A deafening Tacloban City Convention Center marked a successful comeback for the Eastern Visayas Collegiate Athletic Association (EVCAA) as it grandly returned to action Saturday, September 9, after a three-year hiatus.

The second edition of the regional sporting event kicked off with a motorcade participated by the delegates of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region 8, Tingog Partylist, and teams from the schools joining the tournament.

Among the key personalities present during the opening ceremony are University President Dr. Dennis C. De Paz, VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Lydia Morante, and VP for Finance and Administration Dr. Benedicto Melitante.

Also in attendance at the Astrodome were VP for Research & Development and Extension Services Dr. Analyn C. Españo and VP for Internationalization and External Affairs Dr. Danilo B. Pulma.

In his welcoming remarks, CHED-RO VIII Director Dr. Maximo Aljibe emphasized on the importance of education and sports in bringing the best out of students.

“As we come today to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, this EVCAA basketball tournament is a testament to the power of education and the role of sports to our beloved institutions,” stressed Dr. Aljibe.

Cong. Jude A. Acidre of Tingog Partylist followed through as he shared his joy now that EVCAA is back in action and optimism that the league will eventually expand to other sports events.

“This dream was realized three years ago before the pandemic. And we are happy that after a three-year hiatus, we are able to have this basketball league and in the coming years, sana mas damo pa na mga sporting events,” the representative said.

“This is all about possibilities and potentials. As students, sports probably is the best platform for young people to be able to build on your potential,” he added.

Moreover, the search for this year’s Miss EVCAA simultaneously commenced wherein newly-crowned Miss EVSU 2023 Alexandra Bianca Creer was hailed first runner-up with SPSPS’ Kathreen Kaye Dacanay donning the coveted title.

A Ceremonial Toss with Regional Director Maximo Aljibe formally opened the men’s basketball tourney scheduled during weekends and will run until November.

Anchored on the theme “Uniting Teams, Elevating Dreams”, EVCAA Season 2 opened its doors to private institutions and now features 11 teams from the previous season’s ten.

EVSU Eagles is drawn in Group B alongside VSU Pythons, RTRMF-DVOREF Praefortes, UEP Buffalos, and SLSU Kingfishers.

They currently occupy the king’s throne having won the tournament last 2019.

Article by Patrick Joseph Dincol