Ilocos Sur received awards, underscoring the strong performance of the Philippine delegation.
The Philippines led Category A, while Indonesia emerged as the top country in Category B.
Carbungco’s perfect-score finish and Grand Award further highlighted the growing achievements of Filipino students in international science competitions.
