12-year-old math prodigy travels abroad alone due to competition funding gap

Lebron Pornillos says LGU assistance covers his expenses but not those of a parent accompanying him.

A 12-year-old Filipino math prodigy’s candid revelation on “Eat Bulaga!” has sparked questions about support for young athletes and academic competitors representing the country overseas.

During the August 10 episode of “The Age is Right” segment, Lebron James Bermudez Pornillos, a Math Olympiad gold medalist from General Trias City, Cavite, shared that he travels alone during international competitions because of funding limitations.

When his parents were asked who accompanies him, they simply answered, “Siya lang po.”

Lebron explained why. “‘Yong fund po na inallocate po ng LGU po namin ay para sa akin lang po. So kapag sasama po ‘yong magulang, sariling gastos po.”

The revelation drew emotional reactions online, with one netizen writing. “Imagine sending your only child abroad alone to represent the country because the government couldn’t even provide enough support for one parent to accompany him.. Nakakapanghina.” The commenter also criticized politicians accused of misusing public funds.

Another netizen questioned Maine Mendoza, whose husband is a politician, asking, “And hindi nagsalita against it si Maine? Eh, asawa mo politiko?”

Lebron previously graduated with Highest Honors from Sunny Brooke Elementary School in General Trias. His achievements, including a recent global sweep at the Singapore International Math Olympiad Challenge (SIMOC) 2026, have been recognized and supported by the General Trias City government.

He is now a Grade 7 scholar at Philippine Science High School–Quezon City Campus.

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