Ateneo recommits thrust for math excellence in ProbSET 3.0 launch

Ateneo de Manila University has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing mathematics education across the Philippines by signing memoranda of agreement (MOAs) with eight partner institutions nationwide. The signing took place during the launch of Problem Solving Enrichment and Training 3.0 (ProbSET 3.0) on 14 March 2025, held both via Zoom and onsite at Faura Hall.

With the theme “Building a Nation of Resilient and Confident Problem Solvers,” the launch event was part of a series of celebrations aligned with the International Day of Mathematics, also known as Pi Day.

Representing Ateneo were University President Fr Roberto Yap SJ, and Department of Mathematics Chair Dr Romina Ann Yap. The eight partner institutions that formalized agreements with Ateneo include:

• Department of Education – Division of Ormoc City (DepEd Ormoc)
• Department of Education – Division of Davao de Oro (DepEd DDO)
• Central Luzon State University (CLSU)
• Southern Luzon State University (SLSU)
• Western Visayas State University (WVSU)
• Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U)
• Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (XU-ADC)
• St. Peter’s College of Ormoc, Inc. (SPC)

The program opened with remarks from Dr Richard Eden, assistant professor and incoming chair of the Department of Mathematics, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing future problem solvers.

Dr Lester Hao, a long-time member of the ProbSET core team, provided a brief history of the initiative, which has grown from three partners in its first iteration to five in its second, and now to eight under ProbSET 3.0.

The event also featured testimonials from former ProbSET participants, many of whom have pursued mathematics and science degrees in college. Videos showcasing the individual partner institutions and messages from their leaders were presented, highlighting their shared commitment to improving mathematics education in their respective regions.

A significant enhancement to ProbSET 3.0 is the introduction of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units for teachers. This was made possible through a collaboration with the Ateneo Teacher Center (ATC), headed by Ms Rita Atienza.

Fr Roberto Yap expressed full support for the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with Ateneo’s vision of educational reform and leadership in nation-building.

The event was also a celebration of the 85th birthday of Fr Bienvenido Nebres SJ, who delivered the keynote and closing address. Fr Nebres, a pioneering figure in math education reform in the country, emphasized the increasing need for critical thinkers in today’s complex world.

ProbSET itself was inspired by Fr Nebres' problem-solving classes with Dr Queena Lee-Chua and developed further by the Department of Mathematics in 2021 during the chairmanship of Dr Eden Delight Miro.

The first teacher training session for ProbSET 3.0 was scheduled for March 15, with subsequent sessions taking place on Saturdays. The training consists of three modules: Recreational and Model Math, Algebra, and Discrete Mathematics.

The MOA signing was attended by representatives from the partner institutions, both virtually and in person. Online attendees included:

• Dr Carmelino Barnadas, Division Superintendent of DepEd Ormoc, represented by Ms Hazel Maraviles, Education Program Supervisor in Math of the division,
• Ms Phoebe Gay Refamonte, Division Superintendent of DepEd DDO
• Rev Msgr Erlito Maraya, President of SPC
• Mr Peijie Santillan, Chair of XU’s Department of Mathematics, on behalf of XU-ADC President Fr Mars Tan SJ

In Faura Hall, present were:

• Dr John Rafael Antalan, Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Physics, CLSU
• Dr Alexander Balsomo, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, WVSU
• From SLSU: Ms Josephine Camson, Chair of the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department; Dr Shiela Manzanilla, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and University President Dr Frederick Villa

The launch was made possible through the efforts of the Ateneo Department of Mathematics, led by Dr Romina Yap, and the Ateneo Mathematics Society, headed by their president, Ms Deanne Algenio.