In the 7th National Food Quiz Bowl held in UP Los Baños, Laguna last November 16, 2024, Maybelle Capulot earned the top laurel in a pool of 43 participants from different PAFT chapters as she triumphed in the competition along with a participant from UP Mindanao. One contender from UP Diliman snatched the third rank while Amiguel Pamplona sealed the last spot and will join the four-man team that will represent the Philippines in the 2025 ASEAN Food Conference in Davao City in September next year. Each winner received a ₱2500 cash incentive, plaque, certificate, and free registration for the HEFTY Review Classes in 2025.
Meanwhile, seven PAFT-i representatives for the 2-Minute Pitch Competition surely did not disappoint as they took the stage by storm, displaying strong communication skills and scientific prowess. Kolai Agustin catapulted herself to the top seed as she amazed the judges with her pitch on cyanide detoxification using lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Finishing 2nd was Jan Joseph Jacela, who discussed the potential of SCOBY as a gelling agent. Also, SOTECH alumnus Marian Caling prevailed as First Placer in the e-Poster competition, featuring her study on fermented fish (Ginamos) in Culasi, Antique.
With 39 attendees in the said event, comprised of students, faculty, and alumni, SOTECH BSFT shined bright in the said event, which highlighted the role of aspiring food technologists in pushing forward innovative growth. As the school remains a top contender in national competitions, PAFT Iota will surely continue its legacy of harvesting knowledge and serving ingenuity, and not just be confined in the wondrous hill where SOTECH is but in the stage that spotlights the intellect and passion of its students.