5th Palarong Bakawan returns with first on-site competition at Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park

Author: Charles Joseph O. Nicolas Published: July 22, 2026

LAS PIÑAS–PARAÑAQUE, PHILIPPINES – Students from five universities gathered at the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) on July 18, 2026 for the 5th Palarong Bakawan: A Mangrove Quiz Bee (School Edition), marking the first time the annual competition was held in person since its launch in 2022.

Attendees of the 5th Palarong Bakawan at the Auditorium of Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park.

Organized by Mangrove Matters PH, the fifth edition of Palarong Bakawan was held as part of the organization's sixth anniversary celebration and ahead of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26.

The event was conducted in partnership with Oceana Philippines, the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park, and the Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines. The competition was supported by Conservation International Philippines, Wetlands International Philippines, Forest Foundation Philippines, WWF Philippines, Oceanus Conservation, Neymatophores, and One Pawikan Initiative.

Previous editions of Palarong Bakawan were conducted online. Bringing the competition to the LPPWP gave participants the opportunity to test their knowledge while experiencing firsthand the wetland ecosystem they were learning about.

Representing their respective institutions, students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila, Bulacan State University, Batangas State University, Technological University of the Philippines–Taguig, and Visayas State University competed in several rounds covering mangrove ecology, Philippine mangrove species, biodiversity, wetlands, climate change and blue carbon, marine conservation, fisheries, environmental laws and policies, and environmental leadership.

After three rounds of competition, the following schools emerged as this year's winners:

GOLD: Visayas State University

GOLD Winners: Micah Omambac and Virgil (Via) Marie Taghap

SILVER: Technological University of the Philippines–Taguig

SILVER Winners: Kezia Bernadez and Ivar Dajac

BRONZE: Bulacan State University

BRONZE Winners: Franchezka Egdani and Justine Marcelino

The competition was judged by Genea Nichole Cortez, a mangrove botanist, science communicator, and artist behind Neymatophores; Kisha Muana, Policy and Advocacy Programme Lead of Wetlands International Philippines; and Sean Paul Manalo, a science communicator who promotes wetlands awareness through his platform, Kalikasean. Together, they ensured that the competition was conducted fairly and credibly.

Holding the competition at the LPPWP, one of the Philippines' Ramsar sites, allowed participants to connect classroom learning with the ecosystem itself. Beyond the quiz bee, students had the opportunity to interact with fellow youth advocates, conservation practitioners, and partner organizations while gaining a deeper appreciation of the importance of mangroves.

For Visayas State University teammates Micah Omambac and Via Taghap, the championship came as a surprise after preparing for the competition with limited time. Omambac said they focused their review on recent environmental issues, mangrove-related laws, climate topics, and shared study materials from friends.

"We didn't expect to reach the final round," Omambac shared. "I was only hoping we'd make it to the second round and maybe place third. Winning the championship was something we never expected."

For Taghap, this year's victory carried special meaning after competing in last year's Palarong Bakawan without securing a win. She said having a teammate this time made a significant difference, allowing them to divide topics based on their strengths and learn from one another.

"Compared to last year, I became more confident because I wasn't doing it alone," Taghap said.

She also credited the support she received from her family, friends, instructors, fellow Viscans, and their shared faith throughout the competition.

Despite falling short in the previous edition, Taghap remained motivated to return because she found value in the experience itself.

"The desire to gain experience and connect with people was greater than the fear of not winning," she said. "I wasn't discouraged after last year because I knew I would still learn something. Since the competition was face-to-face this year, I also looked forward to meeting conservationists and helping raise awareness about mangrove conservation. There's really no harm in trying, and trying again."

Since its launch, Palarong Bakawan has sought to introduce young Filipinos to the importance of mangrove ecosystems through academic competition. This year's transition from an online event to an on-site gathering created a more immersive experience, allowing participants to learn, collaborate, and engage with the ecosystems at the heart of the competition.

In his closing remarks, Leo Anthony C. Castro, Executive Director of Mangrove Matters PH, reminded participants that the impact of conservation should extend beyond the event itself.

"Conservation does not end when today's program ends. The real work begins when we leave this park."

Castro encouraged the players to bring what they learned back to their schools, organizations, families, and communities, emphasizing that young people have an important role to play in shaping the future of the country's coastal ecosystems.

He also issued a call to action for the players to help advocate for the passage of the proposed National Coastal Greenbelt Act. Castro urged the youth to learn about the proposed measure, share its importance with their peers, and support campaigns that seek to protect the country's mangrove and beach forests.

"Because laws are not passed by good intentions alone. They are passed because people care enough to speak up," Castro said, encouraging the players to lend their voices and show decision-makers that Filipinos value their coastal ecosystems and are ready to stand up for their future.

"At Mangrove Matters PH, we have always believed that we are not the leaders of tomorrow—we are the co-leaders of today," Castro added.

As Mangrove Matters PH celebrates its sixth anniversary, the successful staging of the first face-to-face Palarong Bakawan highlights the organization's continued commitment to strengthening youth engagement, environmental education, and collective action for mangrove conservation.

Organizers, judges, and players of the 5th Palarong Bakawan.

The organization expressed its appreciation to its partners, sponsors, judges, volunteers, organizers, and all participating schools and students who contributed to the success of the fifth edition of Palarong Bakawan.