UPCAT Held for Third Year in Zamboanga Sibugay
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — The University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) is being administered for the third consecutive year in Zamboanga Sibugay, giving local students an opportunity to pursue a UP education without having to travel outside the province to take the entrance examination.
The UPCAT 2026 is being held on August 1–2, 2026, with all examinations taking place at the Capitol Gymnasium in Ipil. Today, August 2, marks the final day of the examination.
The availability of the UPCAT in Sibugay marks a major change from previous years, when students had to travel to neighboring cities to take the test, adding transportation, food and accommodation expenses to the college application process.
The situation changed in 2024, when the province hosted the UPCAT for the first time through the efforts of Governor Ann K. Hofer, in coordination with the Provincial Government, Department of Education and the University of the Philippines.
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According to DepEd Zamboanga Sibugay, the first provincial administration accommodated 628 Grade 12 examinees. The initiative brought the examination closer to students who previously had to leave the province just to take the entrance test.
Since then, the UPCAT has continued to be administered in Zamboanga Sibugay, making 2024, 2025 and 2026 the first three consecutive years that the province has hosted the examination.
For local students, bringing the test closer to home goes beyond convenience. It removes a financial and geographical barrier that could discourage qualified students from applying to UP, particularly those from families who may find travel to another city costly.
The UPCAT covers Language Proficiency, Science, Mathematics and Reading Comprehension, with examination results and academic records used in determining admission qualifications.
The continued hosting of the UPCAT also reflects the provincial government's efforts under Gov. Hofer to expand opportunities for young Sibugaynons and make access to higher education more equitable.
For students completing the examination today, the test represents a possible gateway to becoming an Iskolar ng Bayan.
For Zamboanga Sibugay, it represents something equally important: students no longer have to leave the province simply to take their chance at UP, the opportunity has been brought closer to home.
