LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The 2025 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Games and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Cultural and Arts Festival opened at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium here recently.
The SCUAA Games are a prestigious annual sporting event that unites student-athletes from state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the Ilocos Region, offering a platform for competition in various athletic disciplines.
Alongside the sports, the PASUC Cultural and Arts Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and creative talents of students from these institutions.
Under the theme “Triggering Ripples, Building Momentum,” Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), as the host, extended a warm welcome to both athletes and artists and promised a memorable and impactful regional competition this year.
A total of 1,818 individuals took part in the event, including 1,200 athletes and 618 artists.
These participants represented state universities and colleges from across the region and each displayed their skills in their respective fields.
The sports competitions include track and field, basketball, volleyball, and other athletic events, while the arts festival will highlight performances in dance, theater, music, and visual arts.
MMSU, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), University of Northern Philippines (UNP), and Pangasinan State University (PSU) were the participating institutions.
The delegations from these universities include 359 from DMMMSU, 352 from ISPSC, 361 from UNP, 358 from PSU, and 388 from MMSU.
MMSU President Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr. emphasized the importance of collaboration and mutual support throughout the event.
“True champions aren’t defined by trophies but by courage, discipline, and the heart to lift others,” Manzano said, reinforcing the values of teamwork and perseverance.
The opening ceremony was a vibrant celebration of the spirit of the games, with Dr. Jaime Manuel Jr., DMMMSU president and PASUC president, leading the festivities.
Alongside other SUC presidents, sports and cultural directors, and the candidates for Mr. and Ms. SCUAA, Dr. Manuel declared the opening of the games and festival, igniting a sense of excitement and camaraderie among the participants.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Christine Ferrer, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region 1 director and ISPSC officer-in-charge president, spoke about the invaluable life lessons taught through sportsmanship.
“When athletes show respect, fairness, and support for one another, it sets an example for others to follow,” she noted, emphasizing the positive impact of these values.
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc delivered a keynote address, urging participants to embody respect, fairness, and camaraderie throughout the competition.
“Respect your opponent, respect your referee, and respect the game,” he stressed, underscoring that true sportsmanship transcends victory and builds lasting relationships.
This event not only highlighted the region’s exceptional talent but also fostered a sense of community and pride among participants.
The games and festival served as a reminder of the unifying power of sports and culture, inspiring the youth of the Ilocos region to strive for excellence both in the arena and in life. (AMB/MTDA/PIA Ilocos Norte)
