CAMIGUIN (PIA) — Camiguin served as the host of the 2025 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) National Games, which gathered over 7,500 athletes and coaches from state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country.
“We are here not only to compete but also to connect. To celebrate the strength of our youth, the power of unity, and the enduring spirit of the nation,” Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo said during the opening ceremony, on April 23.
The week-long games included basketball, volleyball, swimming, and other sports. The opening ceremony was attended by Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, Gov. Romualdo, municipal mayors, and SUC presidents.
“Gilauman usab nga kini nga kalihokan makahatag ug dako nga benepisyo sa lokal nga turismo ug ekonomiya, tungod sa pagdagsa sa mga bisita ug suporta sa komunidad,” Romualdo said.
(This event is also expected to bring significant benefits to local tourism and the economy due to the influx of visitors and the community’s support.)
Tirso A. Ronquillo, president of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), emphasized the importance of this year’s event as the first post-pandemic SCUAA with a full lineup of sports.
“Last time, I think it was two years ago in 2023; it was our first after the pandemic when we had it in Tarlac. We had limited sports events. And now we’ve completed all of them, including the combative sports and everything. So it’s exciting now,” said Ronquillo.
He attributed the return of a full program to the work of SUC sports directors. “They are very aggressive to push all the events to be conducted this time in 2025,” he said.
Camiguin experience
Athletes acknowledged the support of organizers and local officials during their stay.
“Ang officials diri grabe mu-support then ang pinaka the best dinhi kay ang tubig, dili maglisod kay sa mga ubang area gud, ang tubig ang pinakaproblema. Pero karon okay ang tubig,” said Heydier Tediaros Lamaon, a player from Davao Oriental State University.
(The officials here are very supportive, and the best part is the water supply. In other areas, water is usually a problem—but here it’s okay.)
He also expressed gratitude for the volunteers and local officials.
“Sa mga nag-atiman sa amo diri sa SK officials ug sa mga teacher diri, thank you kaayo kay nagpahiram mo og foam, naghatag mo og karton then everyday nagapangutana mo sa amoa unsa pa’y mga needs namo sa room,” he said.
(To those taking care of us here—the SK officials and teachers—thank you so much for lending us foam beds, giving us cardboard mats, and checking on us daily to see what else we need in our rooms.)
Ham Basan, a player from Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, also shared his experience.
“Nindot gyud siya para sa akoa ang pagtagad sa mga tao dili pareho sa uban nga strict ilang pagtagad. Diria kay murag friendly sila then ang ilang lugar is daghan tourist spot,” he said.
(I really like how the people treat us here—it’s not strict like in other places. They’re very friendly, and there are many tourist spots here.)
He encouraged continued support for the athletes.
“Support lang mo, buhaton namo ang tanan nga mudaog mi. We win as a team and we play as one,” he added.
(Just keep supporting us—we’ll do everything we can to win. We win as a team and we play as one.)
Competitions were held at various venues across Camiguin. Organizers and local officials provided ongoing assistance to ensure the event proceeded smoothly. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
