Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC) has taken a giant leap onto the national stage, proving that its students can stand toe-to-toe with the country’s best in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE).
With a first runner-up finish in the PAEStigan XI Quiz, MSU-GSC has cemented itself as a rising powerhouse in the field—one that is ready to shape the future of sustainable agriculture and engineering innovations.
Competing against 32 of the top ABE institutions in the Philippines, Fristine D. Panes, Sakura Kea L. Yamazaki, and Michael Daniel G. Santos faced rigorous written and oral rounds that tested their knowledge of the Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards (PAES), precision mechanics, and real-world problem-solving at the University of the Philippines Los Baños last February 7-9, 2025.
Despite having only two weeks of preparation, the MSU-GSC team relied on their academic foundation and strategic thinking to secure a podium finish, proving that Bayaws are more than capable of excelling at the national level.
Fristine D. Panes, one of the three, was also awarded the Mas Aestig Award, for which she garnered the second-highest score during the written round with 46/60.
“PAEStigan has been the talk of the MSU-GENSAN, ABE Complex. For most of us, it was a dream to participate in it,” shared Santos, Yamazaki, and Panes.
The success of MSU-GSC in PAEStigan XI placed the university on the radar of national and industry leaders in agricultural engineering.
MSU-GSC also demonstrated its technical ability in specialized events at PAEStigan XI, with Kyle Remier B. Lacamento and Jan Edward F. Naval securing second runner-up in the Tractor Rodeo and Three-Point Hitching.
Zyrelle P. Canlas, who competed in Agricultural Machine Parts Identification, John Edmer L. Cristobal in the QGIS Challenge, and Zyan S. Vacio in the CAD Challenge.
Additionally, Jonaleen Amor O. Booc, Anjenette A. Taberna, and Ritz Angel B. Saya-ang earned Fourth Runner-Up in the PAEStigan XI Quiz, which was accomplished under the mentorship of Coach Engr. Jackielou L. Paches.According to their team, representing the school at the national level was already an incredible achievement, filling them with immense pride.
“Reaching a podium finish made it even more unforgettable. When the winners were announced, we were overwhelmed with disbelief and joy, realizing that we had secured one of the highest awards,” the podium finishers expressed.
With the theme “ABE in Action: Gearing Up Farmers and Fisherfolk toward Enhanced Productivity through Regenerative Agriculture," PAEStigan XI brought together the country's brightest Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) students to showcase innovation, technical expertise, and practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and fisheries.
The event saw participation from various universities and colleges across the nation, including Cavite State University, Cagayan State University - Carig Campus, Central Mindanao University, Benguet State University, LSPU - Siniloan Campus, Bicol University Guinobatan, Mariano Marcos State University, Eastern Samar State University, Mindoro State University, University of Rizal System Tanay Campus, Mindanao State University - General Santos, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Bulacan Agricultural State College, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, DEBESMSCAT-Masbate, Central Luzon State University, Bataan Peninsula State University, Tarlac Agricultural University, and Visayas State University.
Santos, Yamazaki, and Panes also explained the importance of academic competitions like PAEStigan XI in shaping students' expertise in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE).
They emphasized that beyond testing knowledge, these events help students develop proficiency in Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards (PAES), foster innovation, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration by integrating engineering, IT, and environmental sciences to enhance farming systems.
They also recognized the value of networking with industry experts, which could open doors to internships, funding, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“This is one of the proofs that our university has the ability to produce skilled, competitive, and competent students who can contribute to national development. This recognition not only elevates the university's reputation but also inspires other aspiring Bayaws and the future generation to strive for excellence,” the quizzers expressed.
The said quiz team noted that while their professional impact is still in its early stages, their experience in the competition highlighted the importance of familiarizing themselves with key standards such as the Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards (PAES).
Pointing out that understanding these standards early on can inspire younger ABE students, building a passion for the field that can drive future contributions in research, innovation, and engineering solutions.
The team also emphasized that events like PAEStigan XI not only hone technical skills but also cultivate collaboration, critical thinking, and continuous learning, essential attributes for becoming competent professionals in the ABE field.
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