ILOILO – With just days to go until the highly anticipated Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) 2024, the event is almost ready for its Dec. 15 kickoff.
Dr. Edmer Bernardo, chairperson of the RSCUAA Secretariat, announced that the preparations are “98% ready” as the final touches are being made on security, logistics, billeting, scheduling, and other vital details for the six-day event.
“We are very grateful for the support from the LGUs, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Barotac Nuevo community,” Bernardo said, emphasizing the collective effort that has gone into organizing the event. “We also thank the regional PNP, the provincial government, and the participating SUCs for their help. A salute also to the 600 men and women of ISUFST (Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology) who have tirelessly worked to make this momentous event possible.”
The festival, which will take place from Dec. 15 to 20, 2024, will feature 42 sports events across 22 venues. The games will gather 3,500 athletes, coaches, administrators, organizers, and officials from 13 regional state universities.
Notable guests for the opening ceremonies include national athlete-turned-beauty queen Alexie Mae Brooks, Philippine Sports Commission consultant Dr. Raymundo Lapating, and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Director Raul Alvarez.
Dr. Bobby Gerardo, president of Northern Iloilo State University and chair of the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC) VI, will officially declare the games open.
“I’m confident that ISUFST will deliver a world-class experience,” said Dr. Nordy Siason, ISUFST president. “We show them that ISUFST has finesse, grit, skills, and hospitality to host this event.”
Security measures are in full effect, with hundreds of uniformed police officers and other personnel deployed across all event venues to ensure safety and order. Health and logistical concerns are also being addressed to ensure the smooth flow of the event.
The region’s annual sports festival is expected to be memorable, especially since this year’s theme, “One Western Visayas: Promoting Peace, Inclusivity, and Well-Being through Sports,” underscores the importance of unity and cooperation.
This year’s competition is expected to be fierce following last year’s showdown. Iloilo Science and Technology University emerged as the overall champion in RSCUAA 2023, securing 45 golds, 37 silvers, and 20 bronze medals. West Visayas State University followed closely with 35 golds, 26 silvers, and 45 bronze. Guimaras State University, University of Antique, State University of Northern Negros, ISUFST, and Capiz State University, filled the top ranks in the overall medal count.
Deputy Speaker Camille Villar and Rep. Ferjenel Biron are also expected to attend the opening rites with the university presidents, invited mayors and local government unit officials, DepEd principals, heads of government offices, and school benefactors. Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr., Sen. Francis Tolentino, and CHED chairman Popoy de Vera are yet to confirm their participation.
This year’s RSCUAA is significant for the 13 participating universities, as it marks the first time the event will be held in ISUFST. It will also be the last for the Negros Occidental schools given the Negros Island Region Act. The stakes are high, as each school competes not just for medals but for the pride of their institution and the region as a whole.
“As we gather for this year’s RSCUAA, let us celebrate the power of sports and the unity it brings,” said Gerardo. “We celebrate our differences and embrace the shared commitment to peace, inclusivity, and the well-being of the youth across Western Visayas.”
The official closing ceremony will take place on December 20 at the Tamasak Arena, wrapping up what promises to be a historic and inspiring week for the region. (Herman Lagon)/PN
