1st DACS Bible Quiz Bee Successfully Conducted

The Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) marked a historic milestone with the successful staging of its 1st Bible Quiz Bee 2026, held at Assumption College of Davao last January 30, 2026 in collaboration with the same institution. Bearing the theme “Faith, Wisdom, Truth,” the event gathered Catholic schools from across Davao and neighboring areas, transforming the venue into a vibrant space of prayer, learning, and friendly competition rooted in Sacred Scripture.

The program formally began with registration from 7:30 to 8:00 in the morning, allowing delegates, coaches, and students to settle in and prepare for the day’s activities. Preliminary activities followed from 8:00 to 8:30, setting an engaging and anticipatory tone for the competition. The opening prayer was led by Jan Patrick R. Tan, Jr., a St. Paul National Bible Quiz Bee 2025 Semi-Finalist, grounding the entire event in gratitude and reliance on God’s guidance. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem, then the Opening remarks were delivered by Rev. Fr. Ritsche Gamaya, Director of the Archdiocesan Bible Apostolate, who emphasized that the students are not merely participants but they are also considered as “Bible Scholars.” At 8:30, the reading of guidelines and the introduction of the Board of Arbiters namely Sr. Elvira Alpas, m.a., Ms. Susan A. Rosie, MATRE, and the chairperson Mr. Hector S. Damaso, MATRE ensured clarity, fairness, and order as the competition moved forward.

Mr. Jimmie Lou Dela Vega, the Executive Director of DACS shared the background and the reason on why they decided to conduct this event saying that the Commission on Basic Education alongside DACS thought that it was a good idea to organize an activity that is connected to the formation of the students since there is already an existing activity in regards to sports and academics. Now they agreed that it is about time and they decided months ago that they want to do it during the Bible Month so that the students may gain interest in learning the Bible. Hence, as part of the preparations they crafted guidelines, agreed on coverage identified team who would formulate questions and they are not affiliated with any participating schools for objectivity.

Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to those who contributed to the success of the event namely: the 15 participating schools alongside their school heads, faculty, students and the parents, the Commission on Basic Education, faculty of the Assumption College of Davao who managed the activity, since they are the host, they do not have an entry. He also thanked the presence of Fr. Gamaya, ABAD Director since DACS also wanted to offer this activity as part of the initiative for the celebration of the Bible Month. They are hoping that in the next years other schools will accept to host it since they are planning to do it annually. They are also hopeful to encourage other dioceses to do so, so that in the future it will be a DaDiTama wide event.

The quiz bee proper commenced at 8:35 with the Grades 5 & 6 category, where young learners confidently demonstrated their growing familiarity with biblical stories, characters, and teachings. This was followed by the Grades 7 & 8 category, then the Grades 9 & 10 category, and finally the Grades 11 & 12 category, each level showcasing increasing depth of analysis, speed, and theological understanding. The official winners of the Davao Association of Catholic Schools 1st Bible Quiz Bee 2026 reflected the high level of preparation and excellence among participating schools. In the Grades 5 & 6 category, Ateneo de Davao University secured 2nd Place, the University of the Immaculate Conception earned 1st Place, and Calasanz De Davao Academy emerged as Champion. For the Grades 7 & 8 category, Ateneo de Davao University again placed 2nd, Our Lady of Fatima Academy claimed 1st Place, and the University of the Immaculate Conception won the Championship. In the Grades 9 & 10 category, the University of the Immaculate Conception took 2nd Place, Ateneo de Davao University achieved 1st Place, and Assumption Polytechnic College of Southern Mindanao was crowned Champion. Meanwhile, in the Grades 11 & 12 category, the University of the Immaculate Conception placed 2nd, Holy Cross of Bunawan secured 1st Place, and Ateneo de Davao University emerged as Champion. The event concluded meaningfully with a closing prayer led by Erich Janine R. Busgano, also a St. Paul National Bible Quiz Bee 2025 Semi-Finalist, and the singing of the Assumption College of Davao hymn.

Overall, the DACS 1st Bible Quiz Bee 2026 was more than a competition; it was a living expression of Catholic education in action, where faith and intellect met in an atmosphere of respect, excellence, and joy. The event highlighted the dedication of organizers, the guidance of church and school leaders, and the enthusiasm of students who embraced Scripture not merely as a subject to master, but as a source of wisdom and truth to live by. As the first of its kind, this Bible Quiz Bee set a strong foundation for future editions, strengthening bonds among Catholic schools and inspiring young people to continue growing in faith, wisdom, and truth.