Baguio City – Students from the University of the Cordilleras (UC) College of Nursing showcased their linguistic prowess as they secured top spots in the 22nd Witches and Warlocks Spelling Competition, an intercollegiate and intermedical event held at Benguet State University (BSU) on February 12, 2025.

The competition saw participation from six schools across Baguio City and La Trinidad, with a total of 36 students competing. The event, organized under the College of Veterinary Medicine at BSU, has grown significantly since its inception in the 1980s as an exclusive competition for BSU students. It expanded in 2013 to include participants from other universities, fostering regional academic engagement.

Dr. Maureen Theresa P. De Vera, in her opening remarks, emphasized the competition’s goal of strengthening collaboration among medical and health colleges in the region. Prior to the contest, participants toured veterinary medicine exhibits featuring preserved animal specimens unique to the region, including fetal abnormalities, mounted skeletons, and microbiological and parasitological organisms affecting various species.

The spelling contest comprised three rounds: easy, average, and hard. Representing UC, BSN 4 student Lavern Klyde H. Agorilla secured the 1st runner-up position, followed by BSN 3 student Francine Kate C. Milo as the 2nd runner-up, and Jomel B. Dumlao placing as the 4th runner-up. The team was led by head coach Jonathan H. Ilagan, MD.

Other members of the UC delegation included assistant professor Gilbert D. Bernardino Jr. and student participants Rema Benitez, Steven Eduard Coloma, and Kyle Brine Saguilot. Their participation highlighted the UC College of Nursing’s commitment to academic excellence beyond the clinical setting.

The 22nd Witches and Warlocks Spelling Competition continues to serve as a platform for students in medical and health sciences to engage in intellectual challenges while fostering camaraderie among institutions in the region.