FEATURE: Back-to-Back Gold Glory: 7-year-old Tuguegarao talent excels in International Math Olympiad

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – Hailing from Tuguegarao City, Haliya Catarina Flores Guzman was once simply a child who loved solving numbers at home and in school, guided by her supportive grandmother and teachers, before becoming an international math competition gold medalist.

Haliya secured the Gold Award in the recently concluded Thailand International Mathematical Olympiad (TIMO), a challenging problem-solving competition that gathers young math prodigies from various countries to test their mathematical mastery.

In a rare achievement for a learner her age, the 7-year-old became a back-to-back gold medalist in the prestigious international math competition. She won her first gold medal in the same contest in 2025, when she was just six years old.

Nearly 1,500 young learners from around the world competed in this year’s contest. Representing Tuguegarao West Central School, Haliya displayed outstanding analytical thinking and swift problem-solving skills that impressed both judges and fellow participants throughout the rounds.

In the final round, Haliya was said to be next to a perfect scorer, paving the way for her to bring home the gold. Overall, Team Philippines garnered a total of 1,078 medals, composed of 279 gold, 431 silver, and 368 bronze.

In an earlier interview, Haliya recalled that her journey to the global stage began inside her classroom when her adviser noticed her quick grasp of mathematical concepts.

Apart from school, she shared that she also solves math problems with her grandmother, Basilia Baccay Flores. Contributing to her success is also the steady support of her public servant parents—a physician and a police officer.

“Si Ma’am Mela Malabanan, ang adviser ko sa Grade 1, sinabihan niya si lola ko na sumali ako sa Thailand International Mathematical Olympiad dahil napansin niya mabilis akong sumagot sa math lessons namin. I was also supported by our principal, Ma’am Evangeline Palejo. Sumali po ako sa online math review sessions through Zoom, at tinulungan din po ako ng lola ko sa pagrereview,” shared Haliya.

In a social media post, the grandmother commended her granddaughter for her achievement, noting that her win is not just a personal triumph but also an immense honor for their family, her school, and the entire city of Tuguegarao.

“We're absolutely ecstatic about your incredible achievement, Haliya! Number 2 on the way to being a perfect scorer? Mind-blowing! You're a rockstar, Apo! Keep shining, keep soaring! You're making the whole family and TWCS proud! Keep slamming, kiddo! We're all cheering for you! Love you more, AYA! TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY! ,” wrote Basilia Flores.