Mohammad Nur Casib from the Bangsamoro region is the first Filipino to win gold in International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, held from August 17–27, 2024. (Photo courtesy of DOST)
COTABATO CITY—Mohammad Nur Casib, a 12-year-old talent from Marawi City, brought immense pride to the Bangsamoro community by winning gold at the 17th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2024) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from August 17-27, 2024.
This victory marks the first-ever gold for the Philippines in the prestigious competition, which featured participants from over 50 countries.
Earlier, in August 2024, Casib also secured a gold medal at the 1st International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) in Pampanga, where he earned the highest theoretical and overall scores, earning the title of Nuclear Ambassador for the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Competing against 58 delegates from countries including Bahrain, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, Casib’s performance stood out, highlighting his exceptional talents.
Currently a Grade 6 student at Philippine Science High School Central Mindanao Campus, Casib’s achievements add to his growing list of accolades. In 2023, he won four international medals, including:
- Silver at the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad in Poland,
- Bronze at the 64th International Mathematical Olympiad in Japan,
- Bronze at the 55th International Chemistry Olympiad in Switzerland,
- Silver at the 35th Asian Pacific Mathematical Olympiad.
In a post by the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), they expressed gratitude for Casib’s achievements, saying, “Your remarkable success showcases your dedication and inspires fellow Bangsamoro youths.”
He is set to compete again in the same competitions in Malaysia next year. Reflecting on his achievements, his father noted, “Nur has been in Manila since June, training at UP Diliman Institute of Mathematics, Ateneo de Manila University at Phil Institute of Pure & Applied Chemistry, PSHS-Main Campus, and at PAGASA Observatory.”
Casib’s journey in the fields of math, chemistry, and astrophysics was significantly influenced by the Marawi siege in 2017, which opened up numerous opportunities for him.
“He is the first Filipino to participate in three prestigious competitions (IOAA, IMO, IChO) within a year, accomplishing this feat in just two months from July to August 2023,” his father added. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO with reports from BYC/DOST)
