Seventeen (17) young statistics whizzes representing all the regions of the country are expected to compete in three rounds of questions and answers on statistical concepts, theories and problems in the 2008 Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) National Finals which will be held on December 4 at the Social Security System Auditorium in Quezon City.
"The PSQ is now on its 17th year," said NSO Administrator Carmelita Ericta, chairperson of this year's undertaking. She added that, "the Quiz aims to assess the competency and skills of college freshmen in statistics as acquired from high school."
The NSO and the Philippine Statistical Association have been conducting the yearly undertaking since 1992 to promote public awareness and appreciation of statistics. In 1994, the Commission on Higher Education began endorsing the annual competition.
Last year, sixteen-year-old Benson E. Dusaran, a Chemistry student from the Central Mindanao University, Province of Bukidnon, bested 16 other regional champions to bring home the national finals trophy in the 16th PSQ held at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management in Quezon City. Dusaran answered correctly all the ten questions in the third and final (difficult) round of the contest and became the first national champion from Region 10 (Northern Mindanao).
Regional championships were simultaneously held once again nationwide last November 13. The first placers from each region, who must be Filipino citizens and first-time freshmen enrolled in any public or private college or university and, who have met the required cut-off cumulative score set forth in the contest mechanics will be the official representatives to the 17th PSQ National Finals.
| REGION | NAME OF CHAMPION | AGE | COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY | COURSE |
| NCR | Rimson E. Junio | 15 | Mapua Institute of Technology | BS Electronics and Communications Engineering |
| CAR | Roy Christopher K. Ang | 16 | St. Louis University | BS Medical Laboratory Science |
| I | Margie Lyn E. Gacayan | 16 | St. Louis College | BS in Accountancy |
| II | Ma. Angelica Goldameir C. Cannu | 16 | St. Paul University Philippines | BS Nursing |
| III | Christian D. Calonzo | 17 | Bulacan State University | BS Computer Engineering |
| IV-A | Heinrich Sean F. Fabregas | 16 | University of the Philippines Los Ba�os, Laguna | B.S. Statistics |
| IV-B | Eric James A. Magay | 17 | Palawan State University | BS Environmental Science |
| V | Kristine C. Villaraza | 16 | Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges | BS Electronics and Communication Engineering |
| VI | Rosa Lea S. Baldevarona | 17 | University of the Philippines-Visayas | BS Public Health |
| VII | Lucky B. Bajalla | 17 | University of San Carlos | BS Chemical Engineering |
| VIII | Ruel Ryan A. Rosal | 17 | Visayas State University | BS Chemistry |
| IX | Ralph Anthony A. Espos | 17 | Ateneo de Zamboanga University | BS Accountancy |
| X | Melvin P. Lacia | 17 | Mindanao State University-IIT | BS Civil Engineering |
| XI | Anjelica Izabelle F. Napala | 17 | University of the Philippines-Mindanao | BS Biology |
| XII | Mark Anthony S. Matampac | 16 | Mindanao State University-General Santos | BS Electronics and Communication Engineering |
| CARAGA | Arthur M. Amora | 17 | Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology | BS Geodetic Engineering |
| ARMM | Norzaman S. Abdulrashid | 17 | Safrullah M. Dipatuan Foundation Academy | BS Management |
The regional champions from outside Metro Manila that are eligible to join the national finals as well as their respective coaches shall be provided with roundtrip fares. Modest accommodation and allowances while in Manila shall also be provided to all contestants and their coaches for the duration of the competition.
At stake for the top five placers in the PSQ National Finals are cash prizes, trophies, certificates of recognition and several gift items from various sponsors and donors.