AL RAJHIE Papandayan, a second-year BS Accountancy student from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), has secured the regional championship title in the highly anticipated Philippines' Brightest Buwis Masters (PBBM) search for 2023.

The tax quiz competition saw Papandayan outshine 12 other college students in a fierce final round. 

His exceptional knowledge and skills in tax-related matters propelled him to the top spot.

As the regional champion, Papandayan will now advance to the national level, which is scheduled to take place on July 28 at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) national office in Quezon City. 

BUWIS MASTER REGL WINNERS. Al Rajhie Papandayan (center) of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology emerges as the regional champion in the quest for the Philippines' Brightest Tax Masters 2023. Joining him are Cristine Jane Oppus (left), the first runner-up, and Joan Marinay (right), the second runner-up, both representing Central Mindanao University. (DCC/PIA-10 photo)

The grand champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up will be awarded plaques of recognition and generous cash prizes.

Furthermore, their respective educational institutions will also be acknowledged for their significant contributions to their students' success.

The nationwide quest for tax quiz champions forms part of the BIR's tax awareness campaign, aimed at bolstering the understanding of tax laws, regulations, and related matters among the youth, who represent the future taxpayers of the country.

The regional search in Northern Mindanao was successfully organized by the BIR Revenue Region (RR)-16, with valuable support from the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The event took place at the BIR-RR16 office on July 3, where a total of 49 college students participated and were tested on various tax-related topics, including income tax, value-added tax, percentage tax, and taxpayers' registration requirements.

Out of the initial 49 participants, the top 12 contenders were chosen to compete in the final face-off. 

The final round comprised three challenging stages: easy, average, and difficult, each consisting of ten thought-provoking questions.

Papandayan's impressive performance secured him the coveted champion title, while Cristine Jane Oppus from Central Mindanao University (CMU) and Joan Marinay, also from CMU, claimed the first runner-up and second runner-up positions, respectively.

In addition to MSU-IIT and CMU, other esteemed educational institutions that took part in the competition were Bukidnon State University, Cagayan de Oro College-PHINMA, Capitol University, Christ the King College, La Salle University Ozamiz, Liceo de Cagayan, and Lourdes College. (With a report from APB/PIA-10)