Metrobank Math Challenge winners awarded; public schools excel

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s math geniuses competed during the national finals of the 2013 Metrobank-MTAP-Math Challenge (MMC) held last April 13 at the Metrobank Plaza, Makati City.

The national finals showcased the mathematical prowess of Grade 6 and 4th Year students who competed in their respective levels in individual and team categories. The challenge consisted of solving complex mathematical problems within 15 seconds using mental calculation and another round of 30-second and one-minute questions using pen and paper calculation.

This year’s student finalists come from 21 public schools and 14 private schools. According to Metrobank Foundation executive director Nicanor Torres, said data indicates how public schools are getting at par with their counterpart in the private schools. “In the history of the competition, students from private schools dominate our roster of winners and we are very glad that the results of the 2013 MMC showed a significant achievement among public schools,” Torres expressed. “This is something that we value a lot as an organizer of this math competition, whether you come from a public or private school, you can be a winner through self-discipline, proper training by their coaches, and support from their parents. MMC is designed to enhance the mathematical competencies of Filipino students and we are glad that we are on the right track in achieving this goal,” he continued.

Public schools which took home medals and trophies include: University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS); Bicol University Integrated Laboratory School; Butuan City SPED Center; Camarin High School (Caloocan City); Ramon Magsaysay High School (Cubao); and Agusan del Sur National High School.

Christian Philip Gelera of UPIS landed first in Grade 6 Individual Competition; while Bon Leif Amalla of Colegio San Agustin-Biñan (Biñan, Laguna) and Edrian Octavo of Bicol University Integrated Laboratory School were second and third, respectively.

For the Grade 6 Team Competition, Shaquille Wyan Que and Adam Christopher Chan of Grace Christian College (Quezon City) were the 1st placers; Natalia Beatrice Dy and Jose Ignacio Locsin of St. John’s Institute (Bacolod City) were 2nd placers; and Lorems Yrol Pedeglorio and Pamela Irisari of Butuan City SPED Center were 3rd placers.

For the 4th Year Individual Competition, Lorenzo Gabriel Quiogue of Ateneo de Manila High School bagged the gold medal; followed by silver medalist Jaydee Lucero of Camarin High School (Caloocan City); and bronze medalist Rachel Rojo of Zamboanga Chong Hua High School.

For the 4th Year Team Competition, Raul Mendoza, Jr. and Alawi Sularte of Ramon Magsaysay High School (Cubao) were 1st placers; Ecclesiastes Montaos, Jr. and Ryan Kier Damian of Agusan del Sur National High School were 2nd placers; and Aaron Jevon Anthony Dy and Nathaniel Ryan Ang of Xavier School (San Juan City) were the 3rd placers.

Winners were awarded by Ateneo de Manila University former president Fr. Bienvenido F. Nebres, SJ, who also delivered an inspirational message before the young audience; Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña; DepEd Undersecretary for Programs and Projects Dr. Dina Joana Ocampo; Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP) president Sr. Illuminada Coronel, FMM and Metrobank Foundation vice chairman Dr. Placido Mapa, Jr.  Meanwhile, 2012 International Children’s Peace Prize winner Kesz Valdez also graced the event.

National winners received trophies, medals, and cash prizes. Grade 6 winners each received P25,000, P20,000, and P15,000 for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placers, respectively. Fourth year winners each received P50,000, P40,000, and P30,000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placers, respectively, amounting to a total cash prize of P540,000 awarded to the winners. Half of the cash prize received by the each of the winners was deposited in their newly-opened Metrobank Fun Savers Club savings account.

Early this year, more than half a million students trooped down to the different venues nationwide to participate in the nationwide elimination rounds.