Forty-three teams from 31 private and public secondary schools across Camarines Sur competed in the Resilience Olympiad Quiz Challenge on July 14, 2026, at the Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex, Cadlan, Pili.
The competition is part of the Provincial Government’s month-long celebration of the 38th National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) 2026, themed “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas.” It was organized by the Environment, Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO).
In his message, EDMERO Assistant Department Head Crisostomo S. Rivero told the students that the event goes beyond the prize money, aiming instead to measure their understanding of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and to strengthen their awareness of their role in disaster preparedness. Noting that youth make up a significant share of the population, he emphasized the importance of actively involving students in the Provincial Government's programs, plans, and interventions, as well as in those of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
“Sana hindi 'yun ang pinakamahalagang kwento na dadalhin natin,” Rivero said, referring to the prizes. “Dapat ang pinakamahalagang kwento na dadalhin natin ay 'yung mga natutunan natin sa quiz na ito. At siguro 'yung nagising sa atin? "Kaya ko pala 'yun. Pwede pala akong maging bahagi ng DRRM initiatives,” Rivero added.
The Quiz Challenge consisted of three rounds: easy (15 questions, one point each), average (10 questions, two points each), and difficult (five questions, three points each). This year’s champion received ₱15,000, the first runner-up ₱10,000, and the third runner-up ₱7,500. All participants—winners and non-winners alike—will receive educational assistance under the Provincial Scholarship Program.
Among the participants was Jillian P. Cabato, a Grade-12 student of Sta. Justina National High School in Buhi. A first-time participant balancing academic demands with limited preparation time, she said she felt honored to represent her school despite the added pressure.
“Hindi lang po siya para manalo or mag-participate dito, kasi para po sa akin, ito na po 'yung simple way na ma-inform 'yung students, katulad ko, tungkol sa NDRRMC and other environmental-related aspects,” Cabato said. “Kaya natutuwa po ako na mayroong Quiz Challenge dahil evident po 'yung disaster dito sa ating bansa. Mas mabuti po na na-inform kami sa ganitong paraan.
Noting that CamSur is prone to typhoons and flooding, Cabato said students can also take a more active role. “Siguro po, pwede po kaming gumawa ng proposal sa school namin para sa programs or trainings na pwedeng gawin related sa DRRM,” she suggested.
For Iyagan National High School of Baao, the competition marked a significant milestone — its first time joining the Quiz Challenge, giving students from a remote community valuable exposure and learning opportunities beyond the classroom, according to coach Royette B. Baal, Administrative Officer II.
To prepare, Baal said the team studied together ahead of the competition. "May kasabihan po na 'ligtas ang may alam.' Para po pirmi pong mailikay ang mga aki, ang mga tao, lalong-lalo na duman sa bukid, sa taas. Mas mai-educate po sinda sa mga dapat nindang gibuhon sa mga maabot na panahon,” he said.
“Dios mabalos po sa EDMERO, sa Province of Camarines Sur, at kay Governor Lray Villafuerte, ta igwa pong arog kaining Quiz Challenge. Sana every year igwa pong arog kaini tangani gabos na taga-CamSur mas lalo pong maging knowledgeable pagdating sa mga trahedya asin sa mga posibleng raot na panahon,” Baal said.
Palsong National High School Team 1 of Bula won back-to-back championships, with St. Joseph School Naga City Team 2 placing first runner-up and Pili National High School Team 2 taking third runner-up. The awarding of winners is set for the NDRM Culminating Activity on July 31, 2026.
