Cyberfoxes Spades secures top spot at Hack4Gov 3 Regionals

School of Computing

June 18, 2024

A quartet of Cybersecurity students defended their title as Champions at the Regional Competition of the third wave for Hack4Gov at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday, June 14.

Cyberfoxes Spades comprises of incoming seniors, including Railly Mallari, Mark Hans Gochuico, Mikaela Ian Luciano, and Ralph Baskin Bognot, coached by the School of Computing Dean, Dr. Marlon Tayag.

The team achieved a back-to-back win as they also won first place last year during the previous Hack4Gov Regionals. After this, they placed sixth at the Nationals.

In addition to their new triumph, Mallari and Luciano received special commendations as Top Scorers, first and third respectively.

Mallari, the team leader, expressed how they were “shocked but not surprised“ with the result because they were confident of their collective efforts with every member accomplishing challenges worth 50 points each.

“[We are] beyond grateful and happy since defending champion HAU-SOC and may chance kami to represent our school again sa finals this October, hopefully claiming na the champion this time,” said Mallari.

Their preparation for the Regionals began with HackTheon on April, followed by in-person training with their specific categories starting May. Furthermore, they trained with the second Cyberfoxes team, Cyberfoxes Aether, therefore describing their training as “fruitful and enjoying.“

The team leader added, “. . . it is always about worrying . . . and pressured rin . . . may mga challenges din kaming hindi na-solve but hindi naman masyadong hinder ’yun. As the team leader, lagi ko silang tinatanong . . . naging collaborative kami with each other sa mga moments na nahirapan kami.”

Mallari also emphasized about how they will continue training at their own pace as a start of their preparations for Nationals, conveying that there is still always room for improvement and skill enhancement.

“Pero same as before niyan, one month before the finals start na ulit sa training sa Cyber Range. Focus muna namin so far is ’yung competition namin sa TESDA this August,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Cyberfoxes Spades is set to represent Region 3 for the second time as they will compete again for the Nationals this October.