The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) regional office here has encouraged students to become health advocates during its 1st Philhealth National Quiz Bee (Regional Level) held in this capital city of Albay on Wednesday.

Leri Ilagan, Philhealth Public Affairs head, in an interview, said the quiz bee will promote, enhance and deepen the knowledge of the students about their agency.

“With this activity, it significantly encourages the youth to be advocates, thereby strengthening their desire to have a profession in the fields of health. This is also a venue in the improvement of PhilHealth Learner’s Material (PLM),” she said.

Orlando Iñigo, Philhealth regional vice president for Region 5, in his message, expressed his gratitude to all the participating schools.

“To all the students and their coaches, thank you very much for participating. This kind of activity aims to test the knowledge and spelling ability of the students on health-related terms and Philhealth’s products and services. We encourage our students to be more aware, concerned and advocates of health,” he said.

Iñigo acknowledged the value and role of teachers in molding the future of students. “You (teachers) are the shapers of the youth with bigger role in making our future,” he said.

After a series of eliminations, Ilagan said 13 finalists were identified. “The quiz bee winner will represent Bicol region in the area competition on November 28 to be held in Tagaytay,” she said.

The quiz bee champion will receive PHP5,000 cash, while the school and coach will get PHP2,000 each; 1st runner-up – PHP3,000; 2nd runner-up – PHP2,000; and PHP1,000 for the remaining contestants.

The competition was participated in by students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 from 13 public schools in Bicol.

These are the Eusobia Paz Arroyo Memorial National High School, Cararyan National High School, Zeferino Arroyo High School, Cataingan National High School, Masbate National Comprehensive High School, Polangui General Comprehensive High School, Tabaco National High School, Ligao City National Technical Vocational High School, Legazpi City Science High School, Casiguran Technical Vocational High School, Sorsogon National High School, Rizal National High School and Catanduanes National High School. (PNA)