The University of Baguio, spearheaded by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), the BIMAAK (Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Apayao, and Kalinga) Student Organization, and in collaboration with the different schools, recently concluded its 2025 Academic Olympics. This year’s theme was, “A.C.H.I.E.V.E.: Advancing and Cultivating High Intellectual Excellence and Victories Everyday”, highlighting the continuous growth and daily triumphs yielded by the hard work and dedication of the university’s students.
There were a total of six categories in the competition: Debate (Asian Parliamentary), Extemporaneous Speech, Photo-Essay Writing, Digital Poster Making, Quiz Bee, and Video Awareness Campaign.
In the Debate category, the School of Natural Sciences (SNS) came in as the 3rd Runner-Up, with members Charlene Grace Arguelles, Ebhtihal Madoh, and Zed Adolf Davis. Snagging the next two titles was the School of Nursing (SN), represented by Ashwirah Valenzuela, Roschan Escalera, and Blake Villanueva in the 2nd Runner-Up spot and Breana Montero Atitiw, Andre Aguedan, and Jheju Domingo in the 1st Runner-Up spot. The School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) emerged as the Champion for this category, with Rhesa Batcagan, Kyra Kelly, and Jer Len Dela Rosa securing the winning title.
The special award, “Best Speaker”, went to Peachy Dicipulo (School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management, SIHTM), Angelo Junsay (School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety, SCJPS), Charlene Grace Arguelles (SNS), and Jheju Domingo (SN).
Moving into the Extemporaneous Speech, 2nd Runner-Up went to Denisse Aira Isturis from the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA), while STELA made a return as the 1st Runner-Up with Cedrick Aaron Aswigue. The SCJPS was the victor for this category, with Christian Tuguinay snagging the title of Champion.
For the Photo-Essay Writing category, STELA was once again on the podium as the 2nd Runner-Up with Tyrone Baniaga’s work titled “Asymptotic February Runner”, and SN made a return to the winner’s circle with Fannilyn Manipon’s work, “Caps Down: Christ Above All”. Coming in the Champion’s place was Jogn Andong Marquez Jr. from the SIHTM with his work, “Towards Eureka”.
Continuing with their streak, STELA once again emerges as the 2nd Runner-Up for the Digital Poster Making category, with Sofie Joy Bangao’s work, “One Action, Endless Possibilities”, while the School of Information Technology (SIT) placed as the 1st Runner-Up for Jamie Amor Pucay’s work, “Rising Beyond Limits: Driving Change for a Sustainable Future”. In the coveted Champion’s spot was the School of Dentistry (SD), with Althea Joy Abalos’ work, “Academic Olympics 2025: Igniting Minds, Upholding Rights, and Advancing Sustainability”.
A special award, the People’s Choice, was also presented to Jio Jame Rilloraza from the SIHTM for his work, “Power of Excellence: Riveting the Legacy and Beyond”.
Moving forward to the Quiz Bee category, the SN, represented by Cecilia Tumambing, Joaquin Amolar, and Vaneysa Fei Sapon, held the title of 2nd Runner-Up. The SCJPS came in as the 1st Runner-Up, represented by Dannieca Buyayo, Angelica Estanislao, and Jvee Ling-O. The Champions hailed from the SBAA, represented by Keenth Joshua Malaga, Shaznae Dellosa, and Degemae Epie.
For the final category, the Video Awareness Campaign, the SIT, represented by Rowald Rafael Saliganan, Karl Angelo Marteja, Rieci Estimada, Jose Colleen, and December Rain Gomez, once again nabbed a spot on the podium and emerged as the 2nd Runner-Up. Next up in 1st Runner-Up was the SCJPS, represented by Wyler Angelo Biteng, Voughn Liam Laruan, Mela Chrizelle Timbol, and Florene Naomi Ursua. Emerging victorious as the Champion was the SIHTM, represented by Ralph Julius Pagdilao, Jordan Alfredo, Mackennzie Abuan, Deborah Castillo, and Edrialyn Sabado.
A special award, the People’s Choice, was also presented to a second team from the SIHTM, consisting of Princess Paulyne Adap, Princess Janynne Abreu, Mark Jayson Antolin, Kieth Tobie Blas, and Nicole Jane Largo.
This year’s Academic Olympics was a testament to UB’s continued commitment to promoting academic excellence, inspiring students from the different schools to continue pursuing their passions, exercising their creativity, and furthering their learning and education. The event was not only a showcase of exceptional skill and talent across the different disciplines; it also fostered camaraderie, allowing students to test their knowledge and abilities in healthy competition against their peers and propagating the spirit of healthy competition amongst the university’s different departments.
