By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

A student of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) emerged champion in an online quiz bee organized by the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines (MWWP) and Save Philippine Seas (SPS). 

Jamie Ann R. De Guzman, a third year BS Marine Biology student of the College of Aquatic Science and Applied Technology (CASAT), won in the Battle of the Brain Corals (BOBC) – Shark Edition held last September 28. Ms. Rhea R. Espiritu, college’s marine biology instructor, served as her coach. 

De Guzman bested other contestants from the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, and Siliman University, institutions which offer marine biology program. She received Php 5,000 gift certificate for athletic/outdoor equipment and shark merchandise. 

The contestants underwent three rounds in the quiz bee: shore (easy), oceanic (intermediate), and the abyss (difficult). 

The quiz bee coincided with the celebration of Fish Conservation Week and Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month this September. It is conducted in partnership with the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI). 

MWWP and SPS are non-stock and non-profit organizations promoting marine wildlife conservation in the Philippines. 

BOBC brings together marine conservationists, advocates, and enthusiasts for a friendly trivia competition. The first quiz started in June 2020 with a general ocean theme in partnership with the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc; while the second was held in November 2020 with a climate change theme in line with Philippine Climate Consciousness Week, in partnership with the Department of Education. (StratCom)