The wait is over, and the action begins!

The 2024 Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) Sports Festival officially starts off today, December 15, 2024, hosted by the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST). This is the first time ISUFST has hosted this event, which brings together more than 3,500 athletes, coaches, officials, and organizers from 13 state universities throughout Western Visayas to compete in 42 events across 22 venues.

Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., President of ISUFST, expressed his pride and excitement for this historic occasion. "Today represents a historic milestone for ISUFST. "Although we were originally set to host in 2019, unexpected challenges put things on hold. But now, we're finally ready to welcome all the participants and guests," he shared. "Despite the setbacks, we're excited to see this dream finally come to life."

The president also thanked the local government units, partner organizations, generous supporters, and the ISUFST community for their unwavering dedication and support. "This event is a collective achievement. The commitment of our local communities and the ISUFST family has been instrumental in bringing this event to life," Dr. Siason added.

What makes this year's RSCUAA even more historic is that it may also be the last time state universities from Negros Occidental will participate, as the Negros Island Region (NIR) Act takes effect soon. This change will alter the competition landscape in future years, making this gathering particularly poignant.

Special guests will grace the day's activities, including national athlete-turned-beauty queen Alexie Mae Brooks and Philippine Sports Commission Consultant Raymundo Lapating. National and local public servants are also expected to attend and show their support. Today's morning affairs include the Solidarity Meeting at 8 a.m., a Parade at 3 p.m., and the official Opening Ceremony at 4 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., the LGU Night will showcase local culture and hospitality, offering a moment of celebration and camaraderie.

This year's festival spans six key billeting areas in the fourth district of Iloilo, ensuring that every participant is well-catered for. The theme of "One Western Visayas: Promoting Peace, Inclusivity, and Well-Being through Sports" underscores the importance of collaboration, respect, and the shared goal of fostering a more harmonious and inclusive region.

Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC VI) Chairman and Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) President Dr. Bobby Gerardo elaborated, "This year's theme resonates deeply with the core values that unite us as institutions and individuals committed to excellence, integrity, and the holistic development of our youth. In the spirit of sportsmanship, we compete and celebrate our region's rich diversity and boundless potential."

The six-day event will feature exciting competitions across multiple venues. Baseball will take place at Anilao National High School (ANHS). At the same time, Barotac Nuevo barangay gyms will host 3x3 Basketball in Jalaud, Women's Volleyball in Lico-an, Arnis in Bungca, and Women's Basketball in Tiwi. In Lapaz, Iloilo City, Billiards and Badminton will be played at Gaisano City, and Futsal and Pencak Silat are set for ISATU. Beach Volleyball and Softball will occur at the ISUFST Dumagas Campus, while Sepak Takraw Men will be at Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School.

Martial arts events, including Karate and Taekwondo, along with Volleyball Men's events, will be held at ISUFST Main Campus-Tiwi Site. Chess, E-Sports Mobile Legends, and Sepak Takraw Women's events will take place at the Main Campus-Poblacion Site. Athletic events, including Football, Lawn Tennis, Swimming, and Table Tennis, will be hosted at the Iloilo Sports Complex in Magsaysay Village, Lapaz, Iloilo City. Boxing will be staged in Passi City at the same time.

This year's competition is expected to be fierce, as universities battle it for top honors. Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU) emerged as the overall champion in RSCUAA 2023 with 45 golds, 37 silvers, and 20 bronze medals, with West Visayas State University (WVSU) following closely behind. Other schools such as Guimaras State University (GSU), University of Antique (UA), and ISUFST, along with Aklan State University (ASU), University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), and others, are all in strong contention for this year's coveted titles. The competing universities, to note, are home to more than 110,000 college students.

Dr. Siason reflected on the event's significance not only for ISUFST but for the region as a whole. "The importance of today goes beyond sports. It's about creating lasting bonds and strengthening the spirit of unity among our universities. This event celebrates our collective strength and our commitment to excellence," he concluded. (Photos by Ricky Ramos/Text by Herman Lagon, Arniel Clarite, and Mia Jane Dumangas/RSCUAA24/PR/PAMMCO)

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 December 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, and the Barotac Nuevo community," Dr. 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 who have tirelessly worked to make this momentous event possible."

The festival, which will take place from December 15-20, 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 CHED Regional Director Raul Alvarez. Dr. Bobby Gerardo, president of NISU and chair of the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC VI), will officially declare the games.

"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 (ISATU) emerged as the overall champion in RSCUAA 2023, securing 45 golds, 37 silvers, and 20 bronze medals. West Visayas State University (WVSU) followed closely with 35 golds, 26 silvers, and 45 bronze. Guimaras State University (GSU), University of Antique (UA), State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), ISUFST, and Capiz State University (CAPSU), filled the top ranks in the overall medal count.

Deputy Speaker Camille Villar and Rep. Ferjinel Biron are also expected to attend the opening rites with the university presidents, invited mayors and LGU officials, DepEd principals, heads of government offices, and school benefactors. Governor 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 (NIR) 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 Dr. Bobby 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, 2024, at the Tamasak Arena, wrapping up what promises to be a historic and inspiring week for the region. (Herman Lagon/RSCUAA24/PR/PAMMCO)