USTP CDO Geodetic Engineering Department celebrates major win at NatGES 2026
By Engr. Denrazir M. Atara, Coordinator, Department of Geodetic Engineering, USTP Cagayan de Oro
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The Department of Geodetic Engineering of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro (USTP CDO ) marked another milestone as it participated in the National Geodetic Engineering Summit (NATGES) 2026, held on April 10–11, 2026, at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. Organized annually by the UP Geodetic Engineering Club (UP GEC), the summit gathers geodetic engineering students from across the country to promote collaboration, innovation, and excellence in the field.
Since joining NATGES in 2023, USTP has demonstrated steady growth in both participation and performance. This year, the University fielded its largest delegation to date, composed of 35 student delegates and two faculty chaperones.
USTP CDO delivered its strongest performance yet, securing multiple podium finishes across various competitions. The University earned 2nd Runner-Up in GE Ka Na Ba?, the National Geodetic Engineering Quiz Show Competition, outperforming more than ten participating institutions nationwide and achieving its first podium finish in the event. The team was composed of Karyl Arancon (3rd Year), Zyra Juliada (3rd Year), and Kent Vincent Degumbis (2nd Year), under the guidance of faculty coach Engr. Kharen Mae Arconada.
USTP also secured 2nd Runner-Up in the Mapmaking and Poster Presentation Competition, marking another first-time podium achievement that highlights the students’ creativity and technical expertise. The team included Karyl Arancon (3rd Year), Michael Auguste Mosqueda (3rd Year), and Mariz Joanna Tejamo (3rd Year), with faculty coach Engr. Denrazir Atara.
In the Surveylimpics Total Station Setup, USTP earned 2nd Runner-Up, achieving a back-to-back podium finish following last year’s success. The competition representative was TG Lee Ranara (2nd Year), coached by Engr. Kharen Mae Arconada.
The University also made its debut in the Research Colloquium Competition, placing among the Top 8 out of more than ten submissions. The team, composed of Karyl Arancon (3rd Year), Prexy Dechos (3rd Year), and Alexis Karl Delos Reyes (3rd Year), presented their study titled “Spatial Regression of Air Quality and Land Surface Temperature Using GIS in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines,” under the guidance of Engr. Denrazir Atara.
In addition, USTP participated in the inaugural Consortium Pitching Competition, represented by Association of Geodetic Engineering Students (AGES) President Vergel John Presillas (3rd Year), who delivered a commendable presentation showcasing innovation and leadership.
Beyond competitions, USTP delegates also excelled in other aspects of the summit. Two students were selected during the raffle draw, standing out among participants from 15 schools nationwide. Meanwhile, Presillas and Patricia Anne Bacala, YouthMappers Commissioner, represented the University in the Leaders Congress, engaging in discussions and leadership-building activities with fellow student leaders.
With its strong performance and active participation, USTP emerged as one of the standout delegations in NATGES 2026, reflecting the collective effort, competence, and dedication of its students and faculty. These achievements highlight the University’s commitment to academic excellence and national engagement, reinforcing its position as a competitive institution in the field of geodetic engineering.
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