Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Civil Engineering students and DOST scholar representatives have emerged as champions in the DOST STEM Olympiad 2025 – Tertiary Category. The competition was part of the 2025 Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW), organized by DOST Region VIII in partnership with the Provincial Government of Leyte, the Department of Education VIII, and other sectors.
Held on September 5 at Robinsons Mall, Marasbaras, Tacloban City, the STEM Olympiad featured top students from public and private schools, colleges, and universities across Region VIII, teaming up with DOST scholars to showcase their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills. The SLSU representatives excelled in the contest, dominating the brainstorming ground and ultimately being acknowledged as champions in the Tertiary Category, out of 12 participating universities.
The winning team consisted of BS Civil Engineering students Cid Benedict Y. Telin, a sophomore; Clint Joshua E. Rafalle, a third-year student; and Brian R. Luar, a fourth-year student. Their coach, Engr. Jason T. Bordas, and the Head of PICE-SLSU, Engr. Raymart Bulagsac, were present to support the team.
“First and foremost, I am thankful to Almighty God for blessing us with everything we needed from start to finish. It’s truly fulfilling to share my knowledge with students, especially when they show eagerness to learn. I’m also proud of them for excelling in the competition. I am deeply grateful to my exceptional students and to our very supportive program head, Engr. Raymart Bulagsac, for entrusting me to coach them. Special recognition also goes to PICE SLSU SC for their unwavering support of their members in every competition,” said Engr. Jason T. Bordas, coach of the victorious team.
He added, “The preparations we undertook, such as studying the engineering curriculum, including biology and chemistry, conducting mock quiz bees, and providing website links to further their knowledge, coupled with hard work, led us to a victorious finish.”
Practice can be easy or difficult, but with hard work and eagerness to learn, we can overcome any challenges. This win is a testament to the exceptional abilities of these young minds, proving that they are the future leaders of innovation.
The SLSU community extends its warmest congratulations to the contestants on their outstanding achievement, commending them for their exceptional performance throughout the contest. SLSU offers heartfelt congratulations to its representatives on their well-deserved win, celebrating their outstanding performance in the event.
Photo Courtesy of PICE SLSU-SC
via Raymund Vasquez | The Campus Headliner