PSA Negros Occidental holds JHS, SHS statistics quiz for 36th NSM

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BACOLOD CITY — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)–Negros Occidental held its 2nd Junior High School (JHS) Statistics Quiz and first-ever Senior High School (SHS) Statistics Quiz on October 17, 2025, at Sum-ag Elementary School in Bacolod City, in celebration of the 36th National Statistics Month (NSM) themed “Accelerating the SDG Pace of Progress: Mobilizing Data for All.”

The annual JHS quiz gathered students from Bacolod City National High School, Handumanan National High School, Domingo Lacson National High School, Colegio San Agustin–Bacolod, La Consolacion College–Bacolod, St. Joseph School–La Salle, and the University of St. La Salle–Integrated School.

The SHS competition, on the other hand, featured participants from Sum-ag National High School, Handumanan National High School, St. John Institute, Colegio San Agustin–Bacolod, the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos (UNO-R), and the University of St. La Salle (USLS).

Both events aimed to promote statistical literacy, critical thinking, and appreciation for data among students while underscoring the role of statistics in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Master Teacher I Cheradee G. Igpuara opened the JHS quiz by welcoming the participants and coaches, stressing the importance of statistical knowledge in daily life and decision-making.

For the SHS category, Statistical Specialist II Kim B. Julag-ay delivered the opening message and highlighted the vital role of data in shaping national and global development policies.

Julag-ay said the quiz was designed to help students understand “how statistics support national and global development goals, particularly the SDGs,” reflecting this year’s NSM theme.

Participants from both divisions competed in three rounds covering comprehension, computation, and data interpretation, testing their grasp of fundamental and applied statistics.

Throughout the competition, students demonstrated teamwork, analytical skills, and enthusiasm for statistical learning.

The JHS quiz concluded with closing remarks from Julag-ay, who expressed appreciation for the teachers’ support and encouraged the students to continue participating in future PSA events.

“These young students may continue competing in the following year, either in the Junior High School or Senior High School category,” Julag-ay said.

Winners from both categories will be awarded on October 30, 2025, during the 36th NSM Closing Ceremony at SM City Bacolod–Main Atrium.

PSA Negros Occidental Supervising Statistical Specialist and Officer-in-Charge Diesah S. Biaoco said the competitions reflect the agency’s commitment to fostering a data-driven and statistically empowered youth.

“Through this initiative, PSA Negros Occidental continues its advocacy for a data-driven and statistically empowered youth, contributing to the collective effort of mobilizing data for all to achieve sustainable development,” Biaoco said.

The National Statistics Month, observed every October under Proclamation No. 647, series of 1990, aims to promote the value of statistics in policy formulation and evidence-based governance.

By engaging younger generations through educational competitions, PSA Negros Occidental hopes to build a strong foundation for future statisticians and data professionals who can contribute to informed decision-making and sustainable growth in the Philippines.

(Photos courtesy of PSA Negros Occidental)