With their problem-solvings skills and mastery, six Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) students from Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus competed at the 15th Don Tomas Mapúa National Civil Engineering Quiz Show (DTM-NCEQS), Thursday, February 5, at Mapúa University – Gymnasium.

The delegations were composed of Alvir Petito, Jose Brian Padel, Chadnee Michael Tabungar, Carissa Bianca Basas, Ronald Antillon, and Karl Tingzon, under the coaching of BSCE Department Head Engr. Mark Kevin Cidro.

Organized by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) – Mapúa University Student Chapter, the national quiz show gathered 87 civil engineering students from 22 universities and colleges nationwide.

Said competition began with a written qualifying round involving all participants, from which 44 students advanced to the elimination round.

Moreover, the number of competitors was reduced to 20 semifinalists before the final 10 contenders competed in the finale round to determine the national rankings.

Meanwhile, Padel secured the second runner-up position, receiving a cash prize of ₱15,000 and a 25% discount at Review Innovations Review Center.

In an interview with The Industrial Wheel, Padel said he was initially in disbelief upon hearing his name announced as second runner-up during the awarding ceremony.

“The exact moment was when gin-announce na han host an final results and gin-call an akon name as second runner-up. Bisan pa nasiring an akon friends na may chance ak maka-third place, [waray] ko hiya gin-consider kay I thought my performance was not as good as the others,” he expressed.

Padel also shared that he experienced moments of anxiety during breaks in the competition, which he coped with through humor and brief conversations to ease the pressure.

Furthermore, Engr. Cidro acknowledged the challenges of preparing the team due to his responsibilities as department head and the limited time available for formal review sessions.

“There were only a few instances when we were able to conduct a full review. I was very busy with enrollment, so I was not able to give my full attention to their training. We were only able to meet on two Saturdays and sometimes in the evenings after class. That is why I really want to thank them for doing their best and continuing to review even on their own,” said Engr. Cidro.

Engr. Cidro added that the elimination round was particularly demanding, noting that while Padel advanced outright, Petito and Tabungar had to compete in a clincher round to reach the semifinals.

In the end, John Lester Ferrer of Cebu Technological University (CTU) – Dumajog Extension Campus was declared champion, while Ron Gian A. Dela Cruz of Far Eastern University – Institute of Technology placed first runner-up.

Article by Carl Anthony Dotingco