University of Luzon Chemical Engineering Quiz Bee Team Secures Top Spot in National Eliminations

The University of Luzon’s commitment to academic and professional excellence was recently demonstrated on the national stage as the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers – Junior University of Luzon Chapter (PIChE-JULC) secured an impressive fourth place during the Elimination Phase of the prestigious Inter-University Chemical Engineering Quiz Bee 2025 (INTER-U). The competition, a central component of the annual Students National Chemical Engineering Conference (SNCEC), gathers the brightest minds from engineering programs across the nation, making this achievement a significant indicator of the high standards maintained by the University’s College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA). The rigorous elimination rounds were held on November 15, 2025, at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

The success of the PIChE-JULC representatives is a direct reflection of their unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and mastery of complex chemical engineering principles. Competing against established programs, the team’s performance underscored the quality of instruction and rigorous preparation overseen by the CEA faculty. The University extends its deepest commendations to the competing team, led by Team Captain Justin Lawrence Arias, who also serves as the PIChE-JULC President. He was ably supported by team members Justine Kaye Macalino, the chapter’s External Relations Director, and Melyn Brianne Layson, the Internal Secretary. Their comprehensive performance and ability to thrive under pressure brought immense pride to the institution.

Guiding the student-representatives to this remarkable placement was their dedicated coach, Professor Alexan Nico Orayenza. Professor Orayenza’s expertise and commitment to mentoring the next generation of engineers were instrumental in preparing the team for the intensity and scope of the SNCEC challenge. This collective achievement reinforces the University of Luzon’s standing as a premier institution for technical education and serves as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished through disciplined study and teamwork. The entire University community, especially the Luzonians, celebrates this momentous recognition, which highlights the caliber of talent emerging from our engineering programs, ready to contribute meaningfully to industry and research.

This accomplishment aligns robustly with several global imperatives for sustainable development. The success in the Inter-University Chemical Engineering Quiz Bee directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, by validating the high standards of technical and scientific learning within the CEA, ensuring inclusive and equitable education, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. Furthermore, the discipline of Chemical Engineering itself is fundamental to achieving SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as chemical engineers are crucial innovators in developing sustainable industrial processes, creating resilient infrastructure materials, and fostering scientific research and technological capability. Finally, by emphasizing efficiency, resource management, and process design, this academic pursuit contributes significantly to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, equipping future engineers with the knowledge necessary to design systems that minimize waste, utilize resources efficiently, and promote sustainable product lifecycles for a greener future.