SU Pharmacy students place 3rd runner-up in national quiz bee
A team of Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy students from Silliman University (SU) earned the 3rd runner-up title in the National Pharmacy Quiz Bee 2026 held May 2, 2026 at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City.
Organized by the Federation of Junior Chapters of the Philippine Pharmacists Association (FJCPPhA) in collaboration with the JPPPhA-Pi Chapter, the competition gathered pharmacy students from leading institutions across the country under the theme, “Precision under Pressure: The Battle of Pharmaceutical Minds.”
Representing SU were third-year BS Pharmacy students John T. Madrazo, John Michael T. Alcala, John Jezreel J. Naparota, and Joenas C. Yap, under the guidance of coach and Program Coordinator Nurhielmina M. Hinaut, RPh.
The Silliman team competed against participants from institutions across the National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including the University of the Philippines-Manila, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson University, Saint Louis University, and De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute.
The competition consisted of three rounds—easy, average, and difficult—with questions designed to test participants’ pharmaceutical knowledge, critical thinking, teamwork, and composure under pressure.
Silliman University secured 210 points to finish as 3rd runner-up behind champion De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, 1st runner-up University of Santo Tomas, and 2nd runner-up University of San Agustin.
For the Silliman delegates, the achievement was especially meaningful as it marked the University’s first participation in the national competition.
“This event filled me with immense pride,” Madrazo shared. “This achievement proved that we are capable of standing alongside more established schools even as a relatively new program. It is a testament to the intelligence, dedication, and potential of the students, as well as the promising direction our program is taking.”
Yap described the competition as both challenging and enjoyable, noting that the team persevered despite competing against well-established institutions.
Alcala said the experience demanded grit, preparation, and teamwork, adding that the team topped the first round among all participating schools.
Naparota likewise reflected on the opportunity to represent Silliman University on the national stage and to connect with fellow pharmacy students from across the Philippines.
The National Pharmacy Quiz Bee aims to promote excellence in pharmacy education while fostering camaraderie among student pharmacists and educators from member schools nationwide.
