The Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Food Technology team showed their academic strength by clinching the 1st Runner-Up position at the highly competitive Mindanao-wide Quiz Bowl. The event was the highlight of the PAFT Students Summit Mindanao 2026, held on 7 to 8 April 2026.

Representing the university with blue blood and a green heart, the team was composed of John Ray Besinga, Ma. Noreen Isabel Jumalon, Hans Jaden Dejarme, Hannah Andrea Cruz, and Allysza Monique Velez.

This year’s summit carries a special history for the department. The event was initially revived by Xavier University in November 2023 as a Northern Mindanao summit. Since then, it has grown in scale, with this year's host, Central Mindanao University, expanding it into a Mindanao-wide event. The summit is designed to provide a vital space for aspiring food technologists to grow, share knowledge, and build professional networks across the region.

The quiz bowl itself followed the pattern of the Food Technologist Licensure Examination (FTLE), challenging the participants on core subjects like food microbiology, chemistry, processing, and laws. In a display of sharp knowledge and quick thinking, Xavier Ateneo stood tall among the top winners:

• Champion: University of the Philippines Mindanao
• 1st Runner-Up: Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan
• 2nd Runner-Up: University of Southern Mindanao
• 3rd Runner-Up: Central Mindanao University

Beyond the competition, the summit fostered a spirit of collaboration among various food technology departments in Mindanao. This win reflects the solid training of Xavier Ateneo’s program and serves as a proud milestone for the team as they prepare for their future professional board exams.

Congratulations, team! Magis!