Written by: Liam Jerne L. Seradoy | Photographed by: Clarence Joaquin Cabrera
The University of Baguio Academic Olympics 2025 concluded with a grand awarding and closing ceremony on October 13, 2025, at the FGB Hall, marking another milestone in the university’s pursuit of academic excellence. With the theme “P.O.W.E.R. — Pursuit of Outstanding Wisdom, Excellence, and Recognition,” this year’s Academic Olympics served as a platform to celebrate intellectual vitality, creativity, and collaboration among UB students.
The event featured a wide array of competitions that tested both knowledge and innovation, including the Quiz Bee, Debate, Extemporaneous Speech, Video Awareness Campaign, Photo-Essay Writing, and Digital Poster Making contests. Through these activities, students not only showcased their academic abilities but also strengthened camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose within the university community.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, the Academic Olympics emphasized UB’s commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable learning opportunities that develop critical thinking, innovation, and lifelong learning among students. The event also reflected SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as it encouraged collaboration across departments, uniting students, faculty, and judges in the spirit of shared excellence and academic integrity.
The success of the Academic Olympics would not have been possible without the esteemed judges and adjudicators whose expertise ensured fairness and quality across all categories:
Video Awareness Campaign Judges – Mr. David D. De Aro, Ms. Janine Grace A. Javier, Mr. Jense S. Rualo;
Photo-Essay Writing Judges – Mr. Joseph Rene Pascua, Mr. Edgar Allan R. Macatulad, Ms. Kristina G. Velasco;
Digital Poster Making Judges – Ms. Thea Sherina Cathelina B. Rillera, Mr. Gabriel John Madriaga, Ms. Jazeline Jane Mostoles;
Extemporaneous Speech Judges – Ms. Monalie Romero, Mr. Denver Koby Soriano, Mr. Arthur Vince B. Sanlao;
Debate Adjudicators – Mr. Arthur Vince B. Sanlao, Ms. Adianez Fe P. Caga, Ms. Jane Ling L. Adolfo, Dr. Veronica M. Bito, and Ms. Daphne P. Raymundo.
The event recognized outstanding students who displayed excellence in their respective categories: STELA emerged as Champion in both the Quiz Bee and Extemporaneous Speech contests; SON claimed top spots in the Photo-Essay Writing and Debate competitions; SNS excelled in the Digital Poster Making category; and SCJPS dominated the Video Awareness Campaign. Notable achievers included Blake B. Villanueva, who was hailed as the Overall Best Speaker, and Clyd K. Buenconsejo, awarded as the Finals Best Speaker in Debate.
Culminating the weeklong event, the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) was declared as the Overall Champion, followed by the School of Nursing (SON) as Overall 1st Runner-Up, and the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS) as Overall 2nd Runner-Up.
Beyond competition, the Academic Olympics reflected the University of Baguio’s mission to cultivate lifelong learners who embody excellence, leadership, and service. It provided students with opportunities to sharpen their intellect, enhance communication and creativity, and collaborate meaningfully—key values that prepare them to make an impact both within and beyond the university walls.
Through events like the Academic Olympics, the University of Baguio continues to affirm its commitment to providing quality education (SDG 4) and fostering partnerships for the goals (SDG 17)—empowering its students to become catalysts of change and ambassadors of wisdom, purpose, and excellence.
