Palawan State University (PalawanSU) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and technological leadership as its Computer Science and Information Technology student teams delivered an outstanding performance at the MIMAROPA HackForGov 2026 competition. Carrying the theme “Decoding Youth Innovation, Anchoring One Nation’s Digital Defense,” the high-stakes cybersecurity challenge was organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT MIMAROPA) in collaboration with CERT-PH. The event brought together the region’s top student talents consisting of 14 teams from 8 SUCs and HEIs to tackle complex, real-world ethical hacking scenarios, digital forensics, and network defense operations.

Proving their dominance in digital defense, the university’s N3xus Team composed of 4th-year Computer Science students Vougne Froid Alis, Dianara Kristy Garciano, Jophil Gulane, and Ross Ivan Venturillo, under the guidance of Coach Kaye Janiecka Parcon, captured the 1st Place. Complementing this victory, the Royal Flush Team representing the Information Technology program—comprising 4th-year student Allen Glenn F. Fernandez alongside 3rd-year students Princess Gaelle S. Mariposa, King Earl B. Vargas, and Julz Christian B. Aves, mentored by Coach Jamaica Magbanua—put up a formidable performance to secure 11th Place overall in the regional standings.

This remarkable achievement highlights the critical role of youth innovation in fortifying the country’s cybersecurity resilience while solidifying PalawanSU’s reputation as a premiere institution for producing world-class, industry-ready tech talent. Moving forward, the university reaffirms its commitment to empowering its faculty and students to pioneer advancements in digital security and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

Congratulations to both teams and their coaches for bringing immense pride to Palawan State University and the province of Palawan!