College of Health Sciences – Nursing students here proved to be the best in both academic and research endeavors in the Ilocos as they bagged the quiz bee championship and occupied one of the top five spots for best research during the 4th Nursing Research Forum held during the 5th Regional Students’ Congress spearheaded by the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing (ADPCN)-Region 1 at the Gapuz Astrodome in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Feb. 24.

Before the paper presentations and competitions, a forum was first held in the morning with Dr. Erlinda Palaganas, president of the Philippine Nursing Research Society, Inc. as keynote speaker.

Fifty entries from the different nursing schools in the region competed for best research, in which a study entitled “Effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in lowering blood pressure” by a team of BSN Batch 2011 led by Lem Micah E. Pascua was adjudged one of the five Best Nursing Student Researches in Region 1.

Furthermore, the BSN Level 4 triumvirate composed of Lorenz Lista, Hallen Tawali, and Ma. Eloisa Pedro bested 11 other schools in a battle of wits and knowledge regarding nursing curriculum-based concepts as they emerged victors in the quiz bee. The second and third places were occupied by the Divine Word College of Laoag and the University of Pangasinan, respectively. Cash prizes and certificates were awarded to the winners.

When asked about how they came up with their preparations for the quiz, Lista told the MMSU Newsletter that they practically readied themselves informally in a self-propelled manner. He added that pressure was high before the competition but they ended up happy and proud of themselves, as well as thankful to all who supported them.

The coaches of the quizzers were Prof. Gemma Galutira and Ms. Liezl Amor Mauro. Mr. Federico Nagtalon and Mr. Ruben Asis Jr. joined the group as chaperons.