By Mikee Natinga Norico
The CPU Men’s Table Tennis Team poses for a group photo after achieving a three-peat championship victory at the 2025 PRISAA Games, proudly representing Western Visayas.
From April 3 to 11, Central Philippine University (CPU) Golden Lions proudly carried the banner of Western Visayas at the 2025 National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games. A total of 74 secondary athletes, 108 tertiary athletes, 21 coaches, and 10 assistant coaches from CPU Golden Lions represented Western Visayas, securing a remarkable medal haul and showcasing excellence across multiple sporting events held in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
Among the most celebrated victories was the CPU Men’s Table Tennis Team, which clinched gold and achieved an extraordinary three-peat championship. The team’s top performer, Jannuel A. Forro (Grade 12), was awarded Most Outstanding Player in the Seniors Men Division, underscoring the team’s continued dominance. Their success was guided by Coach John Bryle Ermeo and Coach Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on.
The CPU Tertiary Women’s Softball Team extended their historic run by capturing their 11th consecutive championship title—an impressive feat that confirms their national reign. Shymie Casandra S. Sarayno earned dual honors as Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Pitcher, while Janine G. Terania secured the Best Hitter award. The team was led by Head Coach Kim B. Dela Cruz, with support from Jane Daras and Rhea Sevilla.
CPU Tertiary Women’s Softball Team strike a victorious pose after claiming their 11th straight title, showcasing unmatched consistency and teamwork.
CPU Secondary Girls’ 3×3 Basketball Team celebrate their national victory as proud representatives of Western Visayas under the leadership of Coach Aaron Paterno D. Blanca and Assistant Coach Golda Mier Abello.
CPU also ruled the dance floor, with the Golden Lions Dancesport Team collecting six gold medals in the Youth Modern Standard category. The dynamic duo of Kealynn Therese Castigador and Ruel Cyann Paclibar, both SHS students, triumphed in the Single Dance categories: Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep.
In basketball, the CPU Secondary Girls’ 3×3 Team emerged as national champions, with Cleaseah Rianne M. Caberte (Grade 10) being named MVP. The team was mentored by Coach Aaron Paterno D. Blanca and Assistant Coach Golda Mier Abello. Meanwhile, the CPU Tertiary Women’s 3×3 Basketball Team earned silver, also under the leadership of Coach Blanca, with Rolando C. Oro as assistant.
The CPU Tertiary Women’s Volleyball Team brought home a silver medal, with standout performances from Euna Gene D. Piosca (Best Setter) and Rica Gale P. Silvestre (1st Best Outside Hitter), under the guidance of Head Coach Anthony A. Arnilla and Assistant Coach Ashley Mark L. Galupar.
In other highlights, the CPU Tertiary Men’s Badminton Team took home the gold under Coach Mikhail Noel G. Nacisvalencia, while the Tertiary Men’s Football Team claimed silver, coached by Bob Rommel J. Javellana, with support from Assistant Coach Gisson Paul B. Seloterio and Team Manager Sam Lee.
Representing Western Visayas, two Centralians helped power the Tertiary Women’s 5×5 Basketball Team to silver. Pia P. Palmares (BSCE – 3) stood out as the tournament’s Best Guard, with Khyle Charrise J. Provido (BSTM – 3) also playing a key role.
The CPU Sepak Takraw Team, coached by Pastor Keith Dune Gallos and Coach Leo Lumawag Jr., bagged silver in the Quadrant Event and bronze in the Team Event, contributing to CPU’s growing medal tally.
Western Visayas also secured strong finishes in swimming, taekwondo, and athletics, with Centralians playing integral roles in these victories. Both the Secondary Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming Teams captured gold, while the Tertiary Women’s Team earned bronze. In taekwondo, the Secondary Boys brought home silver medals, and in athletics, the Secondary Boys and Girls each secured silver finishes.
As the final whistle blew in Tuguegarao, the CPU Golden Lions stood tall fueled by passion, discipline, and the unyielding spirit of Scientia et Fides. Their performance not only uplifted the pride of CPU but also solidified their legacy as champions in both heart and sport.
The following are the official results for the National PRISAA Meet 2025:
