Laguna University College of Computing Studies competed together with 60 Universities and Colleges in the 14th IT Skills Olympics with the theme: “Securing the Human-Centric Technology: Forging a Resilient Digital Future.” The event was hosted by the University of Makati- College of Computing and Information Sciences on November 21, 2025.
Professor Joel Mangaba, Dean of the College of Computing and Information Sciences of UMak, warmly welcomed the participants in his opening remarks. He emphasized the relevance of this year’s theme, highlighting the need for human-centricity amidst the rapid rise of AI. “Emerging technology actually always gives us the challenge to do better,” he said. Prof. Mangaba also pointed out the importance of resilience among the employees nowadays and the value of building connections beyond the university, noting that events like the IT Skills Olympics promote healthy and meaningful engagement.
In his special message, Dr. Ederson D. T. Tapia reflected on the essence of the event’s theme. “You chose to call it the IT Skills Olympics, not IT Skills Competition,” he pointed out, distinguishing the spirit of the Olympics from that of a typical competition. Dr. Tapia also shared a brief history of the Olympic movement, emphasizing the importance of good competition and fostering healthy relationships among participants. “Technology is meaningless unless we use it for the good of humanity,” he added.
The Lawrence Duo Dominates the Back-End Category
Laguna University’s “Lawrence Duo” — Lawrence Rebong and Karl Lawrence Decena — secured the 2nd spot in the newly introduced Database Programming category of this year’s IT Skills Olympics with their coach Mr. Joshua A. Dela Rueda. The event marked the first time this category was included, adding excitement and challenge for the participants.
Rebong, a 4th-year BSIT student, shared that his preparation was limited due to their capstone project’s final defense scheduled just days before the competition. “The only time I practiced or reviewed was when I tried out for this category,” he said.
Decena, a second-year student, admitted that he competes with a different mindset. “I don’t really want to join to win,” he said. “I thought of it as an opportunity to improve my skills. I see this more as gaining experience rather than proving myself.”
IT Quiz Bee Falls Short by One Point
The tandem of Rouin Vallejo and Sean Michael Lazala came painfully close to securing a podium finish in the IT Quiz Bee, falling short by just one point. The duo scored a combined 59 points from the easy, average, and difficult rounds, tying with Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig and narrowly missing the 2nd runner-up spot.
Fourth-year Computer Science student Vallejo has consistently placed in the Top 10 for three consecutive years since the 12th edition, yet still finds the podium just out of reach due to the varying coverage of topics each year.
His partner, Lazala, described the moment as bittersweet. “Mixed emotions po, kasi isang tamang sagot na lang ay makakaakyat na sana ako sa podium at mabibigyan pa ng karangalan ang school natin,” he shared. He admitted that he often overthought the questions he knew he could answer, wishing he had trusted himself more.
Despite the tight outcome, Lazala expressed gratitude to his coach and partner for their support even with the short time preparation. “Ramdam ko yung suporta nila, yung tiwala nila. At higit sa lahat kay God, kasi dininig niya yung hiling ko na sana kahit Top 10 lang ay makapasok, dahil first time ko at hindi naman ako nag-e-expect ng sobrang taas—lalo na’t halos 60 schools ang kalaban, at yung iba ay kilala at tanyag pa.”
Ms. Abigail D. Hernandez, faculty in charge and coach of the Quiz Bee team, said she is pleased with the results, especially with CCS earning a medal in a newly introduced category. She recalled the 12th IT Skills Olympics, noting that their goal then was simply to compete. “Pero this year, mas eager kami na galingan pa sa next IT Skills Olympics,” she said.
Hernandez added that the team is determined to reclaim the Webpage Design title and aim for the top spot in the IT Quiz Bee. “Naniniwala akong darating ang time na mas marami pa tayong maiuuwi na titles para sa university,” she said.
The LU-CCS also joined in the following categories:
CyberSecurity
Advento, Nathaniel
Perez, Geram Sam
Sanchez, Riyelle
Coach: Mr. Jeus Dela Cruz
Computer Networking
Evangelista, John Matthew
Coach: Mr. Joel Urbiso
Android Apps Development –Productivity Category
Cobrado, Nelle Jude
Villanueva, Ashley May
Samia, Eduard
Coach: Mr Elmar Salvador
Java Programming:
Agaton, Lee Archelaus
Victoria, Jimuel
Coach: Mr. Jayson Opena
.NET Programming using C#:
Watchon, Laurence
Parducho, Daina Joy
Coach: Ms. Bea May Bellarmino
Python Programming:
Aquino, John Paul
Guiang, Erlander
Coach: Mr. Gerald Villaran
Website Design:
Pabalate, Jim Dominic
Buedad, Mark Lord
Coach: Ms. Patrecia Toledo
E-Sport – Mobile Legends (ML):
Bautista, Lanz Harvey
Cortez, Dan Cedrick
Tiquison, Clark Jason
Endencio, Ryan
Gonzales, Mark Jhustine
Coach: Mr. Deiter Ronghelo Palma
Written by: Rj Marvin Llano & Geram Sam Perez
