The university open field was filled with colorful banners, prideful uniforms and mascots, and cheerful chants as Southern Leyte State University officially commence the 36th Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Meet at Sogod, Southern Leyte, Tuesday, November 29.

After taking a pause for 2 years due to the COVID19 restrictions, the highly anticipated collegiate sports competition slowly brings culture and thrill for sports enthusiasts and athletes in the 4 days sporting event, highlighting students’ camaraderie and skills in selected sports.

Eleven SUCs in the Eastern Visayas namely, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Leyte Normal University (LNU), Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), Samar State University (SSU), University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), University of the Philippines – Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC), Visayas State University (VSU), and Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) are participating in the said regional meet.

The opening program kicked off with the delegates marching the streets of Sogod, Southern Leyte downtown area to showcase their unique and colorful team uniforms and banners. The teams then proceeded back to the university open field to showcase their choreographed chants and yells.

Meanwhile, overall chair of the SCUAA Meet 2022 Dr. Eda J. Opina, introduced the delegates of this year’s Regional SCUAA followed by the guest of honors to welcome the delegates.

“I want to especially welcome you and thank you, on behalf of our LGU for coming here in order to showcase your talent,” said Honorable Mayor Sogod, Southern Leyte Shefferd Lino Tan through Vice Mayor Atty. Jose Ramil Golo in his welcome speech.

Moreover, SLSU President, Dr. Rose Duazon Nietez highlighted that the sporting activities is focused on fostering friendships and teamwork among the delegations.

“One of the purposes of this event is to foster friendships and teamwork among each of you, our dear coaches, trainees, athletes and performers which I hope will translate into greater enthusiasm, efficiency, and productivity in our respective duties and responsibilities,” she said.

Further, Bernadette Caidlang, an athlete of EVSU Campus expressed her appreciation to the efforts of the host University, as she enjoyed the opening ceremony. She also added that they are prepared to take the first spot on the sporting competition.

“This is actually my first time, every delegation performed well during their chants, I also think our school is well prepared to take the 1st spot as we have prepared and trained in the past days,” said Caidlang.

The opening ceremony hit its peak as the torch was lit by Palarong Pambansa athlete, Fernando Chua, followed by the commencement declaration of Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, the President of Visayas State University and President of Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges Region 8, signifying the start of the SCUAA Meet 2022.

The event ended with a spectacular performance coming from students OF Southern Leyte State University (SLSU). Afterwards, students were illuminated by the fireworks display prepared by the host University.

A series of sporting competitions will transpire in the following days as 11 participating state colleges and universities in Regional SCUAA 2022 will vie to notch the top spots in the said event.

Article by Agustino Rico Jr.