CatSU Computer Engineering students earn historic finish in National ICpEP Quiz Bowl
CollegesCatanduanes State University (CatSU) achieved a milestone by securing 2nd runner-up in the 2025 Institute of Computer Engineers of the Philippines (ICpEP) National CPE Challenge Quiz Bowl—the university’s first-ever national placement since it joined in 2018. Held on May 9, 2025, at the National University Fairview Campus in Quezon City, the event featured top teams from 15 regions. CatSU’s team, composed of Computer Engineering students Mae Carla M. Reyes and Jouse T. Martinez (both 4th year), and Gian Ray G. Sarmiento (3rd year), tied for first place in the main round with 54 out of 60 points alongside Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU, Region 12) and the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R, Region 7). A clincher round determined the final rankings. Although all three teams answered correctly, USJ-R was the first to raise its answer board and was declared champion, followed by NDDU (1st runner-up) and CatSU (2nd runner-up). Under the mentorship of Engr. Morris U. Aquino, the students credited their performance to thorough preparation, noting that nearly half of the questions—covering computer engineering concepts, programming, and data structures—had been encountered during online reviews and lectures. “We hope our achievement inspires future Computer Engineering students to aim for national recognition in the ICpEP quiz bowl,” the team shared. “Preparation and teamwork are key—once you compete, every answer becomes a team answer.” On May 26, the team presented their plaque of recognition during a courtesy visit to Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, CatSU Vice President for Academic Affairs. The team earned its spot to represent the Bicol Region after winning the regional round, coached by Engr. Donita Mae Teano, where they outperformed six other schools last January 2025.
