A FRESHMAN from Silliman University has emerged as the champion in the 28th Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) provincial elimination round.

Riana Marie Mallo outperformed 23 other participants from eight universities in Dumaguete City, including Asian College, Foundation University, Metro Dumaguete College, Negros Maritime College Foundation Inc., Negros Oriental State University, Saint Paul University – Dumaguete, and STI College.

Mallo was joined by teammates Zayed Abukoya Mohamed and Criztian Radoc, under the guidance of Dr. Rhea Rheem Muarip-Bolodo, chairperson of Silliman University’s Mathematics Department.

Meanwhile, Jezryll James Ege of Negros Oriental State University placed 1st runner-up, and Yvette Julienne B. Pis-an of Saint Paul University Dumaguete took 2nd runner-up honors.

Organized by the National Statistics Office in partnership with the Philippine Statistical Association, the PSQ is an annual competition held in conjunction with the nationwide celebration of Statistics Month. Since its inception in 1992, it has become a staple in the academic calendar.

The quiz assesses the knowledge of first-year college students from both public and private institutions nationwide, with contestants representing all 17 regions of the country. It also serves as an important platform for promoting statistical literacy among the youth and emphasizing the significance of statistics in various fields.