By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negros Occidental Governor Jose Eugenio Lacson and Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya formally welcomed athletes, coaches and delegation officials to the 26th Season of the Philippine University Games (Unigames) during the opening ceremony held at the Capitol Lagoon and Park in Bacolod City on Thursday night, October 23.
With the Provincial Capitol serving as a scenic backdrop, Lacson said hosting the Unigames is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of youth and sportsmanship.
“To host the 26th season of the Unigames is to open our doors to the nation’s young athletes, whose dedication and drive remind us that sports is not only about winning, but about building character, forging unity, and celebrating the best of the Filipino spirit,” Lacson said.
He also paid tribute to Unigames pioneers, the late Bro. Rolando Dizon and current Unigames President Roger Banzuela, describing them as “visionaries who gave life to this tradition” that continues to provide a platform for student-athletes “to showcase their talents, build character, and foster unity through sports.”
Gasataya, represented by City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo, said the hosting marks a milestone in Bacolod’s vision “to become a true home for athletes and a center for sports development in the region.”
He also cited the city government’s ongoing sports infrastructure projects, which he said are crucial in strengthening Bacolod’s position as a hub for sports leadership in Western Visayas.
“Real victory is not only in winning, but in the journey that shapes us,” Gasataya said, as he lauded the athletes for their “resilience, commitment and will to keep moving.”
Unigames Chairman Bro. Felipe Belleza, FSC, declared the games open and expressed appreciation to long-time partners and other supporters who have stood behind the Unigames through the years.
Negrense volleyball standout Angel Canino, member of Alas Pilipinas and star of the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, led the oath of sportsmanship for athletes, while badminton tournament manager Jay Biñas took the oath on behalf of coaches and officials.
The day’s festivities concluded with the Governor’s Night, a dinner-fellowship at the Capitol Social Hall, where delegation heads received certificates of participation from Belleza and Banzuela./ASC, WDJ