STI College Kalibo Concludes Its 1st ICT Youth Congress

Proclaims Aklan Valley High School Champion

BY: Juvy M. Casimero

STI College, Kalibo finally ended its week long activities touted as the "1st ICT Youth Congress" after it brought together 40 public and private high schools in STI, Kalibo, Aklan. This pioneering activity started last March 5-9, 2007 with series of lectures in Basic Animation & Web Design with Mr Joselito "Bong" A. Eudela, and ICT Current Trends with Computer Engr. Julie Ann T. Acebuque, and the highlight of which is the Grand Masters Cup Eliminations. After a week of mind boggling competitions, 12 schools reached the Grand Masters Cup/Quiz Bowl Finals which consisted of Regional Science High School for Region VI, Aklan National School of Arts and Trades, Tangalan National High School, Libacao National Forestry Vocational School, Malinao School of Philippine Craftsmen, Ochando National High School, Aklan Valley High School, Infant Jesus School, Aguinaldo Repiedad Integrated School, St. Gabriel High School, Numancia Integrated School, and Fr. Julian C. Rago Memorial School.
The activities ended on March 20, 2007 at the ABL Sports and Cultural Center with exhibits displayed by participating sponsors inside the cultural center. Series of lectures were given on Campus Journalism (Lay-Outing/Design), Globe Visibility, Broadband & Cable TV Services, and News and Feature Writing.
A fun-filled and exciting afternoon greeted the finalists to the Grand Master’s Cup Finals. Delegates from different high schools swarmed to the ABL Sports Complex led by Regional Science High School for Region VI with the biggest number of participants among delegates. Screaming supporters can’t contain themselves as they came out to support their contestants. After 2 hours of war of wits, Aklan Valley High School emerged victorious. The Aklan Valley High School was declared Grand Champion of this year’s Grand Masters Cup represented by Piologo Tabernilla II, William Mathew Suaboksan, and Lady Marie Luces with their Coach Ms. Janice Alcayde.
They received cash prize of Php 1,500.00 courtesy of the Rotary Club of Kalibo, 100 percent Scholarship Grant with STI College, Kalibo, Free Package Tour for 4 to Boracay for 2 days and 1 night accommodation courtesy of BDPI Tours and Travels, and Mobile Phones from Globe Telecom.
Nahum Ray Bontogan, Joseph Rowen Dela Cruz and Sarah Mae Retulin with Coach Ryea Nalaunan of Infant Jesus School fall short from its campaign and settled to second place. The Regional Science High School for Region VI fought a good fight with Kristine Sonon, Shiela Maiza Pre, Allan Chester Nadate and their Coach Engr. Amelia Malilay grabbed the third place.
"The success of this event is attributed to the men and women behind this activity headed by Mr. Edsel R. Tupas, Internal and External Affairs Coordinator. STI also thanks its sponsors most especially its partners: the Provincial Government of Aklan thru the dynamic leadership of Honorable Governor Carlito S. Marquez; Department of Education-Aklan led by Dr. Victorina Laroza; TESDA Aklan represented by Dir. Edwin Villanueva; Rotary Club of Kalibo with President Augusto Solmirano; Nestea Iced Tea; Kalibo Cable TV Network; RB Printing; Ink Man; Emcor; BDPI Travel and Tours; Globe Telecom; and The Guardian. According to Ms. Ezzra V. Eudela, Chief Operating Officer of STI College, Kalibo, the event may not be realized without the generous support of the sponsors. /MP