ANGELES CITY – On February 24, 2025, Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. extended his support to Chris Ian Dariel Datu, a local student who will represent the Philippines in the Southeast Asia Computer Science Olympiad (SEACO) finals in Incheon, South Korea. Datu, who won a gold medal in the national qualifiers, received a financial grant of ₱5,000 from the mayor to assist with his participation in the prestigious competition.
The Southeast Asia Computer Science Olympiad is a significant event in the field of computer science, bringing together the brightest young minds from across the region. Datu’s impressive performance in the national qualifiers earned him a spot in the final round of the competition, where he will compete against top students from various Southeast Asian countries.
During the financial support distribution, Mayor Lazatin expressed his pride in Datu’s accomplishments and emphasized the importance of nurturing young talents in the city. “We are incredibly proud of Chris Ian for making it this far in such a challenging competition. His success reflects the growing potential of our youth, and we are committed to supporting him as he represents our city and country on the international stage,” the mayor said.
Datu’s achievement marks a significant milestone not only in his academic career but also for Angeles City, as it highlights the talent and potential within the local student community. The financial assistance from the mayor will help Datu with his travel expenses and other costs related to his participation in the international competition.
The Mayor also noted that the city government has always been supportive of students pursuing excellence in various fields, including academics, sports, and the arts. “We will continue to provide financial aid and encouragement to help our youth reach their full potential and make their mark in the world,” Lazatin added.
As Datu prepares for his trip to South Korea, he expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the local government. “I am truly honored to represent Angeles City and the Philippines in the SEACO. I will do my best to make everyone proud and bring home a strong performance,” he said.
The city government’s support for young achievers like Datu reflects its commitment to investing in the future of its citizens. Through initiatives like this, the local government continues to foster a culture of excellence, helping students reach new heights in their academic and extracurricular endeavors.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
