PANABO CITY — From motion graphics and user experience design to data mining and game application development, Davao del Norte State College students demonstrated their technical and creative competencies at the IT Olympiad 2026 on October 16, 2026, earning top placements across multiple competition categories.
Held at Ateneo de Davao University and Holy Child College of Davao, the regional academic competition invited Information Technology (IT) students from higher education institutions across Region XI and other parts of Mindanao. The event was organized by the Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators – Region XI, in partnership with the Council of Deans for IT Educators – Region XI (CDITE XI).
DNSC secured two first-place finishes, led by Jhon Patrick Acedo, who won the Motion Graphics competition under coach Aldrheila Lonzaga. James Abiera, Shereen Bautista, and Jess Eriel Finchrist Burgos also claimed first place in UX/UI Design, coached by Jerson Viagedor.
In Game App Pitching, Zyrou Juntilla, Joebelle Genota, and Joshua Eltagonde earned second place under coach Stacey Nicole Marie Monta. Meanwhile, Kobe Dumandan, Raymond Conrad Napiñas, and Aires Jhoy Giverola placed third in Data Mining, coached by Queen Gado.
Three other DNSC entries secured fourth place: Vanz Kurt Sazon in Infographics, coached by Justine Paula Arriesgado; Nicole Majarreis in Digital Drawing, coached by Jayson Balbiran; and Jenilyn Lastra and Charles Garlyn Lañohan in 2D Animation, coached by Flonie Mae Gumapac.
In Code in the Dark, Aldren Ross Luga, Rhean Jules, and Ranzy Bruse finished eighth under coach Jasper Comeling. The College’s two IT Quiz Bowl teams, Don Dominick Enargan and Froyd Carbajosa, and Zecelle Quijano and Christian Galagar, placed 10th under coach Jovito Bolacoy Jr.
DNSC also secured 14th place in IT Pitching through Rhose An Raganit, Jorodz Dela Cerna, and Bryan Balidiong, coached by Nelma Mae Loja.
In Programming, two teams represented the College: Seth Augustine Corbera, Mike Chester Dumail, and Jeric Semillano; and Nerie Anne Perez, Michangela Floro, and Alex Aparece. Both teams placed 15th under coach Kress-Ann Oclarit.
The results exemplify the breadth of competencies developed by DNSC students across digital design, animation, user experience, data analysis, programming, and application development. Their participation also provided an opportunity to benchmark their skills against peers from other institutions and gain experience in applying technical knowledge to competitive challenges.
