Valencia National High School (VNHS) in Valencia City, Bukidnon made its mark on the global stage after Team PhsynTaK represented the Philippines at the Better Ground 2026 Global Finals in Seoul, South Korea, held September 16–20, 2026. Composed of Grade 12 STEM learners Kent Dave R. Pilar, Psych Earl B. Caleñada, and Thomas Kyle L. Galo, PhsynTaK won the Philippine championship with their educational action RPG game GENOMORPH, earning the opportunity to compete against champions from six other countries. The team was coached by Mr. Ace B. Cardeño. VNHS also had three other teams—Team FakeOut, Team Te(i)am, and Team 4LittleDucks—place in the Philippine Top 10 out of more than 1,000 participating teams. Better Ground, a game-development program by KRAFTON and JA Philippines, Inc., gives students hands-on experience in creating video games while developing skills in technology, creativity, teamwork, and storytelling.
NATIONAL CHAMPION — Team PhsynTaK | Game: Genomorph
- Kent Dave R. Pilar
- Psychch Earl B. Calenada
- Thomas Kyle L. Galo
- Coach: Mr. Ace B. Cardeño
TOP 10 FINALISTS
Team FakeOut (VNHS) | Game: Rem//Error
- Zea Denise B. Petalcorin
- Josh Hendrix C. Libayao
- Ruel Korbin V. Magsacay
- Coach: Mr. Ace B. Cardeño
Team Te(i)am (VNHS) | Game: RECAP
- Sean Andrix G. Avila
- Aya Francheska D. Cortes
- Kristoffe Marius G. Rosete
- Coach: Mr. Ace B. Cardeño
Team 4LittleDucks (VNHS) | Game: Static Veil
- Glenn A. Agliam
- Ivan Nathaniel S. Mangubat
- John Wyn M. Francisco
- Charles L. Potestas
- Coach: Mr. Ace B. Cardeño
courtesy of Ace B. Cardeño
