by Engr. Myrckho Miguell A. Mendoza
The UPLB Chemical Engineering Quiz Team finished in 4th Overall in the PIChE National Quiz Bowl, a sub-event of the PIChE National Students Congress 2024, organized by the PIChE Metro Manila Academe Chapter as a pre-event of the PIChE National Convention. The event was held last September 10, 2024, at the Michael Richartz Center, University of San Carlos – Talamban Campus, Cebu City. The event was participated by 11 teams from 11 universities and colleges nationwide, including UPLB.
The competition had two rounds, each round containing 10 questions each with each question varying in difficulty level. Questions came from from various subjects in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. After two rounds, the team from UPLB (Team Captain: John Norbert Capacio, Members: John Noel Macorol, Matthew Felimon Caisip, and Jaylord Nakila) was tied with Cebu Institute of Technology – University for 4th Place. The event was attended by one of the Faculty Coaches of the UPLB Chemical Engineering Quiz Team: Engr. Myrckho Miguell Mendoza. Meanwhile, the team from University of Santo Tomas bagged 3rd Place, the team from De La Salle University Manila bagged the 2nd Place, and the team from University of the Philippines Diliman emerged as the Champion in this year’s competition.
It was a heartbreaker for the team as the point deficit was close. However, this did not stop them from improving, instead the team used this as motivation to improve. It was a long trip down south; however, the team did not return to UPLB empty handed as they brought with them a one-of-a-kind experience of showcasing what UPLB chemical engineering students have to offer on a national stage – a moment that they will surely remember. The team continues to fuel their passion for chemical engineering with their eyes focused on a podium finish in the near future.
The team, together with Faculty Coaches Engr. Ruen Rey Sazon and Asst. Prof. Mart Merwin Magboo, would like also to express their sincerest thanks to people who have heavily supported the team throughout their preparations leading up to the competition proper – CEAT Alumni Association Inc. (CEAT-AA), Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers Laguna Chapter (PIChE Laguna), and UPLB Chemical Engineering Alumni Association, and UPLB DChE’s very own Faculty and Alumni.