By Bryan R. Realgo, StratCom Correspondent

An information technology student of Mariano Marcos State University moves forward to the national level of the HackForGov Cyber Challenge 2023 sponsored by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through the National Computer Emergency Response Team. 

HackForGov tests participants’ skills in cryptography, web and network security. Its ‘Capture-The-Flag’ format requires participants to locate the vulnerability in the opponent’s side and breach through it.

Aedrielle Ascaño, an upcoming fourth year student, was awarded as the most valuable player in the competition’s regional level for garnering the highest score among the individual participants in Region I schools. He and the region’s winning team from Pangasinan State University (PSU) will compete in the nationals to be held in October this year. 

In the competition’s regional level held in PSU on August 8, Ascaño and his team members Aizer Charlz Basilio, Joaquin Megio, and Jayther Jann Bua-ay emerged first runner-up. They were guided by Dr. Napoleon Cacanindin, chairperson of the department of information technology at the MMSU College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS). 

Moreover, a team of BS Computer Science students composed of Rene Angelo Batara, Richdale Karl NJ Martial, Raymart Gutera, and Emannuel Adonay II landed in the fifth spot. Prof. Ralph C. Perdido, computer science faculty member, served as their coach. 

Dr. Cacanindin explained that HackForGov serves as a platform for students to showcase their abilities and develop a deeper understanding of various cybersecurity issues and challenges being faced by organizations and individuals. The competition provides a unique opportunity for students to learn from experts, network with peers, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Before the regional competition, the participants attended the Ethical Hacking training spearheaded by DICT Region I. 

Dr. Saturnina Nisperos, CCIS dean, congratulated the students for their feat. She said exposing students to various activities will surely equip them with relevant digital skills. “The college aims to produce future IT and computer science professionals who help uplift the community through technological innovation and discoveries,” she shared. (HLY/JVBT/DPT, StratCom)