The Capture The Flag (CTF) team from Iligan Medical Center College – College of Computer Studies (IMCC-CCS) proudly represented their institution at the HackForGov4 regional qualifiers held on November 10, 2025. Organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 10, the event brought together 12 teams from 10 tertiary institutions across Northern Mindanao.

Participating schools included IMCC, Bukidnon State University (BukSU), La Salle University Ozamiz (LSU-Ozamiz), Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (XU), Liceo de Cagayan University, USTP-CDO, USTP-Alubijid, Camiguin Polytechnic State College, MSU-IIT, and MSU-MCEST.

CTF competitions challenge participants to uncover hidden “flags” embedded in vulnerable systems, simulating real-world cybersecurity scenarios. These contests are designed to sharpen technical skills and foster teamwork under pressure.

IMCC’s team, 𝙎𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙏𝘽𝘼, secured 4th place with a commendable score of 1010 points—just behind USTP-Alubijid and BukSU, who tied at 1160 points. USTP-CDO emerged as the regional champion with an impressive 2180 points and will advance to the national championship.

A special highlight of the event was the selection of a wildcard participant: the top-scoring individual who qualifies for nationals independently. This year’s wildcard for Region 10 is ‘Axis’ from BukSU, who earned 890 points. IMCC’s own Nelson D. Gulbin, known as ‘nzenith’, scored 600 points and ranked 5th individually—an outstanding achievement.

IMCC continues to demonstrate its strength in cybersecurity, building on last year’s 3rd place finish. With consistent performance and rising talent, the college remains a formidable force in the region’s tech landscape.