The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs’ Special Events Committee, in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences, spearheaded an invitational quiz and spelling competition on October 16, 2024, at the UNP Tadena Hall. This event is in line with the 59th founding anniversary of the University of Northern Philippines.

This activity served as a bridge between UNP and other learning institutions like the Ilocos Sur Community College (ISCC) and Department of Education-Divisions of Ilocos Sur, Vigan, and Candon City, as well as private schools including St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur (SPCIS), St. William Institute (SWI), San Joseph Institute (SJI), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), and others.

For the Spelling Bee, college level, Althea Jane B. Alibuyog and Jansmile Ancheta from ISPSC–Candon, ranked first; Ralph Angelo Tactay and Leanne Ma. Therese Tinaza from Saint Paul College of Ilocos Sur got the second place; and Dyan Aiza Veracion and Frances Guia Pinera from the University of Northern Philippines ranked third.

For the secondary level, Zoe Joy Tamonte and Cassey Mae Ballano from Ilocos Sur Community College aced first place; Griffer Jay Peralta and Cassandra Norreine Novelozo ranked second; and Airish Jelaine Taylan and James Nathaniel Fabillaran from the University of Northern Philippines–Laboratory Schools got third place.

For the elementary level, Princess Fhiona Aspa and Zeke Marko Pillas from Tamag Elementary School got first place; Arthus Hunter Bumachi and Ray Fracis Elaydo from St. Joseph Institute Inc. secured second place; and Janelle Ashrine Mangoba and Kairdengaro Brillantes ranked third place.

For the quiz bee, tertiary level, Team UNP ranked first place, followed by ISPSC–Candon in second place, and SPCIS positioned in third place.

For the General Information Knowledge Category–tertiary level, winners were Ulysis Paet, Kursten Hope Ilaga, and Jerick Robiñol of the University of Northern Philippines (first place); Jessica G. Gacusan, Yzel Princess Bargado, and Mariecon Lambiniclo of ISPSC (second place); Ma. Julia Margaret P. Maulai, Princess Kyra V. Rebula, and Daphine Paula Tadena of SPCIS (third place).

For the secondary level, the Philippine Science High School ranked first. The team included Kristine Angeline Deleus, Artemis L. Barajas, and Geoff Jude T. San Augustine; Lyceum De Ylocos had the second place, with its team members Mylene Vivit, Zean Mhichaela Osalvo, and Paula Heliza Pered; and for the third place, Tagudin National High School, with its members, Ryza Mae Luchina, Kathleen Claire Lales, and Mark Vincent Bulic.

For the elementary level, the Divine Word College of Vigan ranked first, with its members Ben Frederique Paderes, Maria Ilianah Castro, and Curt John Ablog.  Cabugao Integrated School positioned at second place, with its team consisting of Kairdengard Brillantes, Divine Faith Rimaso, and Margaux Zaphyre Ramos; Mar Lorenzo Alvarez, Xamuel Loreen Unciano, and Alhana Riambon from St. William Institute got third place.

This competition not only showcased the academic talents of students from various institutions but also reinforced UNP’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. The initiative to connect with local educational institutions, the event contributed to a collaborative educational environment that benefits students across different levels. The event aligns with UNP’s broader goals as it continues to evolve as a leading institution in the region while celebrating its rich history and achievements over the past decades.

Article by Rocelle Villanueva, Photos by Joel Fabillaran