by: Dianne Joyce Matic

Philippine Science High School – Cagayan Valley Campus emerged as this year’s champion in the recently held Valleygsahan last December 19 and 20, 2015 at Cauayan City, Isabela.

The victories assured ensured 12 scholars for the Patalasanlahi 2016, the national stage of the competition, pitting them against other winners from other regions.

With a whooping score of 93 points, Pisay CVC Team B – composed of Cedric John Marc Catacutan, Earvin Michael Bibay and Mark Ely Namoro cruised past their counterparts region and reaped 1st place in the quiz bee competition.

Team A, composed of Rench Consumido, Beaver Sean Caraan and Christlen Olivares, landed second place with a 72-point finish.

“We allotted time for such event to somehow reciprocate the funds and efforts exerted by the school, or the nation's contributions to us, and of course in for Pisay community to be proud of us,” Caraan proudly acclaimed.

According to Consumido, it was a challenge to prove that hardwork pays off.

“Winning felt great and wonderful. I didn't expect the school to take the title as based on the previous years. Honestly, I really didn't expect our team to top the eliminations and finally clinch the second place in the quiz bee,” Olivares said.

Pisay’s debate team, comprised of Jubilee Balonkita, Reynaldo Jaime Gonzalez, Hannah Keren Duque, garnered 1st place and Duque clinched the Best Debater plum.

In Essay Writing tilt, Marie Guia Stella Miguel (English) and Precious Jane Guerrero (Filipino) placed third and second, respectively, in Essay Writing.

To complete the list of Patalasanlahi qualifiers, Betina Nicole Pascual managed to grab 2nd place in Extemporaneous Speaking – Filipino.

Elaine Adami participated in poster making contest while Alfrancis Gacutan competed for Extemporaneous Speaking – English.

"It was worth it to compete even though it was our Christmas break. I experienced a breath–taking crowd worth having a heart attack with. It was a shiny moment for all of us to go up in the stage and represent the province. I learned new tremendous things and it was overwhelming," Gacutan admitted.

University of the Philippines – Diliman will host the Patalasanlahi 2016.