Press Release
August 31, 2015

Pimentel: Wu is the country's brightest math prodigy

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III today said the naturalization of Farrel Eldrian Wu, a 14-years old math wizard, would greatly inspire the multi-titled mathematics champion into winning more honors for the country.

Wu, who was recently granted Philippine citizenship by an act of Congress, is now a full-pledged Filipino, enjoying all the rights, privileges, prerogatives, duties and obligations given by the Constitution and the laws of the country.

President Aquino signed the young math prodigy's naturalization paper last August 19, making him the country's brightest mathematics bet in future international meets.

Pimentel said Wu, who is enrolled at the Makati Gospel Church New Life Christian Academy (MGC New Life Christian Academy) in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, was the youngest entry in the 54th International Mathematical Olympiad in 2013 in Santa Marta, Colombia where he was given an honorable mention award.

"He is a star in the making. He would surely bring more honors for the country," said Pimentel, chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

To date, Wu is also the youngest Asia Pacific Mathematical Olympiad medallist in the country, winning the 1st Brilliant Live Mathematics Challenge in the United States in 2012, and the Australian Mathematics Competition with a perfect score on the same year.

During the 16th Philippine Math Olympiad (NCR Stage) for school-year 2013-2014, Wu was declared the champion after finishing third (national stage) and second (NCR stage) earlier in the 15th edition of the event for school-year 2012-2013.

A member of "The Orchestra" as a developing violinist, Wu was the grand prix winner of the piano prodigy with a perfect pitch for the advanced level of the National Yamaha Piano Competition from 2009, 2010 and 2013.

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