(Photo sources from SLSU Campus Headliner, VSU- Amaranth and EVSU – The Industrial Wheel.)
SOUTHERN LEYTE – One of the most anticipated sports events in Eastern Visayas is the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Meet. It took fourteen years for the SCUAA to return to Southern Leyte with the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) as the host university.
The sports meet commenced last November 29, 2022, with a parade of all participants around the municipality of Sogod, Southern Leyte. Current SLSU university president, Prose Ivy G. Yepes, took on the challenge despite the pandemic and devastating typhoon Odette, and welcomed the eleven delegations of state universities across Region 8 and guests.
The Commission on Higher Education Commissioner, Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag, together with the Presidents of all participating State Colleges and Universities (SUCs), graced the momentous opening of the 4-day meet with the theme, “Bayanihan through sports.”
Congresswoman Luz V. Mercado, Vice Governor Emily Mercado and Sogod Vice Mayor Ramil Golo personally gave welcoming and inspirational messages to all participants, in support to the lone university of the province. Former presidents of Eastern Visayas State University Ed Campoto, Leyte Normal University Jude Duarte and Southern Leyte State University Gloria M. Reyes; SLSU Board of Regents’ Private Sector Representatives Adonis Q. Talabo and Lucio R. Gerona were also there to add glitter to the occasion.
Eleven SUCs competed in the various games of this year’s Regional SCUAA Meet: University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), University of the Philippines (UP), Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Leyte Normal University (LNU), Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), Samar State University (SSU), Visayas State University (VSU), and Southern Leyte State University (SLSU).
Mr. Adriel Bryce Benitez of Leyte Normal University and Ms. Marianne Josel Valladores of the University of Eastern Philippines ended the night of the first day, with shining smiles as they carried the crown of glory back to their universities as Mr. and Ms. SCUAA 2022. Ms. Valladores’ winning answer emphasized that in times of differences and conflict, sports offer a leveling ground where everyone is fixed on the same finish line and the same goal.
Mr. Levi Alfred Cebricus (ESSU) and Ms.Alyza Cairo (BIPSU) are the first runner up, Ms. Rica Mae Patual (SLSU) and Mr. Francis Lain Cabag (UPVTC) as second; Mr. Raniel John Mercado (VSU) and Ms. Alliah Kristal Noblejas (UPVTC) as third and Ms. Ylh Portillo (LNU) and Mr. Don Mark Dingcong (BIPSU) as fourth runner up.
For minor awards, Ms. UEP and Mr. SSU are best in Photogenic; SCUAA Infinity are Mr. LNU and Ms. UEP; Mr. SLSU and Ms. UEP are best in Production; Mr. VSU and Ms. SLSU for Best in Swimwear and Mr. BIPSU and Ms. BIPSU are best in Barong Tagalog.
On the following days the competition continued with dance sport competition, ball games and many more.
was announced as OVER-ALL CHAMPION.
(Beverly Ann Isaga, edited by GMR)
Southern Leyte Times
