Students from 12 schools in Mangaldan, Pangasinan tested their skills in various mathematics challenges designed to identify and nurture young talents.

The event featured competitions such as Damath, Math Quiz, Modulo Art, Tower of Hanoi, Sudoku, and Rubik’s Cube, giving students hands-on ways to develop problem-solving and logical thinking at an early age.

Mangaldan District 1 Supervisor Jerome Paras said the activity aimed to spot potential young mathematicians while they are still developing their skills.

“Para madiscover natin ang mga young mathematicians natin, makita ‘yung mga potentials nila habang bata pa sila,” Paras said.

Among the participants was Grade 1 pupil Eunice Anne Batoon, who joined the Tower of Hanoi challenge, a puzzle game that requires planning and strategy. Her interest in the game also encouraged her younger sibling to try similar math activities.

“Tinuturuan lang ako noong Grade 1 pa lang ako, Grade 5 ang nagturo po sa akin. Mula noon, gusto ko na ang paglalaro nito,” Batoon said.

Another student, Roberto Fernandez III, chose to spend his free time solving a Rubik’s Cube instead of using gadgets. He said he has enjoyed the mechanical puzzle since he was eight years old.

“Gusto ko itong laro. Mahirap siya pero okey naman po,” Fernandez said.

Teachers and organizers said these math challenges help deepen students’ understanding of mathematics and strengthen their analytical skills beyond the classroom.