USM hosts Philippine Physics Olympiad Qualifying Round, Philippine Junior Physics Challenge in Region XII

Organized by Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas and the Samahang Pisika ng Visayas at Mindanao, the University of Southern Mindanao hosted the Philippine Physics Olympiad (PPO) Qualifying Round and the Philippine Junior Physics Challenge (PJPC) in Region XII on January 20, 2024.

With the competitions’ primary objective to nurture and showcase the brightest young minds in physics, participants had the opportunity to engage in captivating challenges, demonstrating their aptitude in physics through stimulating problem-solving and innovative thinking. The competition is nationwide, with testing centers established across the country for the qualifying exam.

Jean R. Maganaka, USM Chairperson of the Department of Physics, expressed her satisfaction with the full support of USM President Francisco Gil N. Garcia to the event. She emphasized the positive feedback received from students and coaches representing various schools.

Jelly Grace B. Nonesa, a faculty member in the Physics Department, highlighted that the students were mesmerized by the USM landscapes and the programs offered by the University.

The examination for PJPC 2024 lasted for 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the PPO 2024 examination was extended to 4 hours.

Along with USM as participants were the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Los Baños, and Baguio, the University of San Carlos (Cebu), and the Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).