KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through the Office of the Provincial Population Officer (OPPO), successfully conducted the 2026 Provincial Population Education Quiz Show, reaffirming its commitment to developing informed, responsible, and resilient young people through quality population education.
Carrying the theme, “Developing Responsible Adolescents Towards a Resilient Population,”the annual competition gathered outstanding student representatives from schools across the province
Provincial Population Officer Melanie C. Chiva emphasized that investing in young people remains one of the province’s priorities in building stronger communities and ensuring sustainable development.
“The Provincial Population Education Quiz Show is more than an academic competition. It is an opportunity to empower our young people with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and values they need to make informed decisions and become responsible members of society,” Chiva said.
Through the unwavering support of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., Chiva stressed out that her office will continue to strengthen programs that promote adolescent development because our youth are our partners in building resilient families, progressive communities, and a better future for South Cotabato.
Meanwhile, Vinna Boholst, Information Officer I of the Commission on Population and Development XII and member of the Board of Consultants, commended the Office of the Provincial Population Officer for its sustained commitment to adolescent development.
“The Office of the Provincial Population Officer deserves commendation for its dedication to investing in adolescents by organizing activities that showcase young people’s knowledge and skills in Population and Development, particularly in preparation for the Regional Festival of Talents,” she said.
The reginal population commission said South Cotabato consistently records the highest number of contestants at the provincial level because of OPPO’s excellent management.
“What is even more impressive is the students’ commitment to preparing for the competition despite limited study time and the introduction of a new question format patterned after the National Festival of Talents,” she stressed out.
As a proud South Cotabateño and one of the regional focal persons for the Adolescent Health and Development Program, Boholst is a proud of these young learners who have once again proven that South Cotabato is truly a cradle of brilliance.
Emerging as Champion was Geo Amielle Raj S. Lopez of Maan National High School in Barangay Maan, Tboli. Aby P. Fornalles of Banga National High School secured the First Runner Up title, while Gyzenn Zamarra A. Dela Cruz of Allah Valley Academy in Surallahfinished as Second Runner Up.
The Provincial Government also recognized all participating students for their dedication, preparation, and outstanding display of academic excellence.
Their participation reflects the growing awareness among South Cotabato’s youth of the importance of population education and their role in building resilient families and communities.
The successful conduct of the Provincial Population Education Quiz Show reflects the Provincial Government of South Cotabato’s continuing commitment to people centered governance by creating opportunities that develop the potential of every learner.
Through responsive education and population development initiatives, the province continues to nurture a generation of informed, responsible, and empowered young South Cotabateños who will help shape a resilient and progressive future for all.
