BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Third District Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” has called “models of inspiration” the three top finishers of the 1st Kwizko ni Cong. Kiko who emerged as champions in the October 23 final face-off, as well as all the other finalists who were featured in the first ever blended quiz bee held at the Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas gymnasium in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
The 15 Grade 10 students from the Third District pitted skills and abilities in an intense three-hour scholastic battle with a wide range of questions from the easy to moderate to difficult levels.
The first Kwizko ni Kiko over-all champion is Chester Abanggan of Negros Occ. National Science High School of Victorias City, who received a cash prize of P20,000, a laptop and certificate. His coach is Kaye Aquino.
Finishing first runner-up is Anika Hinolan of Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School in Silay City, who received a cash prize of P 12,000, laptop and certificate, with Rodel Abellar as her coach.
Second runner-up is Ranaelah Gamboa from Rafael B. Lacson Memorial High School, in Talisay City, who won P 6,000, laptop and certificate. Her coach is Wennie Lyn Leria.
All the other twelve finalists received a consolation prize of P 1,000 each, a certificate and a laptop. All the coaches were granted P1,000 each and certificate.
The district-wide academic competition covered subject areas in Mathematics, Science and Technology, Language, Reading and Literature, Social Studies and Current Events, with contest questions prepared under the supervision of the Division of Professional Education of the University of the Philippines-Visayas, Iloilo campus.
KWIZKO is a project of Third District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, among the first in line of a series of district-wide Smart Asenso programs.
Project partners are the Department of Education Negros Occidental Schools Division and the Silay City Schools Division, the Local Government Units, and the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, and TUP-V.*
