Lawrence C. Barquilla, Randy P. Hibaya, Jr., and Nianee Marie M. Patangan were declared champion during the 2018 Metrobank MTAP – DepEd Math Challenge for Grade 7 students at the Zamboanga del Norte National High School, Turno, Dipolog City last January 19, 2018.
Despite the lack of preparation, the grade 7 students of Philippine Science High School – Zamboanga Peninsula Region Campus (PSHS – ZRC) outsmarted other hopeful contestants and brought pride and honour to the school.
Metrobank MTAP or Mathematics Teachers’ Association of the Philippines Challenge is an annual competition of elementary and secondary math enthusiasts, which is supported by the Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI).
Out of 50 questions, Lawrence Barquilla garnered a score of 20 points, Randy Hibaya scored 19 points and Nianee M. Patangan obtained a score of 18 points. First high scorers were combined together to get the final points.
Ms. Lovely Bacara contributed to the success of the grade 7 scholars. She coached and trained them all throughout the competition. Because it was her first experience to coach a competition, Miss Bacara was more nervous than her contestants.
“I was more worried and anxious than my contestants. We had no preparations as a team, at all. Since, I don’t know the full capability of my students due to the lack of preparation, I was hoping for the best, and I was also ready to expect for the worst,” she stressed.
Barquilla expressed his overwhelming emotions during the competition. He said that his competitors were very intimidating and the results of the contest were beyond his expectations.
Meanwhile, Randy Hibaya another contestant said that he was nervous and was not really prepared for the competition. However, the outcome of the competition relieved his uneasy feeling.
“When I saw the contest papers I was taken aback by the questions. But, I surprisingly answered them and used the knowledge that I have to solve the mathematical problems.” stressed Hibaya.
Patangan was also so grateful for the results of the competition and just like the responses of her fellow partners in the math challenge; she was so stunned of the product of their preparation.
On the other hand, Catherine Miranda, Paul M. Odantabao and El Francine O. Cervantes secured the second spot for the grade 8 category. The scholars were coached by Mr. Rryam A. Jaralve.
Barquilla and Hibaya will advance to the next round, and they will be competing this February 9 for the Division orals. The venue for the competition is set to be announced this week.
By: Faye Elloise Aleman and Iris Gail Divinagracia