YWOFS 2026 draws young minds to fisheries science

Driven by the mission to promote fisheries and inspire the future of fisheries science, the Young Wizards of Fisheries Science (YWOFS) Inter-Regional Quiz Bowl 2026 gathered students from various high schools in Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region at the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, on March 13–14.

Thirteen schools competed in a battle of wits, with Chris Andrei G. Bañares and Josh Ezra B. Soluta from Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus emerging as champions. Mary Ann Y. Siaton and Alliah Sophia S. Santolaja from San Joaquin School of Fisheries, and Abraham Abner Lou R. Sia and Gian Philip A. Doromal of Negros Occidental National Science High School, clinched the first and second runner-up spots, respectively.

“Winning feels great all the time, but seeing as though last year we came [2nd runner-up] and now we got to reclaim our crown, it was very nice … it kinda felt like it’s about time,” Bañares expressed when asked about their team’s comeback after last year’s result and finally reclaiming the championship title this year.

Meanwhile, Soluta emphasized their struggle in reviewing for the competition while balancing their ongoing workload, highlighting the time they dedicated to their three-week preparation amid their demanding academic responsibilities and usual schedule.

Beyond the competition, the participants were also immersed in the facilities and laboratories of the CFOS institutes, gaining practical insights into technologies and learning about the diverse scientific advances being made by the college. They were also introduced to the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries degree program and career prospects in fisheries through a talk by Ms. Kyle Iris Touzo of the Institute of Aquaculture.

Reflecting on her own journey, Ms. Touzo shared that while fisheries was not her first choice, a pivotal field trip to a coastal community changed her trajectory. Witnessing the struggles of local fishers, she realized the potential of fisheries science to uplift marginalized lives. Declaring, “I’m staying,” she chose a path of service over her initial plans. She underscored that beyond the degree’s scholarships and global opportunities, she decided to stay and use her knowledge to help others.

YWOFS offered more than just a competition; it provided a learning experience for the students. According to Ross John Silfavan, a Grade 8 student from Sinogbuhan National High School, the event introduced him to more discoveries in fisheries, including the scientific names of fish species and their history, such as Oreochromis mossambicus being the first tilapia introduced in the country.

Along with the winning participants, students from UP High School in Iloilo, Alimodian National Comprehensive High School, Concepcion L. Cazeñas Memorial School, Hua Siong College of Iloilo – Main Campus, Alejandro Firmeza Memorial National High School, Guimbal National High School, Antique National School, St. Louise de Marillac School of Miagao, Sinogbuhan National High School, and Oton National High School also took on the challenge.

Since 1994, and now in its third year since its revival in 2024 after the pandemic, YWOFS continues its goal of promoting fisheries science and introducing the BS in Fisheries program to high school students. The event is organized by the UP Ichthyophilic Society and supported by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 6, Kadaiya, Santeh Feeds Corporation, Philippine Genome Center Visayas, Institute of Aquaculture, Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology, Institute of Fisheries Processing Technology, Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies, UPV Seaweed Laboratory, UPV Statistical Society, and the UP Ichthyophilic Society Alumni Association. (LE Advincula, F Meñeza, and WF Cataluña)