Philippine Geography Olympiad

Philippine Geography Olympiad The premier & largest nationwide inter-high school geography competition in the country. Presented by UP GeogSoc.

PGO is recognized by the International Geographical Union (IGU) as the country's official national geography competition. Philippine Geography Olympiad (PGO) is the premier & largest nationwide geography quiz bee competition for junior and senior high school students in the country. The winners of the event (the champion and the 1st runner-up) become the country's representatives to the annual International Geography Olympiad (iGeo). Organized by the members of the Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc), the event has been an excellent venue for high school students to showcase their skills and understanding in the field of geography through a series of friendly scholastic competitions. Since UP GeogSoc’s affiliation with the International Association of Young Geographers (IAYG) in 2018, the IAYG has helped in organizing the event as well. The IAYG has also given logistical support to the Filipino representatives at the iGeo. PGO features both written and field examinations, the latter allowing participants and aspiring geographers to experience firsthand the discipline of geography itself and put it into practice.

HISTORY MADE ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE! 📣🌏We are incredibly proud to announce that our Philippine delegates to the 2nd ...
02/07/2026

HISTORY MADE ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE! 📣🌏

We are incredibly proud to announce that our Philippine delegates to the 2nd Open International Geography Olympiad (openGeo 2026) have officially brought home FOUR SILVER MEDALS!

Competing online from June 19-22, our brilliant delegates stood tall against more than 100 participants from 24 countries around the world. The Open International Geography Olympiad (openGeo) was organized by the Faculty of Geography at Lomonosov Moscow State University.

We would like to congratulate our outstanding delegates and their dedicated coaches:

Osher Brian M. Boncodin (Makati Science High School) - SILVER MEDALIST 🥈
Coaches: Joline Mae D. Fontanilla, Emmarlyn Ann G. Isles

Justine Aaron S. Co (Saint Jude Catholic School) - SILVER MEDALIST 🥈
Coach: Russel Glenn C. Odi

Andrei Elijah P. Racadio (Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus in Ilocos Sur) - SILVER MEDALIST 🥈
Coach: Darigold P. Apopo

Emmanuel Neil S. Manzares (Philippine Science High School - SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus in Koronadal City) - SILVER MEDALIST 🥈
Coach: Marlon Lopez

We would also like to give our deepest gratitude to our Team Leader, Sir Russel Glenn C. Odi of Saint Jude Catholic School, and to the Inquisitorial Committee for their mentorship, guidance, and unwavering support for our exceptional delegates.

If you have questions about the event, please don't hesitate to contact us via our page.

Presented by:
Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc)
UP Department of Geography
International Association of Young Geographers (IAYG)
Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)

Co-presented by:
UP Resilience Institute
Grab Philippines

In cooperation with:
Litol Shef

Official Media Partners:
MANILA BULLETIN
Diyaryomilenyonews.com
The Manila Times
IKOT.PH

22/04/2026

Pagbati, mga Bagong Heograpo ng Bayan! 🌏

UP GeogSoc congratulates the UPCAT 2026 passers, especially our new batch of BS Geography freshmen! 🧭🗺️ We warmly welcome you to our new home, and we look forward to advancing the discipline of geography for the development of our country, with you, our fellow Isko and Iska! ✨

Patungo sa marami pa nating imamapang landas! 💙 💚
Hinihintay na kayo ng UP! 🌻




[PGO 15 - MERCHANDISE PREORDERS REMINDERS]LAST CALL, OLYMPIANS! 🚨The pre-order form for the 15th Philippine Geography Ol...
10/04/2026

[PGO 15 - MERCHANDISE PREORDERS REMINDERS]

LAST CALL, OLYMPIANS! 🚨

The pre-order form for the 15th Philippine Geography Olympiad official merchandise closes TOMORROW, APRIL 11! 🗓️

You can still pre-order by scanning the QR code or by accessing this link: https://bit.ly/PGO15MerchPreorderReopened

You don’t want to miss out on our 🔥 BLAZING 🔥limited edition merchandise! 🤩

If you have questions about the event, please don't hesitate to contact us via our page.

