By Mikee Natinga Norico
Delegates from participating private basic education institutions across Iloilo take part in the opening ceremony of the ILOPRISAA Basic Education Sports Meet 2026, officially marking the start of this year’s competitions.
Serving as host of the Iloilo Private Schools Athletic Association (ILOPRISAA) Basic Education Sports Meet 2026, Central Philippine University (CPU) officially welcomed delegates from private basic education institutions across Iloilo during the opening ceremony, held on August 1 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
Anchored on the theme, “Champions in Sports, Leaders in Life, United in Excellence,” the opening program formally launched this year’s sports meet, gathering student-athletes, coaches, school officials, parents, and guests in a celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and excellence.
The ceremony began with the processional of tournament officials and members of the technical committee, school heads, sports directors, coordinators, the principals of the CPU Elementary School, Junior High School, and Senior High School, CPU key officials, and ILOPRISAA officers and members of the Board of Trustees. This was followed by the invocation led by Pastor Justine P. Mije, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, and the rendition of the PRISAA Hymn, Manlalarong Pinoy, Mabuhay Ka, composed by Josephine “Joji” Palicte-Sabalza.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs and Co-Chair of ILOPRISAA 2026–2027, warmly welcomed the participating athletes, coaches, teachers, parents, and guests. She emphasized that the sports meet is more than a competition, describing it as an avenue for developing discipline, perseverance, teamwork, respect, and integrity among young athletes.
“Our theme reminds us that true success is measured not only by victories and medals but by the character we build, the friendships we form, and the lessons we carry beyond competition,” she emphasized.
Dr. Romarate encouraged participants to uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship, reminding them that success is measured not only by victories but also by the character they build, the friendships they form, and the lessons they gain through competition. She also expressed gratitude to coaches, teachers, parents, and school leaders for their unwavering support in guiding student-athletes toward excellence in both sports and academics. She concluded by expressing hope that the event would inspire every participant to become champions in sports and leaders in life.
“As you compete over the coming days, give your very best, respect your opponents, and always uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship. Whether you win or lose, remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and become a better person,” she said.
Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate welcomes athletes, coaches, teachers, parents, and guests, emphasizing that the Sports Meet serves as a platform for developing character and leadership beyond athletic competition.
The program also featured a special musical performance by Nuseibah L. Gallardo of CPU Grade 6-EXCEL.
Delivering the inspirational message, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President and Chairman of ILOPRISAA 2026–2027, underscored the significant role of youth sports in shaping well-rounded individuals. He highlighted that sports nurture discipline, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and integrity—qualities that extend beyond athletic competition and prepare young people for life’s challenges.
“A true championship is not defined by trophies or scoreboards. Championship is an internal condition. It is developed during the early morning practices when no one is watching. It is forged through exhausting drills, difficult training sessions, and the daily decision to keep going when every muscle tells you to quit. Sports teach a lesson that the modern world often tries to bypass: success cannot be bought, downloaded, or fast-tracked. Success must be earned,” Rev. Dr. Dagohoy stated.
Addressing the realities faced by today’s youth, including academic pressures, the influence of social media, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles, Rev. Dr. Dagohoy described sports as a powerful means of promoting both physical and mental well-being. He encouraged athletes to embrace both victory and defeat as valuable learning experiences, emphasizing that true champions are defined not by medals but by perseverance, character, and the willingness to rise after setbacks. Citing 1 Corinthians 9:24–25, he urged participants to pursue not only excellence in sports but also enduring values rooted in faith, character, and service to God.
“Becoming a champion requires learning how to lose. In sports, failure is immediate, public, and undeniable. You may miss the game-winning shot, drop the crucial pass, or finish last in the race. Yet sports provide a safe environment where young people learn that failure is not their identity—it is simply feedback. It is a roadmap showing them where they need to improve. A champion is not someone who never falls, but someone who chooses to rise every single time,” Rev. Dr. Dagohoy said.
University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy officially declares the opening of the ILOPRISAA Basic Education Sports Meet 2026.
The ceremony continued with the oath of sportsmanship led by Anthony Bjorn G. Castigador, the oath of coaches administered by Mr. Daniel Z. Gequillana, and the oath of officials led by Mr. Aaron Paterno D. Blanca. Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, then offered the Prayer of Dedication.
Rev. Dr. Dagohoy formally declared the opening of the ILOPRISAA Basic Education Sports Meet 2026, marking the official start of the competitions. The celebration concluded with a Unity Dance, symbolizing camaraderie, teamwork, and the shared commitment of the participating schools to fostering excellence both in sports and in life.