By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) ISDA Blue Thunders achieved an impressive 16-medal haul in the Arnis competition at the Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) VI 2024.
The team secured two golds, four silvers, and ten bronzes on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Bungca Covered Gym in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.
National SCUAA-bound athletes Mark Vincent Asumbra and Rhea Grace Omison led the team, each winning gold in the Live Stick category. Both also earned silver in the Padded Stick category.
“Our preparation was intense, but the guidance of my coach and the support of my ISUFST family made all the difference,” Asumbra said.
Omison, coached by Instr. Irene Berdan, echoed the sentiment. “Winning gold is a dream come true. Our daily practices and the encouragement of my coach and classmates motivated us to push harder,” she said.
The team’s medal haul highlighted balanced contributions from both men and women. The women earned one gold, two silvers, and six bronzes, while the men claimed one gold, two silvers, and four bronzes.
ISUFST continued its strong performance in national sports, building on achievements at the National ROTC Games in August 2024 in Indang, Cavite, where athletes won two silver and one bronze medal in Arnis.
Sophomore BIT student Asumbra and senior BSIT student Omison were among the medalists, showcasing the university’s growing prominence in regional and national competitions.
Amae Bayoging added to the tally with a silver in Padded Stick and a bronze in Live Stick. “I’m proud to bring these medals home for ISUFST,” she said.
National ROTC Games veterans Rennier Soberano and Roperly Mae Bangero also contributed bronzes in the extra-light category for Live Stick and the Anyo Event (Individual Double Identical Weapon), respectively.
Instr. Berdan credited the success to the team’s commitment. “These victories reflect their dedication and hard work. Our training emphasized precision, speed, and strategy while fostering confidence and teamwork,” she said.
Coaching played a pivotal role, with Anthony J. Bejemino leading the men’s division, supported by assistant coach Instr. Kathlene Francisco. Berdan headed the women’s division, with Dr. Ian Sugatan providing additional expertise.
In the men’s division, bronze medalists included Emmanuel Porras (Pin Weight), Ernie John Bastan (Bantam Weight), Rogelio Notada (Half-Light Weight), and John Steven Paca-oncis (Open Weight).
In the women’s division, Nichole Genovea won two bronzes in Bantam Weight (Padded and Live Stick), while Ariane Claire Estorninos earned bronze in Middle Weight (Live Stick). Princess Ann D. Robles added bronze in Feather Weight (Live Stick).
The ongoing six-day RSCUAA VI 2024, themed “One Western Visayas: Promoting Peace, Inclusivity, and Well-being Through Sports,” involves 13 state universities, 3,500 student-athletes, and 42 events across 22 venues in Iloilo.
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. praised the athletes’ achievements. “Our students embody the spirit of ISUFST—resilient, disciplined, and relentless in pursuing excellence. These medals are a testament to their hard work and the strong support system we’ve built together,” he said.
The Blue Thunders’ remarkable performance underscores ISUFST’s dedication to athletic excellence, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
As RSCUAA VI 2024 continues, ISUFST’s athletes remain committed to carrying the pride and determination of the ISDA Blue Thunders toward greater victories. (Photos by Irene Berdan/Text by Herman Lagon/RSCUAA24/PR/PAMMCO)
