By Jasmine A. Veridiano
The University of Rizal System – Pililla (URSP)- College of Education (COE) secured first place in the “GIMME PARC Laro ng mga Henyong Teachers” Inter-University Quiz Bee, hosted by the Professional Academic Review Center (PARC) during LEPTgendary Day 2026 at Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall on September 12.
Accompanied by Prof. Roger Trajano, a faculty member, COE delegates Clark Christian Gellido, Mayzel Joy Kahulugan, Mary Ann Lucip, Shekinah Joy Peji, and Jose Maria Teodoro received a ₱10,000 cash prize, certificates, medals, a trophy, and a scholarship grant.
In an interview, Mr. Clark Christian Gellido, a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies (BSE Social Studies) student, shared how the team navigated their preparation amid demanding academic schedules.
Gellido, who also serves as the current president of the college student council, credited their success to a strong classroom foundation, disciplined time management, and squeezing in study sessions during exam week.
“I had to carefully balance my priorities and make sure that preparing for the competition would not come at the expense of my studies or my responsibilities as a student leader,” Gellido said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Mary Ann Lucip from the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English (BSE English) noted that competing in a PARC-hosted event offered a chance to listen to lectures by well-known review center speakers and to highlight their shortcomings and areas for improvement, which gives them a head start for the upcoming Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).
Furthermore, Mr. Jose Maria Teodoro (BSE in Social Studies) reflected on competing against senior students from different universities across Rizal, describing it as a trial run for the board exam.
“The questions during the quiz bee were like an actual LET question… situational and complex […], but I can testify that the lessons that we tackle on our campus are aligned with our profession,” Teodoro remarked.
Another BSE English delegate, Ms. Shekinah Joy Peji, highlighted the crucial test-taking strategies she picked up during the contest.
She explained that sticking to a minimum of 30 seconds per question and learning not to dwell on a question for too long proved crucial during the fast-paced rounds.
When asked how they plan to use the winnings, Ms. Mayzel Joy Kahulugan from BSE Social Studies shared that she prefers to save the prize for now to help cover future college and school-related expenses.
Expressing his pride in the team’s achievement, Prof. Roger Trajano highlighted the significance of their success: despite being mostly third-years stepping in for seniors on internship, the team competed impressively against fourth-year students from other universities.
He also noted that this top-spot finish not only boosts the students’ confidence for the upcoming LET, but also proves that the College of Education at URS Pililla produces true “Henyong Teachers” who embody the university’s commitment to academic excellence.
