DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – Known as the gateway to Western Mindanao, the City of Dipolog has a lot to offer tourists. From the picturesque view of Sunset Boulevard to its diverse culture, there’s no better way to enter Zamboanga Peninsula.

Born out of the need to hone the athletic skills and prowess of collegiate athletes through competitive sports, UNIGAMESA started among various universities in the Negros and Panay Islands. Later, they identified the need to test the caliber of athletes from provincial schools against the best athletes and teams in the nation.

Today, the UNIGAMES is in its 25th year, with over 30 schools participating from all over the Philippines, including sports giants like University of the Philippines – Diliman and University of Santo Tomas.

According to Banzuela, one of the main aspects they looked into were the facilities and their maintenance. However, it was the city’s sports program that really caught their attention.

“I am very happy with the program of the mayor here in the grassroots,” said Banzuela during the press conference.

The said program is composed of year-long training for student-athletes for various sports, including, but not limited to, sepak takraw, gymnastics, volleyball, and table tennis. 

“Winning is important, but preparation is vital,” Banzuela emphasized.

He also added that they are not simply here to provide entertainment but to learn from the locals and destigmatize Mindanao.

With over 30 schools and more than 1,000 participants, excluding their families and chaperones, by the time the games reach the semi-finals and finals, more than 50 percent of those will become tourists after they have been eliminated and have the chance to fully enjoy the city.

“Sports is peace; sports is friendship. Ito ay (This is) brought together for unity and peace,” Banzuela said. 

The UNIGAMES are currently on-going throughout the City of Dipolog at different venues and are free of admission for those who want to watch. Tickets for the semi-finals and finals are said to be priced at P20 only. (RVC/EDT/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)