26th Season of UniGames opens in Bacolod

The role of sports in promoting unity was highlighted anew during the opening of the 26th Season of the Philippine University Games (Unigames) at the Capitol Lagoon and Park in Bacolod City Thursday afternoon.

This year’s edition, which marks the return of Unigames to its home city after 10 years, gathers more than 1,500 athletes and coaches from 41 colleges and universities across the country who will see action in the week-long competitions from Oct. 24 to 30.

In his message, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the province opens its doors to the nation’s young athletes, noting that sports have always held a special place in the Philippine society and the hearts of Filipinos.

“Sports serve as a powerful unifying force that transcends language, region, and belief, reminding us that in every contest of strength and skill, there lies a deeper pursuit of friendship, respect, and shared pride in being Filipino,” he said.

Lacson commended the young athletes for their dedication and drive that remind the people that “sports (are) not only about winning, but about building character, forging unity, and celebrating the best of the Filipino spirit.”

Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, in his message read by City Administrator Mark Mayo, said hosting this year’s Unigames marks a milestone in Bacolod’s vision to become a true home for athletes and a center for sports development in the region.

“We believe that when sports thrive, our youth grows stronger with discipline and greater opportunities,” he said. “Sports has a way of uniting people. It brings strangers together and turns effort into dream, competition into camaraderie.”

The Negros Occidental provincial government is the lead host of the games, with the Bacolod city government as co-host.

During the kick-off event, Bro. Felipe Belleza, chairman of the Unigames board, declared the games open.

De La Salle University volleyball standout Angel Canino, a Negrense and a national team member, led the oath of sportsmanship, while Jay Biñas, badminton tournament manager, led the oath for officials and coaches.

Today, Friday, competitions will start in athletics, badminton, basketball (women’s 3×3 and men’s 5×5), football, futsal, table tennis, and taekwondo, as well as volleyball and beach volleyball.
Unigames secretariat head Malot Lozada said this year’s participating schools increased by almost 25 percent, from only 31 last year.

Among those from Metro Manila are Adamson University, De La Salle University, National University, University of the East, and University of the Philippines.

Some of the participating schools from the Visayas are the Central Philippine University, Iloilo Doctors’ College, University of San Agustin, Foundation University, University of the Philippines Cebu, STI-West Negros University, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, and University of St. La Salle.

From Mindanao are the Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College, and University of Mindanao, as well as Liceo de Cagayan University and Xavier University.* (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)