Tacloban City, Leyte –The Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) proved its excellence in the field of statistics and data science after its BS Statistics students bagged multiple awards during the 2025 Regional Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Convention and Data Festival, organized by the Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA-RSSO 8).
Anchored on the theme “Ready, Stat, Go! Building Agile, Resilient, and Future-Ready Filipino Communities through Data-Driven Systems,” the event gathered students, professionals, and policymakers across Eastern Visayas to celebrate the power of data in advancing sustainable development and strengthening community resilience.
EVSU sent BS Statistics students under the mentorship of Prof. Cristina S. Castañares, who guided the participants in various contests that highlighted creativity, analytical skills, and statistical knowledge.
Competing alongside teams from Visayas State University (VSU), Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Samar State University (SSU), and Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), the EVSU delegation emerged as one of the most decorated schools of the day.
In the competitions, one of EVSU’s team, composed of Rafael John M. Garcia, Ma. Angelika M. Calinao, Lyanne Faye S. Malig-on, Melchie R. Bercero, and Elber A. Buyco, claimed 1st place in the Amazing Stat quiz challenge in a highlight of wit and teamwork that outshone other university teams.
Another top prize was secured by Jonash J. Cabaltera, who won 1st place in Report it Right with his clear, concise, and impactful reporting of statistical data.
Rodeliza D. Abilay brought home second place in StatShots after captivating the judges with her storytelling skills through data-driven photography.
In VizWiz, Lianne Kassandra A. Regorosa impressed the panel by transforming complex numbers into compelling visualizations, earning her 3rd place among the top data storytellers.
Furthermore, the team of Carl Joshua C. Orocay, Issy Ceasar A. Catalogo, Lourence Ido, Fiona Jane J. Gallego, and Joseph Benedicth B. Gonzales who secured 3rd place in StatisTiktok with their engaging TikTok-style presentation blending statistics and entertainment.
Rounding out EVSU’s victories, Team 2, composed of Kim D. Obina, Joshua C. Torreros, Issy Ceasar A. Catalogo, Josh Toby Gantala, and Kayla Faye Holasca, clinched 3rd place in Amazing Stat, proving the depth of EVSU’s talent in statistical competitions.
Prof. Gohil, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, expressed pride in her students’ accomplishments, noting that their victories demonstrate exemplary academic preparation, creativity and adaptability, qualities essential in today’s data-driven world.
The PSA’s CBMS Convention and Data Festival featured diverse activities such as paper presentations, exhibits, and contests that highlighted the role of statistics in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For EVSU’s BS Statistics program, the event provided both a platform for recognition and an opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge in a competitive yet collaborative environment.
EVSU’s consistent performance across categories established the university as a stronghold of statistical education in the region.
Their achievements serve as an inspiration not only to their peers but also to the broader academic community in Eastern Visayas.
As data continues to shape governance, development planning, and community resilience, the victories of EVSU’s BS Statistics students in this regional festival affirm that the future of data science in Eastern Visayas is in capable hands.
This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 04: Quality Education; SDG 09: Industry, Innovation, Technology, and Infrastructure; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
via SAS, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
edited by: JS Beleña | UMDC
