BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The province of Apayao kicked off its 30th founding anniversary with the annual sports tournament at the BGVJr Memorial Sports Center in Luna town, on January 28, 2025, with the advice to athletes to pursue their dreams with courage and commitment.
With the theme “Apayao beyond 30: Enjoying Progress, Championing the Environment, and Building Investments,” the event showcased the province’s spirit of unity, progress and environmental consciousness.
Local chess icon Mhage Sebastian encouraged the athletes from the seven towns of Apayao to pursue their dreams with courage.
As the first Woman National Master (WNM) from Apayao and the Cordillera region, Sebastian shared the values that guided her using the acronym CHESS where C stands for courage, H for heart, E for ear to listen, S for sincerity, and the other S for service. She underscored that achieving greatness is about lifting others along the way and not just about winning.
“It does not end at the summit. We need to go down and give what we have, to share what we learned. Magsilbi tayo at ipamahagi ang mga natutunan natin sa buhay para ang mga susunod sa atin, aangat din sila, magtatagumpay din sila,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the Provincial Government of Apayao, particularly Gov. Elias Bulut, Jr. and Cong. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang for supporting her journey as a young chess master.
At just 18 years old, Sebastian who hails from Flora town, has made history as the first yApayao chess master and the first WNM in the region. She represented the country as the youngest member of the Philippine National Chess Team at 14, and has competed in more than 10 international tournaments in Asia and Europe. She is the reigning Most Valuable Player in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87, leading her team, the Far Eastern University, to a back to back title.
Guest athlete, Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters shooting guard Ricci Paolo Rivero, also delivered a powerful message to the athletes, urging them to strive for greatness both in and off court.
He stressed to the athletes that they are not only celebrating Apayao’s 30th Founding Anniversary, but also their passion and dedication to sports.
Growing up in Ilagan, Isabela, he said he understands what it means to chase big dreams. He shared his experiences from playing basketball in his hometown, to representing schools and universities in Manila and even the country.
“Dreams don’t recognize boundaries, financial, or personal burdens. Remember, dreaming is free, but achieving those dreams requires everything you’ve got. You must dream boldly and commit to the process,” Rivero said.
Apayao’s 30th founding anniversary celebration from January 28 to February 13, 2025 features various activities such as Agri-Industrial and Tourism Fair, DRRlympics, Battle of the Bands, cultural presentations among others.
Apayao was established as a separate province from Kalinga by virtue of Republic Act No. 7878 signed on February 14, 1995. (JDP/RMC-PIA CAR / Apayao PIO)
