A Mechanical Engineering student of Xavier University of Cagayan de Oro City triumphs over 16 other regional champions in the National Finals of the 21^st Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) held at the CHED Auditorium in Diliman, Quezon City last December 4, 2012. It was Northern Mindanao’s second PSQ championship trophy since 2007.

Sixteen-year old Jay Nelson T. Corbita recorded a total score of 25 points to secure the top rank in the National Finals. He was awarded a cash prize of P30,000, a PSQ medal, and a specially designed trophy. His coach, Diana Jane N. Macalong, was also given a special recognition and a cash prize of P15,000.

Completing the top five slots were Henry Jefferson C. Morco of the National Capital Region (2^nd); Jundel F. Sebial of Caraga (3^rd); Martin Allen S. Pascual of CAR (4^th); and Carl Jervin R. Magtira of CALABARZON (5^th). All five national winners and their coaches shared a cash pot of over a hundred thousand pesos, among other prizes.

Other regional champions who joined the contest were Rowena Mhay D. Moneda of Ilocos Region, Frederick R. Realiza, Jr. of Cagayan Valley, Henrison C. Sanchez of Central Luzon, Rex Dancel U. Niebla of MIMAROPA, Amiel Luis B. Villar of Bicol Region, John Cyril P. Claur of Western Visayas, Ramil S. Espere, Jr. of Central Visayas, Bernadeth P. Balonga of Eastern Visayas, Arthur Christian L. Cabatingan of Zamboanga Peninsula, Kim Dianne B. Ligue of Davao Region, Jimil J. Kani of SOCCSKSARGEN, and Germs Laurence D. Ramos of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

All 17 contestants were awarded plaques of recognition and PSQ medals. The colleges/universities where the 17 finalists were enrolled as well as the high schools where they graduated were likewise given certificates of appreciation.

The PSQ is a nationwide search for young statistics whizzes that began in 1992 and is being spearheaded annually by the National Statistics Office and the Philippine Statistical Association.