FOR most students, math and science are subjects to endure. But for Niña Kate T. Garrido, 18, and Daniel Day B. Doneza, 19, they are passions worth pursuing, challenges worth conquering, and platforms for purpose.
These recent senior high school graduates from Davao City National High School have represented the city in numerous Math and Science Olympiads—earning the title of “Olympiads” not just in name, but through perseverance and dedication.
“In a way innate na siya (In a way, it’s innate,” Daniel said. “I’m already interested in Math since kindergarten.”
For Niña, the passion grew over time. “Sa school ga-excel ko sa almost all subjects but most especially Math (I excelled in almost all subjects in school, especially math. But I discovered my interest in science around Grade 9. There’s a part of me that just naturally enjoys it). Naay part sa akoa na naga-say nga murag mas ganahan ko sa science (There’s a part of me that says I seem to like science more),” Niña said.
While their journeys began with academic strength, their success was far from effortless. Preparing for Olympiads meant long study hours, juggling school demands, and often shouldering financial challenges.
“Personal siya sa ako kay ang akoang parents man ang ga-gasto sa mga Olympiads (It’s personal for me because my parents spend for the Olympiads),” Niña shared. “Mura’g mao ilahang way to show that they care about my studies gud, so in exchange mag-do good ko sa mga Math & Science Olympiads para ma-worth-it ilahang gasto (It’s their way of showing support for my studies, so I make sure to do well to make their efforts worthwhile).”
“For me, mao na akoang way kanang e-express nako akoang passion gyud sa math (For me, it’s how I express my passion for math),” Daniel said.
Their commitment came with sacrifices. From sleepless nights to missed quizzes, balancing schoolwork and competitions wasn’t easy.
“More or less hundred thousands ang imohang magasto (You could spend hundreds of thousands for on-site competitions),” Niña said. “Sometimes maglisod sad ’pag balance sa academics kay magsabay-sabay amoang contest sa Math ug Science, tapos naa say mga quizzes na ma-miss usahay (Sometimes it’s hard to manage because math and science contests happen at the same time, and we end up missing quizzes).”
“Gina-prioritize nako ang kanang mag-join og competition so much nga dili na nako ma-prioritize ang sa academics, so basically ang mahitabo ana kay sa ubang mga subjects kay like baba kaayo ko’g mga grado (“I prioritized competitions so much that my other subjects sometimes suffered. My grades in other areas really dropped),” Daniel added.
But through it all, they were never alone. Family, mentors, and teachers stood firmly behind them.
“Ang naga-support sa akoa kay ang akoang parents, my mom and my dad… kung wala sila, dili guru ko maabot where I am right now (My parents—my mom and dad—have always been there for me. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am),” Niña added.
Both of them credit one mentor in particular—Sir Alistair Apale—for shaping their journey. “He was strict,” they recall, “but it was his way of showing he cared.”
Their hard work paid off. Niña Kate brought home medals from the Hong Kong International Mathematical Olympiad and Simso (Singapore Math Global Finals), received the DOST Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Award, and even had her science research published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Daniel is a three-time DOST-YES Awardee and has earned top honors in PIMSO, FISO, and PhIMO, ranking among the best in the country and the world.
Interestingly, the two were classmates from Grade 7 to 10 and continued at the same school for senior high, both pursuing the STEM strand but in different sections. Now, they part ways as they begin college, both still chasing their scientific dreams.
Daniel will take up Chemical Engineering at Ateneo de Davao University. Niña will study BS Geology at the University of the Philippines Diliman, inspired by her fascination with Earth science.
As they look ahead, they leave behind words of encouragement for students struggling with the very subjects they love.
“It all comes down to hard work and the eagerness to learn,” Niña said. “Kung gusto ka mag-excel in one thing, I think you work hard for it man jud para ma-achieve nimo, labaw na sa Math and Science… find something that you’ll love about it para ma-motivate ka nga mag-learn (If you want to excel in something—especially in math and science—you have to work hard for it. Find something you love about it so you’ll stay motivated).”
“Keep exposed sa mga ana na environment, kay exposure begets experience in which magamit nimo nang experience to better yourself as a person (Keep exposing yourself to that environment. Exposure leads to experience, and you can use that to grow as a person),” Daniel said.
They also expressed deep gratitude to DCNHS, which they call their second home, for nurturing their potential and giving them a platform to thrive.
In a world where sports and entertainment often steal the spotlight, Niña Kate and Daniel are quiet but powerful reminders that academic excellence, especially in math and science, deserves just as much recognition. Their story is not just about medals and competitions, but about grit, gratitude, and a love for learning that could one day shape the world. KBP