CPNHS correctly answered the seventh question in the Difficult Round tying the score with Baluno NHS, which at that time was leading and by the last question (True or False. The Cebuano for ‘City of Isabela’ is ‘Lungsod sa Isabela’. [Answer is False.]), it was clear that Quizabela had a new champion. Baluno NHS was declared second and first-timer Universal College Foundation (Isabela City Campus) Senior High School placed third. All winners will receive their cash prizes and gift certificates courtesy of KCC Mall de Zamboanga on May 05 during the closing ceremonies of the Sakayan Festival.

Eighteen high schools battled it out in 20 preliminary questions on the history and culture of Isabela City and Basilan Province. During this year’s edition, City Tourism Officer Claudio Ramos II presented the Perpetual Trophy that will be loaned out to the school which managed to win three consecutive first finish. The City Information Office, a co-organizer of the event, under the leadership of CIO Mendry-Ann Lim also devised for the event to be streamed live on Facebook —for the very first time—via Starlink.

Quizabela 3.0 Interschool Quiz Bowl together with the My Sakayan Story: Essay Writing Contest are two academic-related competitions aimed at making the celebration of the Sakayan Festival inclusive across all spectra of the Isabeleño population —a directive by no less than Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman to make the occasion of Isabela City’s Cityhood Anniversary truly for all. (Words by M. Guerrero/Photos by KJ Evardo, CIO.)