Visually-impaired student hurdles 2012 Metrobank Math Challenge elims

MANILA, Philippines - For the first time in 11 years of the Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC), a visually-impaired student from Sarangani Province topped one of its nationwide eliminations last Jan. 18. Steven Valdepeñas of Alabel Central Integrated SPED Center topped the eliminations for the Grade 6 competition among the 15 takers in the District of East Alabel for the DepEd Division of Sarangani Province. He is one of the top placers among 234 students from 78 schools in the entire division. Steven is diagnosed to have a congenital glaucoma. Despite his circumstance, Steven excels in all subjects and Mathematics is his most favorite. In fact, Steven has won several Mathematics competitions at school and district levels including a championship award at the division level of the Mathematics Quiz Bee.

The MMC questionnaires were translated into Braille by noted SPED Teacher and 2001 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher Evelyn Caja of Ramon Magsaysay High School. This is in order for Steven to solve the set of Math problems. He was asked to read the questions in Braille first before answering then the proctor verified it if it is the same with the set of original questions. 

“The participation of a visually-impaired pupil named Steven from Sarangani in the 2012 Metrobank Math Challenge is remarkable and is something we ardently embrace. It tells us that no disability can hinder one’s excellence and that we continue to achieve the competition’s objective in awakening greater interest in Math not only in ordinary students, but also for those who have special needs. Let Steven be our inspiration in realizing our dreams, ”said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña. 

More than half a million elementary and high school students from different public and private schools nationwide participated in this year’s elimination rounds held during the third week of January. Those who passed the eliminations will proceed to the division finals on Feb. 16 and 17, which will be participated in by a total of 200 DepEd Divisions nationwide.

Now on its 11th year, the annual Metrobank Math Challenge produces national winners who get to compete and eventually win in international competitions. Among them is Carmela Lao, first placer in the Individual Category for 4th Year of the 2011 Metrobank Math Challenge, who reaped a bronze medal in the 50th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).