Written by Jerson Bugat and Ace Lordhene Cabato
The Regional Pool of Talents Hunt (RPOTH) 2025 took flight in Region 1 Cordillera Administrative Region (R1CAR) with a vivid tableau of creativity, intellect and artistic flair. From September 8-10, 2025, the virtual event, “Wings of Wonder: The Enchanted Flight of Limitless Talents,” brought together the brightest minds and artists from the area. Organizers of the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – Region 1 and Cordillera Administrative Region (NFJPIA – R1CAR) prepared the ground with a Zoom and Facebook Live presentation to an unforgettable display of student excellence.
The University of Baguio (UB) Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants from the School of Business Administration and Accountancy reached heights of spectacular proportions among the contending delegations, establishing that the University’s student-leaders and artists possessed the resolve and magic to conquer the regional stage.
The University of Baguio’s team of participants delivered their best performances in the virtual arena, clinching first prize in the cultural and literary competitions:
Ace Lordhene Cabato won the hearts of the virtual audience and judges to become the Champion in the singing competition. The strength of Cabato’s voice was an apt representation of the “wings of wonder” and raised the spirits of all present. Sheinaya Sarang-ey stood out in the news writing field with her outstanding analytical skills, speed and accuracy under pressure and became the Champion in news writing. Justine Payumo completed her performance and made the university proud by doing a great job with athletic storytelling and grabbing the 3rd Place in Sports Writing. These achievements demonstrate the wide range of talents possessed by UB students, and underscore the fact that academic success is not limited to artistic mastery or to great communication skills.
The RPOTH 2025 has been a celebration of individual and institutional success, but the achievements of the University of Baguio participants are even more meaningful as they are right on target with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The news writing and sports writing skills by Sarang-ey and Payumo respectively are a great example of SDG 4 – Quality Education. Comprehensive training goes beyond textbooks of the financial ledger, it involves understanding and adapting to current events, communicating effectively and applying ethical journalistic practices.
The university develops these communication skills to ensure that its students are equipped to be informed, articulate citizens with a meaningful contribution to make to society. What’s more, these regional platforms support SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by offering an equal playing field for students from all over the region, fostering inclusivity and showcasing the talents of the region on a level platform.
On the other hand, the cultural achievements of the delegation fit in perfectly with SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being. Ace Lordhene Cabato’s singing win is a testament to the importance of culture and art in emotional and mental health. Providing opportunities for students to explore their musical abilities enables them to have a balanced, healthy outlet for their self-expression in the context of a challenging academic curriculum, and supports overall human development.
The University of Baguio is devoted to the cultivation of intellectual ability and creative expression, proving that the essence of education celebrates the whole person and that young leaders can be empowered to lift up their communities and promote their own health and happiness.
The University of Baguio community is proud of the University’s success in an incredible 3-day event that has come and gone. It is clear from their trip that if you can have passion and dedication and the right platform, anything can be accomplished by young leaders. May these gifts of the Spirit remain bright in their lives, inspiring all students to soar even higher in the future and live the life God has called them to live. Congratulations, UB-JPIAns!
