ONE POINT AWAY: JPSME MSU-GSC clinches 2nd place in 15th PSME Students’ National Conference Quiz Bee

Zyrelle Faith Erojo

Trailing the University of San Carlos (USC) by a one-point difference, the Junior Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (JPSME) team of Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC) claimed second place in the 15th Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) Students’ National Conference Quiz Bee at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Manila, October 18.

Representing JPSME MSU-GSC, the quiz bee team comprised Mohammad Yunous Hassan, Nash Longakit, John Paul Borja, and John Matthew Porras, who competed against Mechanical Engineering (ME) students from various institutions nationwide under the guidance of their advisers, Engr. Karl Sternberg C. Zaldariaga and Engr. Sandjib Caguimbaga.

Over 48 universities competed in the event, and the top three finishers in the Quiz Bee were the University of San Carlos, MSU-GSC, and the University of Batangas, respectively.

Beyond the one-point gap

As one of the quizzers, Porras shared that the team felt more disheartened by how close the results were, admitting that a wider gap would have been easier to accept.

“We were visibly let down afterwards, and I had tears in my eyes, but a win is a win,” he said.

Sharing the same sentiment, teammate Hassan described the experience as both nerve-racking and eye-opening.

“Of course, it was very tense knowing that our opponents came from top universities all over the country was really intimidating. But in the end, we realized that we only needed to focus on ourselves during that moment,” he shared.

Moreover, Hassan admitted that the most challenging part was coping with the pressure of representing both MSU-GSC and the entire Mindanao region.

“But looking back, maybe it was meant to teach us and remind us to come back stronger. Even if we fell short, what happened ignited a fire in us and hopefully in our juniors as well to do even better,” he said.

Nonetheless, Otto Von Bestmark Mier, president of JPSME MSU-GSC, expressed pride in the team’s preparation and performance.

“I feel proud because I know how much they prepared for this event and how they had multiple review sessions to win this long coveted National Winner title,” he said.

Mier added that the achievement reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering academic excellence among its members.

The cost of competing

Last August 11–12, the same team represented MSU-GSC in the Mindanao Regional Students Conference (MRSC) at Mapúa Malayan College Mindanao in Davao City, where they emerged as champions and earned the title of regional winners.

Building on this victory and after earning their seats in the quiz bee, the team advanced to the national level but faced significant financial challenges that nearly prevented them from reaching Pasay City.

“Honestly, it was a real challenge to secure the finances needed to bring them to Pasay. The organization stepped in to help by reaching out to potential sponsors, sending solicitations, and contacting institutions and public figures who might support them,” the JPSME president said.

Additionally, Hassan recalled that the team had almost decided not to push through with the competition due to the lack of support and funds, but they eventually chose to take the risk and compete.

Securing funds for the national competition required persistent follow-ups and personal visits, which underscored the need for stronger institutional support, particularly in providing financial assistance to students representing the university in national competitions.

Forging a legacy

Following their national run, Hassan shared that he and his teammates, together with their coach, Engr. Karl Zaldariaga, plans to establish a club for mechanical engineering quizzers aimed at mentoring future participants.

The idea came from their desire to continue the legacy they had started, especially after seeing how far they were able to go despite limited preparation and support.

Hassan expressed confidence that with proper guidance from former quizzers like them, future teams could achieve even greater success in national competitions.