Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) is gearing up for its first-ever hosting of the Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) Sports Festival, set for December 15-20, 2024. Colleges and universities from Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, Aklan, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental will gather for the five-day event. This will likely be the last time Negros Occidental joins RSCUAA Region VI, as the province is preparing to form part of the newly-created Negros Island Region (NIR) under the NIR Act.
During a meeting held at 9 a.m. on Monday in the boardroom of the Main Campus-Poblacion Site, ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. formally introduced the committees tasked with organizing the RSCUAA 2024 Sports Festival. This meeting set the groundwork for what is anticipated to be a landmark event for both the university and the region. “This hosting is long overdue,” said Dr. Siason. “We were originally slated to host the RSCUAA games in 2019, but the change in leadership, the pandemic, and the university’s conversion delayed our plans. Now, ISUFST is ready to rise to the occasion and show that we are up to the challenge of hosting a regional event of this magnitude.”
In addition to forming the committees, Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. shared that a core team from ISUFST recently conducted a benchmarking activity at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) in Negros Occidental. The visit aimed to gather insights and best practices from the their hosting of the RSCUAA Sports Festival last year. “This learning experience will help us refine our preparations and ensure that we meet or exceed the expectations of all participants,” said Siason, emphasizing ISUFST’s commitment to delivering a high-quality event.
Dr. Siason also emphasized the importance of involving local government units, private partners, and community leaders. “We are working closely with the mayors of the fourth district of Iloilo, DepEd officials, and collaborators to provide support and feature our local culture—festivals, food, and the renowned hospitality of our people—to the participants of RSCUAA. We want to ensure this will be a memorable experience for everyone,” he added.
The 2024 RSCUAA Sports Festival will bring together hundreds of athletes and officials, with a variety of sports categories on offer, including basketball, volleyball, athletics, football, badminton, swimming, lawn tennis, table tennis, boxing, sepak takraw, arnis, chess, and taekwondo. Beyond the sports competitions, several special events will highlight the festival, such as the Opening Ceremony, the Parade of Athletes, the Solidarity Night, the LGU Night showcasing local culture and delicacies, the Mr. and Ms. RSCUAA Pageant, and the Closing Ceremony with the Awarding Ceremony to recognize the best athletes and teams.
The regional event will host 14 state universities from across the region. These include Aklan State University (ASU), Capiz State University (CapSU), CHMSU, Central Philippines State University (CPSU), Guimaras State University (GSU), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU), and Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), the event host. Also joining the competition are Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), Philippine Normal University-Visayas (PNUV), State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUPV), University of Antique (UA), University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), and West Visayas State University (WVSU). These institutions will come together to compete in various sports, fostering camaraderie and athletic excellence over the five-day event.
Meanwhile, one of the outcomes of the meeting was the scheduled strategic planning session on October 15 at the ISUFST Dumangas Campus. This session will follow the strategic planning of RSCUAA Sports Directors and SUC presidents, scheduled for October 10-11 at the Park Inn Hotel, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. During this gathering, the final list of events to be included in the RSCUAA competition will also be decided.
Dr. Edmer D. Bernardo, Chairperson of the General Secretariat, reminded the committee members of their vital roles, stating, “We are not just organizers; we are facilitators, hosts, enablers, and agents of peace. Our mission is to make sure that everyone—athletes, officials, and guests—has an exceptional experience during this five-day festival.”
The organizing efforts will be led by a robust team of committees, each responsible for various aspects of the event. The Organizing Committee, chaired by Dr. Siason and co-chaired by Vice Presidents Johnny B. Dolor and Joan M. Belga, will oversee the overall planning. The General Secretariat, led by Dr. Bernardo, will ensure smooth coordination across all subcommittees. The Sports Technical Committee, chaired by Prof. Clariesol Belo, will handle the competition mechanics and technicalities. Dr. Dolor will head the Accommodation and Logistics Committee, ensuring proper lodging and transportation for athletes and officials.
Atty. Chito John Colonia will lead the Finance Committee, managing the event’s budget and financial concerns. Public engagement and media coverage will be handled by the Public Relations Committee, led by Dr. Herman Lagon. The Social and Cultural Committee, chaired by Dr. Frietzie Inayan, will coordinate cultural performances and social events, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere throughout the festival. The Medical Committee, headed by Dr. Kharlie Joehn Hautea, will take charge of health and safety protocols, while the Food and Beverage Committee, co-chaired by Dr. Ricardo Paborada and Dr. Alma Betito, will oversee catering and nutrition for participants. Security measures will be implemented by the Security Committee, led by Mrs. Lilibeth Petrescu. The ISUFST Delegation Committee, under Dr. Bernie Bayogos, will manage the university’s own athletes, while the Legal Committee, chaired by Atty. Joey Mondero, will handle legal matters and grievance resolutions.
The extensive planning and preparation reflect ISUFST’s commitment to delivering a world-class experience. With the collective effort of its committees, ISUFST aims to ensure the RSCUAA 2024 Sports Festival will not only be a successful athletic event but also a celebration of regional unity, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)
