Three years of uncertainty are merely a prelude to history-making.
The 12th Local Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (LCUAA) National Games, hosted by Laguna University (LU), officially commenced its comeback after a three-year hiatus on October 8, 2023 at the Laguna Sports Complex, Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
Carrying their flags, 2,000 student-athletes, coaches and sports officials from all 22 participating schools walked through a colorful parade from their billeting quarters to the grandstand where the opening ceremony was about to happen.
Muses and escorts of each member-school led the flag raising to kickstart the event.
Dr. Sigfredo C. Adajar, Chairperson of the LCUAA National Board of Directors, delivered his opening remarks that highlighted the mantra of this year’s national games: to comeback stronger and dream higher.
“This season is all about resilience and aspiration as symbolized by our theme: Come Back Stronger and Dream Higher. It’s a celebration of the unbreakable spirit of our student-athletes who waited patiently for this moment,” Dr. Adajar stated.
Following this, Dr. Colegio S. Gascon, OIC-President of LU, welcomed the delegates, saying that hosting the momentous event is a big opportunity.
Leojohn Tolitol of LU and other athletes from different schools led the symbolic lighting of torch which was backed up by the song “Liwanag sa Dilim” sung by Jhelleah Love Ruazol, a Psychology student.
Dr. Rene M. Colocar, the President of Accreditation of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) Philippines, officially inaugurated the national games.
Other remarkable guests, such as Atty. Dulce H. Rebanal, the Provincial Administrator, and Hon. Atty. Karen Agapay, Vice-Governor of Laguna, delivered their messages to the nation’s finest athletes as they are set to experience a six-day sports event.
The athletes, led by Julianne Loi Barreto, expressed their commitment to fair play, sportsmanship, and solidarity as they uttered the Athlete’s Pledge altogether.
Euvelyn Etellero, Gencel Bonavente of LU, and the Laguna University Performing Arts Club (LUPAC) graced the crowd with their songs and cultural presentation respectively.
As the national event proceeded with remarkable ceremony, it was smoothly extended to the cheerdance competition that was participated by five different schools.
The TCU-Varsity Pep Squad from Taguig City University bagged the gold for being the 8th time champion in cheerdance this 12th LCUAA.
The ceremony continued to give pledge as different respective officials from different administration of universities took their chance to celebrate this event in the Governor’s Night.
The opening ceremony was remarkable not just for the athletes but for all the people who are behind in these events to bring this national event possible especially to Laguna University.
The 12th LCUAA will continue as different events and exciting games await to celebrate sportsmanship and camaraderie.
By: Louie Alillana and Patricia Orolfo, BA Comm students
