In the heart of Iligan City, where the hum of academia meets the lush heartbeat of nature, **The Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)** once again transformed into a vibrant hub of environmental awareness and academic excellence. On **October 22, 2025**, the **3rd Iligan City–Lanao del Norte Provincial Wildlife Quizbowl** came to life at the **University Gymnasium**, uniting **22 schools** across the province for a day of curiosity, camaraderie, and celebration of Philippine biodiversity.
The event, spearheaded by the **Department of Biological Sciences** in collaboration with the **Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI)**, **MSU-IIT’s WE CARE Extension Program Office**, the **Rotary Club Metro Iligan**, and the **Haynayan Society**, served as more than just a competition. It stood as a testament to the shared mission of shaping environmentally literate youth who will become tomorrow’s stewards of the land.
The Battle of Bright Minds and Brave Hearts
From the first round to the nail-biting finale, the atmosphere was electric. The quizbowl challenged participants with questions on **biology, ecology, Philippine wildlife, environmental laws, and biogeography**—each query a bridge toward deeper understanding of the planet’s treasures.
In a showcase of determination, **MSU–Sultan Naga Dimaporo** emerged as the overall champion with **54 points**, outpacing the **Philippine Science High School – Northern Mindanao Campus** (43 points) and **Iligan City National High School** (39 points). But beyond the scoreboard, every participant walked away with a heightened appreciation for environmental conservation.
A Debut Worth Remembering: Santiago National High School’s Journey
Among the crowd’s favorites was **Santiago National High School**, joining the competition for the first time and landing an impressive **6th place**. Represented by the resilient duo **Jerry III C. Omping** and **Alyxyl Phette Dayondon**, both Grade 11 HUMSS students and members of *The Eureka Science Society*, the team exhibited perseverance that went far beyond the quizbowl arena.
Their coach, **Sir Febeto Lumosad Potutan Jr.**, reflected on their journey with both pride and humor. Preparing from scratch, they eagerly researched similar wildlife quiz bowls from other provinces to sharpen their skills. While bouts of “changed-right-to-wrong” answers and spelling mishaps brought laughter, the experience ignited an even stronger determination to come back stronger next year.
More Than a Quiz—A Movement
As the final applause faded, organizers from **MSU-IIT** and their partners expressed joy at the event’s success. This annual gathering is not merely a friendly contest—it is a growing movement that nurtures minds, fosters teamwork, and deepens the collective commitment to protecting the environment.
With every year, the **Provincial Wildlife Quizbowl** expands its reach, bridging classrooms with conservation advocacy. If its growth continues, it promises to inspire a generation that will not only master scientific facts but also put them into action to safeguard the earth.
In events like these, knowledge is not the end goal—it’s the seed. Planted in young minds, it will grow into a forest of hope for the planet.
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