Presented by:
Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc)
UP Department of Geography
International Association of Young Geographers (IAYG)
Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)

Co-presented by:
UP Resilience Institute
Grab Philippines

In cooperation with:
Litol Shef

Official Media Partners:
MANILA BULLETIN
Diyaryomilenyonews.com
The Manila Times
IKOT.PH

[PGO 15 - MERCHANDISE PREORDERS EXTENDED]Olympians! Pre-orders for the 15th Philippine Geography Olympiad merchandise ha...
30/03/2026

[PGO 15 - MERCHANDISE PREORDERS EXTENDED]

Olympians! Pre-orders for the 15th Philippine Geography Olympiad merchandise have been extended to APRIL 11! 👀🔥

Don't miss out on our limited edition merchandise by preordering through this link: https://bit.ly/PGO15MerchPreorderReopened

The preorder form closes on April 11. Come and grab them before they sell out! ⏳

If you have questions about the event, please don't hesitate to contact us via our page.

Presented by:
Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc)
UP Department of Geography
International Association of Young Geographers (IAYG)
Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)

Co-presented by:
UP Resilience Institute
Grab Philippines

In cooperation with:
Litol Shef

Official Media Partners:
MANILA BULLETIN
Diyaryomilenyonews.com
The Manila Times
IKOT.PH

[PGO 15 - MERCHANDISE PREORDER]Missed out on the heat? Well, guess what? We got good news! 🌍🔥Good news, Olympians! Pre-o...
14/03/2026

[PGO 15 - MERCHANDISE PREORDER]

Missed out on the heat? Well, guess what? We got good news! 🌍🔥

Good news, Olympians! Pre-orders for the 15th Philippine Geography Olympiad merchandise have REOPENED! 👀

Come check out our limited edition merchandise, from blazing t-shirts to fierce lanyards, by preordering through this link: https://bit.ly/PGO15MerchPreorderReopened

The preorder form closes on April 4. Grab 'em while they last! ⏳

If you have questions about the event, please don't hesitate to contact us via our page.

Presented by:
Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc)
UP Department of Geography
International Association of Young Geographers (IAYG)
Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)

Co-presented by:
UP Resilience Institute
Grab Philippines

In cooperation with:
Litol Shef

Official Media Partners:
MANILA BULLETIN
Diyaryomilenyonews.com
The Manila Times
IKOT.PH



[PGO 15 - AWARDING OF OFFICIAL WINNERS]The 15th Philippine Geography Olympiad officially concludes with the Awarding of ...
01/03/2026

[PGO 15 - AWARDING OF OFFICIAL WINNERS]

The 15th Philippine Geography Olympiad officially concludes with the Awarding of Official Winners!

Congratulations, Olympians! May you continue to carry the flame of curiosity from this battlefield to every corner of the map. Keep questioning and, most importantly, keep exploring.

See you again next year!

Presented by:
Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc)
UP Department of Geography
International Association of Young Geographers (IAYG)
Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)

Co-presented by:
UP Resilience Institute
Grab Philippines

In cooperation with:
Litol Shef

Official Media Partners:
MANILA BULLETIN
Diyaryomilenyonews.com
The Manila Times
IKOT.PH



[PGO 15 - OFFICIAL WINNERS]With great pride and delight, we announce the official winners who stood out from 141 partici...
01/03/2026

[PGO 15 - OFFICIAL WINNERS]

With great pride and delight, we announce the official winners who stood out from 141 participants from 42 schools here at the 15th Philippine Geography Olympiad!

CHAMPION
BONCODIN, OSHER BRIAN M.
Makati Science High School
Coaches: Joline Mae D. Fontanilla and Emmarlyn Ann G. Isles

1ST RUNNER-UP
CO, JUSTINE AARON S.
Saint Jude Catholic School
Coaches: James Imman P. Ilao and Russel Glenn C. Odi

2ND RUNNER-UP
RACADIO, ANDREI ELIJAH P.
Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus in Ilocos Sur
Coach: Darigold P. Apopo

3RD RUNNER-UP
MANZARES, EMMANUEL NEIL S.
Philippine Science High School - SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus in Koronadal City
Coach: Marlon B. Lopez

The official winners will represent the Philippines at the iGeo 2026, which will be held in Türkiye later this year. To all of our official delegates and winners, thank you and congratulations! We're all cheering you on!

Presented by:
Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc)
UP Department of Geography
International Association of Young Geographers (IAYG)
Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)

Co-presented by:
UP Resilience Institute
Grab Philippines

In cooperation with:
Litol Shef

Official Media Partners:
MANILA BULLETIN
Diyaryomilenyonews.com
The Manila Times
IKOT.PH



[PGO 15 - TOP PERFORMING SCHOOLS]Congratulations to the top-performing schools of the 15th Philippine Geography Olympiad...
01/03/2026

[PGO 15 - TOP PERFORMING SCHOOLS]

Congratulations to the top-performing schools of the 15th Philippine Geography Olympiad!

