Cong. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez called “models of Inspiration” the three top finishers of the 1st Kwizko ni Cong. Kiko who emerged as champions in the October 23 final face-off, as well as all the other finalists who were featured in the first ever blended quiz bee held at the Technological University of the Phil.-Visayas gymnasium in Talisay City.

The fifteen (15) Grade 10 students from the Third District pitted skills and abilities in an intense three-hour scholastic battle with a wide range of questions from the easy to moderate to difficult levels.

The first Kwizko ni Kiko over-all champion is Chester M. Abanggan of Negros Occ. National Science High School of Victorias City, who received a cash prize of P 20,000.00 , a laptop and certificate. Coach is Kaye B. Aquino.

Finishing first runner-up is Anika A. Hinolan of Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School in Silay City, receiving a cash prize of P 12,000.00, laptop and certificate. Coach is Rodel D. Abellar.

Second runner-up is from Talisay City- Ranaelah B. Gamboa from Rafael B. Lacson Memorial High School, who won P 6,000.00, laptop and certificate. Coach is Wennie Lyn S. Leria.

All the other twelve finalists received a consolation prize of P 1,000.00 each, a certificate and a laptop. All the coaches were granted P 1,000.00 each and certificate.

The district-wide academic competition covered subject areas in Mathematics, Science and Technology, Language, Reading and Literature, Social Studies and Current Events, with contest questions prepared under the supervision of the Division of Professional Education of the University of the Philippines-Visayas, Iloilo campus.

To ensure strict compliance with health protocols, attendance was limited to contestants, coaches, principals, a parent and key officials only. But the event was streamed on-line to enable all with Facebook in th Third District to participate. As bonus mobile questions were thrown at active participants several readily won prizes of P 250.00 worth of load for each winning virtual answer.

Among those present during the October 23 event were DepEd officials SDS Marsette Sabbaluca, OIC-ASDS Luz Banson, PSDS Ma. Teresa ASIDOY, psds Angeles Verdeprado and P-2 Rufino Delfin, Jr. TUP-V president Dr. Jesus Rodrigo F. Torres and Director Eric Malooy were also present.

Local government officials present were Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas with Councilors Carlito Yu Jr. and Hernan Alintana; EBM Vice-Mayor Eric Matulac with Councilors Reylan Gamboa and Joemarie Escala; Talisay Councilor Carl Lizares, Executive Assistant Nicolai Jalandoni; Silay Councilors Ryan Gamboa, Lyndon Bernardo and Secretary to the Mayor James Golez; and Victorias Councilor Derek Palanca.

KWIZKO is a project of Third District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, among the first in line of a series of Smart Asenso programs district-wide.

Project partner are the Department of Education Negros Occidental Schools Division and the Silay City Schools Division, the Local Government Units, and the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, and TUP-V.*