Viscan GE students clinch top awards at NatGES 2026

The Visayas State University (VSU) Department of Geodetic Engineering continues its upward trajectory on the national stage as its Geodetic Engineering students garnered top awards during the National Geodetic Engineering Summit (NatGES) 2026 on April 10–11, 2026 at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

The annual summit gathered geodetic engineering students from across the country for academic exchanges, technical competitions, and discussions on emerging developments in geospatial science and surveying, providing a platform for Viscans to once again demonstrate their excellence.

Championing research excellence

Leading this year’s roster of achievers is Kier Alvin V. Maglacion, who emerged as the Research Colloquium Champion, while also earning both Best Presenter and Best Paper awards for his study titled “Applicability of Consumer Grade Drone for UAV-Based Photogrammetry.”

Despite limited preparation time, Maglacion drew strength from his academic training and prior experiences.

“My final defense in the department served as my main preparation,” he told UIMPA, noting that he had less than a week to prepare after qualifying for the Top 8 papers. “One of my key takeaways from this experience is the importance of self-confidence and preparation. Competing at the national level taught me to trust my abilities while recognizing the value of being fully prepared.”

He also candidly recalled overcoming moments of doubt before his presentation. “I was extremely nervous and almost didn’t present. But my co-delegates and mentors helped me regain my confidence and composure,” he said.

Maglacion expressed his gratitude to his adviser, Engr. Martin Jan E. Mercurio, as well as his research committee and fellow delegates, and dedicated his achievement to his family and the department.

For Engr. Mercurio, a faculty member of the Department of Geodetic Engineering, the victory is a testament to the student’s dedication and the department’s commitment to excellence.

“This win is primarily a reflection of Mr. Maglacion’s hard work and discipline,” he said. “It affirms that the fundamentals we teach—precision, integrity, and perseverance—are truly being lived out by our students.”

He further emphasized that this achievement signals the growing strength of VSU’s geodetic engineering program. 

“Our students have the capability to stand toe-to-toe with the best in the country. We simply provide the guidance—the victory belongs to their dedication,” he added.

Quiz team secures 1st runner-up finish

VSU also delivered a strong performance in the national quiz competition “GE Ka Na Ba?”, where Romnick O. Malulan, Kimberly Anne T. Batican, and Baby Liezyl E. Paurillo clinched the 1st Runner-Up title after a tightly contested clincher round.

The team credited their success to strategic preparation and teamwork. “We divided the topics among ourselves—from surveying and mathematics to geodesy, laws, and remote sensing—and held a group study the night before the event,” Malulan said.

The competition, however, was not without pressure. “During the clincher round, I felt the intensity, especially as we battled for the 1st Runner-Up spot. But we stayed focused, and in the end, we prevailed,” he revealed.

Batican echoed the importance of mindset in navigating the national stage. “I reminded myself to stay focused, do my best, and enjoy the experience regardless of the outcome,” she said. “Opportunities like this don’t come everyday, so it’s important to stay present and learn from them.”

For Paurillo, the experience was both challenging and transformative. “Self-doubt is normal in competitions like this, but it’s important to trust yourself and your preparation,” she reflected. “Confidence plays a crucial role—it’s better to take the risk than to look back with regret.”

Together, the team underscored resilience and courage, encouraging fellow Viscans to continue pushing boundaries and embracing opportunities for growth.

Representing VSU across events and platforms

Beyond the top finishes, other VSU students also showcased their skills and represented the university with pride in various competitions and leadership roles.

Tereso James M. Kangleon, Tammy Angel A. Vale, and Benson Clark B. Dagalea competed in the Map Making Contest, demonstrating their technical expertise in spatial analysis and cartographic design.

Meanwhile, Lawrence L. Encienzo served as the official representative to the National BSGE Consortium, where he presented the Visayas State University Geodetic Engineering Students’ Circle (VisGESC) to foster partnerships and collaborative initiatives among institutions.

Building on a legacy of excellence

This year’s achievements build upon VSU’s strong showing in previous editions of the summit. In 2024, VSU teams secured third place finishes in both the national quiz and map making competitions, signaling the department’s consistent presence among the country’s top-performing geodetic engineering programs.

With this year’s breakthrough—highlighted by a national research championship and improved standings in competitions—the Department of Geodetic Engineering continues to strengthen its reputation as a training ground for competent, innovative, and globally competitive professionals.

A testament to perseverance and purpose

More than medals and titles, the NatGES 2026 experience underlined the values that define VSU’s academic community: resilience, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

As Maglacion aptly put it in his message to fellow students: “Let us continue to give our best in everything we do. We might one day be given the chance to represent our institution.”

Through their achievements, these #ProudViscans not only bring honor to the university but also demonstrate the transformative power of education—where preparation meets opportunity, and passion leads to purpose.

 This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4: Quality Education; SDG No. 10: Reduced Inequalities; and SDG No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals. 

• Next