Skip to main content
Release Date :
Reference Number :
2013-199

 

CALABARZON regains PSQ National Finals championship

Fifteen years after bagging the 1998 Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) national championship trophy, CALABARZON is again in high spirits as it regained the top title in the 22nd PSQ held at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Auditorium, Diliman, Quezon City on December 5, 2013. It is the sixth championship trophy for the region and for the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB).

Sixteen-year-old Jose Ramon G. Saray, an Electrical Engineering freshman, garnered 30 points in three rounds of the national competition to inch his way and take the lead over the 15 other national finalists. He was awarded a cash prize of PhP30,000, a PSQ medal, and a specially designed trophy, among others. His coach, Aizobelle P. Huelgas, was also given special recognition and PhP15,000 cash reward.

Justine Allen C. Arciga from Holy Angel University (Central Luzon) ranked second with 28 points. Joshua Marvin A. Noval (SOCCSKSARGEN) and Janna Nissi S. Payba (National Capital Region) both garnered 27 points each. However, Noval scored higher than Payba in the first round, thus, Noval was declared third and Payba, fourth, as per contest rule in the event of a tie. The fifth place went to John Elmer P. Loretizo of the Central Philippine University (Western Visayas) with a total of 25 points.

Dr. Romulo A. Virola, former Secretary-General of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) and Chairperson of the Board of Judges (BOJ), made the announcement of the national winners. Other members of this year's BOJ were Dr. Mercedes B. Concepcion, Academician from the National Academy of Science and Technology; and Mrs. Nelia R. Marquez, former Deputy Administrator of the National Statistics Office (NSO).

NSO Administrator Carmelita N. Ericta, together with Philippine Statistical Association, Inc. (PSAI) President Nieves L. Osorio awarded the top five national winners and their coaches with their respective cash prizes and other goodies.

The other national finalists were Jonas L. Depaynos (CAR), Lester P. Acoba (Ilocos), Arlene L. Aggabao (Cagayan Valley), Dianna Lois D. Tugas (MIMAROPA), Carlos A. Mendoza, Jr. (Bicol), Armel Jay P. Mercado (Central Visayas), Richelle Joanne T. Duhig (Zamboanga Peninsula), Siddiykh G. Goling (Northern Mindanao), Lorraine B. Estor (Davao), Mark Ian N. Arlan (Caraga), and Traodio Acuemo II (ARMM). There was no regional elimination held in Eastern Visayas because of the devastation brought about by Typhoon Yolanda.  Hence, there was no representative from the region in the national finals.

This year's contest is a collaborative effort of sponsors and partners from the government and the private sector. Sponsors from the government sector include Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Statistical Research and Training Center, UP Statistical Research Foundation, Government Service Insurance System, NSCB, Department of Science and Technology, and Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. Major partners from the private sector were Unisys Philippines, Inc., APO Production Unit, Inc, Vibal Group, Pilipinas Teleserv, Inc., SM Retail, Inc., Adriano Laquindanum/JACALA, Census Employees Multipurpose Cooperative, Census Provident Fund, Inc., and Manila Broadcasting Company - DZRH. Individuals who also extended their support to the PSQ include Ms. Anna Sy and Mr. Bernardito Ang.

NSO Regional Director Rosalinda Bautista served as the Quiz Master while Ms. Elsie Solidum, chief of Statistical Sampling and Operations Division of the NSO, was the Master of Ceremonies.

The PSQ aims to assess the competency and skills of college freshmen in statistics as acquired from high school. The NSO and the PSA have been conducting the yearly undertaking since 1992 to promote public awareness and appreciation of statistics. In 1994, the CHED began endorsing the annual competition.

Related Contents

PSA Conducts Simultaneous 25th PSQ Regional Finals; Winners Prepare for National Round

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) congratulates the pool of 17 young statistics whizzes who emerged victors in the 25th Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) Regional Championships held…

CAR Reclaims Championship Title in the 24th PSQ National Finals

Bert Joseph F. Prestoza from Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) emerged as victor of the 24th Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) National Finals which was held at GT Toyota Asian Center Auditorium…

All Set for the 24th PSQ National Finals

After a series of eliminations, seventeen young hopefuls from various colleges and universities all over the country will finally meet to compete for the Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) National…