With just days before the highly anticipated Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) 2024, the event is set for its December 15 kickoff.
Dr. Edmer Bernardo, chairperson of the RSCUAA Secretariat, announced that preparations are “98% ready,” with final touches underway for security, logistics, billeting, scheduling, and other key arrangements for the six-day event.
“We are very grateful for the support from the LGUs, the Department of Education, and the Barotac Nuevo community,” Bernardo said, emphasizing the collective effort behind the event’s organization.
“We also thank the regional PNP, the provincial government, and the participating SUCs for their help. A salute also to the 600 men and women of ISUFST who have tirelessly worked to make this momentous event possible.”
The festival, scheduled from December 15-20, 2024, will showcase 42 sports events across 22 venues. It will bring together 3,500 athletes, coaches, administrators, organizers, and officials from 13 regional state universities.
Prominent guests for the opening ceremonies include national athlete-turned-beauty queen Alexie Mae Brooks, Philippine Sports Commission consultant Dr. Raymundo Lapating, and CHED Regional Director Raul Alvarez. Dr. Bobby Gerardo, president of Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) and chair of the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC VI), will officially declare the games open.
“I’m confident that ISUFST will deliver a world-class experience,” said Dr. Nordy Siason, president of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST). “We will show that ISUFST has finesse, grit, skills, and hospitality to host this event.”
Security preparations are in full swing, with hundreds of uniformed police officers and other personnel deployed across all event venues to ensure safety and order.
Organizers are also addressing health and logistical concerns to guarantee a seamless experience for participants and spectators.
This year’s theme, “One Western Visayas: Promoting Peace, Inclusivity, and Well-Being through Sports,” highlights the event’s focus on unity and collaboration.
The competition is expected to be intense, especially after last year’s strong performances. Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU) emerged as the overall champion of RSCUAA 2023, claiming 45 gold, 37 silver, and 20 bronze medals.
West Visayas State University (WVSU) followed with 35 gold, 26 silver, and 45 bronze medals. Other top-performing institutions included Guimaras State University (GSU), University of Antique (UA), State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), ISUFST, and Capiz State University (CAPSU).
Deputy Speaker Camille Villar and Rep. Ferjenel Biron are expected to attend the opening rites, alongside university presidents, mayors, LGU officials, DepEd principals, and other dignitaries. Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Senator Francis Tolentino, and CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera are yet to confirm their participation.
This year’s RSCUAA marks a milestone for the 13 participating universities, being the first time ISUFST hosts the event. It will also be the last for Negros Occidental schools due to the creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR) Act. Beyond medals, the event symbolizes institutional pride and regional unity.
“As we gather for this year’s RSCUAA, let us celebrate the power of sports and the unity it brings,” Gerardo said. “We celebrate our differences and embrace a shared commitment to peace, inclusivity, and the well-being of the youth across Western Visayas.”
The closing ceremony will take place on December 20, 2024, at the Tamasak Arena, concluding a historic and inspiring week for the region. (Herman Lagon/RSCUAA24/PAMMCO)