By Japeth M. Lamparero – Minister, Ministry of Sports, Province of Arts and Science Student Council

Attendees actively take part in Play It Forward, engaging in inclusive sports and traditional games that foster connection, teamwork, and community spirit beyond the campus.

Play It Forward stands as a reflection of what the College of Arts and Sciences can achieve when service, collaboration, and purpose come together. Spearheaded by the Committee for Sports of the Province of Arts and Sciences Student Council, this initiative goes beyond a single event, it is a year-long commitment to making sports and physical activity accessible to all, especially for students and communities who face financial and logistical challenges in acquiring proper equipment.

At its core, Play It Forward is rooted in the belief that sports are more than just games. They are avenues for growth, connection, and well-being. By collecting and redistributing sports equipment, the initiative ensures that students and partner communities are given equal opportunities to engage in physical activity. Through this, barriers are reduced, and participation becomes more inclusive, allowing individuals to experience the benefits of movement, teamwork, and discipline regardless of their circumstances.

Play it Forward: Building Bonds Through Traditional Games

In a time where digital entertainment dominates, this program creates a space where children can rediscover the joy of traditional play. Through interactive demonstrations and active participation, students are introduced to games that not only promote physical fitness but also highlight the cultural stories and values embedded within them.

The activities are designed to be engaging, inclusive, and meaningful. Children participate in group-based games that encourage teamwork, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship. These shared experiences foster a sense of belonging and cooperation, allowing participants to build connections while developing essential life skills. More than just play, each activity becomes an opportunity to learn the importance of discipline, respect, and collaboration.

Advocacies and Vision

At its core, Play It Forward is more than an outreach program, it is a living testament to the strength, unity, and shared purpose within the College of Arts and Sciences. It reflects how CASimanwas can come together, not only to play, but to uplift, connect, and create meaningful impact through the universal language of sport.

Play It Forward carries three core advocacies:

1. Inclusive sports access, reminding CASimanwas that every student deserves the opportunity to engage in physical activity regardless of financial or logistical limitations. By collecting and redistributing sports equipment, the initiative promotes equity—proving that access to sports is not a privilege, but a shared right. In this way, small acts of giving become stepping stones toward a more inclusive and active community.
2. Social upliftment through engagement, rooted in the genuine desire to create spaces where young learners feel encouraged, supported, and empowered. Through outreach programs and traditional games, the initiative fosters joy, connection, and belonging. It becomes a space where laughter is shared, friendships are formed, and meaningful interactions remind everyone that community is built through presence and participation.
3. Cultural preservation and active living, demonstrating that sports can also serve as a bridge to heritage. By reintroducing traditional Filipino games, Play It Forward breathes life into cultural practices that continue to shape identity and values. It highlights that movement is not only for fitness, but also for remembering, celebrating, and passing on traditions to future generations.

A vision of CASimanwas rising to become advocates of both wellness and culture, individuals who choose to extend their energy, time, and compassion beyond the Centralian walls. A vision grounded in the belief that when people move together with purpose, even the simplest games can spark lasting change.

Essentially, Play It Forward is a call for CASimanwas to take initiative, to share what they have, and to build connections through sport and service. Through collective effort and purposeful action, the initiative continues to champion a healthier, more inclusive, and culturally rooted tomorrow.