#ProudViscans dominate at the 22nd NCVMS

Students from the Visayas State University-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (VSU-FVM) secured top spots in both the academic quiz bee and creative video competition during the 22nd National Congress of Veterinary Medicine Students (NCVMS), held from February 2 to 7, 2026 at Al Amir Farm and Resort in San Jose, Tarlac.

With the theme, “Pinagkaysa iti Propesyon ken Panagserbi: Advancing a United, Equitable, and Inclusive Veterinary Future,” NCVMS this year remains the premier annual gathering of veterinary medicine students and faculty in the Philippines. 

Viscans champ in APP Quiz Bee

VSU’s VetMed student-delegates emerged as champions in the Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology (APP) Quiz Bee, besting 11 other veterinary schools nationwide. The winning team was composed of fifth-year students Jianuelle Encina and Frances Lopez, and third-year student John Maurillo. Central Mindanao University (CMU) placed first runner-up, while Central Luzon State University (CLSU) finished as second runner-up.

Encina related that their journey to the championship was marked by uncertainty and perseverance. “We only got 4 out of 10 questions right during the easy round. After the moderate round kay ika-sixth ra mi tie pa with usa ka university. After that nagpray na lang jud mi na bisag Top 3 ra happy na us kay murag layo na jud ang first place.”

[We only got 4 out of 10 questions right during the easy round. After the moderate round, we ranked sixth, tied with another university. After that we prayed to even just be included in the Top 3 because achieving first place was already impossible.]

Lopez expressed her elation over the team’s unexpected victory and offered encouragement to aspiring Viscans who would also want to excel in their field. “Pilia ang field na close sa imo heart, kay para sa mga oras nga murag dili na nimo kaya ug kapoy na kaayo ka, makakita gihapon ka ug rason nga magpadayon,” she said.

[“Choose the field that will matter most in your heart so that in times when you can’t do it anymore and you become too exhausted, you will still find a reason to move forward.]

VSU also tops national VetMed video competition

In another major achievement for the university, Strawberry Cuenca (DVM-4) and Jianuelle Encina (DVM-5) won first place in the “A Week in the Life as a VetMed Student” Video Competition, showcasing the realities of a Viscan VetMed student in a humorous, relatable, and creative way.

When asked what made their video win, Ms. Cuenca candidly said, “Our goal was to make the video relatable to our fellow VetMed students in the congress which was a huge success since the reactions that we expected while editing the video were actually met.” 

Delegates from Bicol University placed as first runners-up, while students from the University of the Philippines–Los Baños (UPLB) secured second runner-up honors. The competition highlighted the veterinarian students’ ability to communicate the realities, challenges, and their passion as embedded in the veterinary medical education through digital storytelling.

Overcoming challenges and sustaining a legacy of excellence

The trio also candidly spoke about the challenges they faced beyond the competition itself, particularly the financial constraints that came with their participation. 

Maurillo dedicated the win to their support system, emphasizing the crucial role of their mentors and training at their department. “I’d like to thank the VSU-FVM for teaching us everything about Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology. It was definitely their lectures that made us win the contest, and without them, we would not have been able to answer the questions, especially in the difficult round,” Maurillo said.

“To be honest, I'll dedicate this win to my family and friends because without them dili ko makauban here sa Tarlac and win the quiz show. It was sad na wala mi na sponsor-an sa university because of the lack of funds sa University SDF (Student Development Fund),” he added.

[To be honest, I’ll dedicate this win to my family and some family friends, because without them I wouldn’t have made it here in Tarlac and won the quiz show. We were a bit sad that we were not able to secure financial assistance for this travel from the University SDF (Student Development Fund).]

The #ProudViscans’ latest triumph continues the university’s win streak in the NCVMS. In 2017, VSU VetMed students won multiple awards during the 13th NCVMS at De La Salle Araneta University in Malabon, Metro Manila, including 1st prize in the Canine and Feline Medicine Quiz Show and top finishes in VetMed Henyo and the Zooteknika Quiz Show. In 2018, VSU was declared the “Most Awarded School” during the NCVMS hosted by CMU in Maramag, Bukidnon. More recently, during the 20th NCVMS in 2024 hosted by Cebu Technological University–Barili Campus, VSU students again secured top and podium finishes across several quiz categories and competitions.

These recent achievements of VSU’s VetMed students in the 22nd NCVMS affirm the university’s continued commitment to academic excellence, creativity, and resilience—qualities that continue to uphold the university’s reputation not just on the national stage but also in the global arena.

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4: Quality Education.

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