MANILA, Philippines -- Math aces from the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) in Quezon City topped the recent “MATHirang MATHibay” annual mathematics competition of the University of the Philippines Math Majors Circle.

The state-run PSHS was represented by Alvin Wilson Alba, Benetta Joy Branzuela and Dianne Francesca Oliveros in the 40-school contest held over the weekend at the UP Institute of Mathematics and Math Education Development Auditorium.

Aside from the coveted “Pinaka-MATHibay Immortality Trophy,” the three also took home P15,000 from the competition, sponsored by the Inquirer, the MSA Academic Advancement Institute and RFM Foods Corp.

The Makati Science High School’s Joel Edward Cardinal, Roochie Mico Cosico and Kevin Ross Nera and St. Paul - Pasig’s Angeline Baniqued, Geraldine Baniqued and Ma. Regine Paz Onglao took second and third place honors, respectively. The MSHS and SPP teams got P10,000 and P5,000, respectively.

The winning teams were coached by Jose Manresa Enrico Español IV (PSHS), Mark Anthony Vidallo (MSHS) and Claudeth Cruz (SPP).

The MATHirang MATHibay contest aims to “promote interest and enhance academic excellence in the field of mathematics through inter-school math competitions.”

The theme of this year’s competition was “Exploring the Depths of Immortality” and was based on the element of water.

“Like the dynamic uses of water, the multifaceted role of mathematics is emphasized. Since water is the basic element of life, so is math the universal foundation of many academic disciplines necessary for the development of society,” explained the UP math circle, whose scholarship program is the beneficiary of the event.

Other schools that competed included Angelicum College, Ateneo de Manila, Chiang Kai Shek College, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, De La Salle Zobel, Grace Christian College, Kalayaan National High School, La Salle Greenhills, Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, Miriam College, New Era University, Paco Catholic School, Philippine Academy of Sakya, Sacred Heart College, San Beda College-Alabang, and St. Jude Catholic School.

The PSHS team placed second in last year’s edition of the contest, which was won by the Grace Christian High School. Ateneo de Manila High School was third.

Cardinal and the Baniqued sisters were part of the Philippine team that won 39 medals in the International Math Competition held last month in Chiangmai, Thailand.

The team, trained by the non-government Mathematics Trainers Guild Phil., placed fourth overall in the 25-nation tilt, topped by China, Thailand and Indonesia.