TIED FOR 1ST PLACE IN TOP PERFORMING SCHOOL:
Makati Science High School
Saint Jude Catholic School

3RD TOP PERFORMING SCHOOL:
Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus in Ilocos Sur

Presented by:
Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc)
UP Department of Geography
International Association of Young Geographers (IAYG)
Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)

Co-presented by:
UP Resilience Institute
Grab Philippines

In cooperation with:
Litol Shef

Official Media Partners:
MANILA BULLETIN
Diyaryomilenyonews.com
The Manila Times
IKOT.PH



[PGO 15 - QUALIFYING ROUND EXAM TOP SCORER]Congratulations to the top scorer for the qualifying round of the 15th Philip...
01/03/2026

[PGO 15 - QUALIFYING ROUND EXAM TOP SCORER]

Congratulations to the top scorer for the qualifying round of the 15th Philippine Geography Olympiad, Justine Aaron S. Co of Saint Jude Catholic School!

Presented by:
Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc)
UP Department of Geography
International Association of Young Geographers (IAYG)
Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)

Co-presented by:
UP Resilience Institute
Grab Philippines

In cooperation with:
Litol Shef

Official Media Partners:
MANILA BULLETIN
Diyaryomilenyonews.com
The Manila Times
IKOT.PH



[PGO 15 - POSTER PRESENTATION WINNER]Congratulations to the winner of the Poster Making Competition of the 15th Philippi...
01/03/2026

[PGO 15 - POSTER PRESENTATION WINNER]

Congratulations to the winner of the Poster Making Competition of the 15th Philippine Geography Olympiad!

The poster is by Angelle Elvan S. Porras of the University of Santo Tomas - Senior High School, who presented about disaster resilience, particularly empowering communities to build a disaster-resilient future.

Write-up: Acts of Nature or Neglect?
By Angelle Elvan S. Porras | University of Santo Tomas - Senior High School

People often view disasters in the Philippines as purely natural, but they are also heavily influenced by human choices, policy gaps, and long-term neglect. Currently, thousands of public facilities, such as schools and hospitals, remain structurally weak to earthquakes, even decades after the Building Code was enacted. As such, buildings built and maintained in accordance with current structural standards are much more likely to withstand severe earthquakes. However, poor enforcement and aging infrastructure still put millions of people in danger, especially schools and health centers on liquidation-prone soil. The problem isn't that there aren't any rules; it’s that they aren't effectively enforced, updated, or monitored. This makes what should be protective systems weak points in emergencies.

Similarly, dangers are made worse by poor planning, poor governance, and unequal access to safety. Recent investigations into flood control funding show that only a small number of projects are completed, even though billions of dollars are set aside for them. This leaves barangays open to monsoon floods every year, while the public cries in despair. In crowded cities like Manila, fires often force thousands of families to leave their homes; hard-to-reach fire hydrants, a low water supply, and informal settlements are established in areas at great risk.
These aren't just environmental disasters; they're the result of infrastructure gaps, poor land-use decisions, and underfunded emergency services that turn manageable hazards into humanitarian emergencies.

There is preparation on paper, but protection on the ground remains incomplete. There are still very few purpose-built evacuation centers, so communities have to use schools, courts, and other venues that have been converted for other purposes during crises. Despite it being our culture, resilience is not just about getting through tough times. It is also about being responsible for ensuring that public finances, safety rules, and disaster plans actually protect people. Until disaster risk reduction goes beyond just reports and becomes fully implemented, Filipinos will keep facing calamities that are not only acts of nature but also the result of not acting quickly enough.

Let us aim to be a nation not of neglect, but rather, for the people, by the people.

Presented by:
Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc)
UP Department of Geography
International Association of Young Geographers (IAYG)
Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)

Co-presented by:
UP Resilience Institute
Grab Philippines

In cooperation with:
Litol Shef

Official Media Partners:
MANILA BULLETIN
Diyaryomilenyonews.com
The Manila Times
IKOT.PH



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UP College Of Social Sciences And Philosophy, Palma Hall, Roxas Avenue, University Of The Philippines Diliman, Barangay UP Campus, Diliman
Quezon City
1101

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