𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 l 𝗖𝗔𝗘 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝗨𝗽 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗦𝗠 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝗧𝗮𝘅𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝘇 𝗕𝗲𝗲

Three representatives from the College of Accounting Education (CAE) secured the 1st Runner-Up title in the 1st RSM Cup – Visayas Mindanao Taxation Quiz Bee, held on February 7, 2026, in Fr. William Masterson Hall, 6th Floor, FICCO Admin Building, Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. The regional competition gathered participants from various colleges and universities across Visayas and Mindanao who advanced through rigorous elimination rounds covering income taxation, business taxes, transfer taxes, and other fundamental tax concepts. The quiz bee assessed not only the contestants’ mastery of taxation principles but also their analytical precision, strategic thinking, and ability to make sound decisions under significant time pressure. Representing CAE were fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Accountancy students Mark Louise Potutan, Deofa Maye Caliva, and Marianne Puno. For the team, the announcement of their placement marked the culmination of months of disciplined preparation and collective perseverance. Ms. Caliva described the moment as deeply fulfilling. “I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and fulfillment because all our hard work finally paid off,” she shared. She admitted that she initially doubted whether her preparation was sufficient, especially with competitors coming from top schools across the region. “However, I truly believe that God guided us throughout the competition and gave us the strength and confidence to secure our place as 1st Runner-Up. It was a proud and unforgettable moment for all of us,” she added. Ms. Puno likewise expressed pride in their achievement. “Securing the 1st Runner-Up title was a significant achievement for us. It reflected not only our knowledge, but also the countless hours we invested in preparation,” she said. Although she had been computing the scores after each round and anticipated the result, she emphasized that hearing UM’s name formally announced remained fulfilling and validating for the entire team and their coach. For Mr. Potutan, the recognition felt surreal. “Competing with other intelligent individuals from various institutions across Visayas and Mindanao is already a significant achievement,” he remarked. “So when it was officially announced that we had secured a podium placement, we were both in awe and deeply grateful, as our preparation and dedication had paid off.” Central to the success was an intensive and strategically designed training program under the guidance of their coach, Mr. Mark Glenn G. Parpan. The quiz bowlers engaged in comprehensive review sessions that included board type questions, advanced problem-solving drills, and full quiz bee simulations that replicated the pressure of the actual competition. This systematic preparation strengthened their technical proficiency in taxation while sharpening their teamwork, composure, and decision-making speed, which are essential qualities in high level academic contests. Beyond earning a podium finish, the experience became a significant academic milestone for the team. Exposure to complex and situational taxation problems deepened their conceptual understanding and reinforced the discipline required in the accountancy profession. The competition enhanced their analytical judgment, strengthened their professional resilience, and further prepared them for the demands of the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination and future responsibilities in the field. The CAE performance in the regional competition not only reflects technical competence and effective teamwork but also underscores the vital role of experiential learning in accountancy education. Their achievement aligns with the principles of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. By engaging in academic competitions that cultivate analytical rigor, ethical responsibility, and professional readiness, the students exemplify how quality education extends beyond the classroom and contributes to the development of competent and socially responsible future professionals. ✍ Katrina Cheska S. Rañises 💻 Joshua B. Quider 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘆 📷: 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