By Kathrina Antonio and Jesslyn Keith Valite

The MMSU Stallions received multiple awards during the 2024 Association of State Colleges and University – Solid North (ASCU-SN) Midyear Sports and Socio-Cultural Festival held at Isabela State University from July 2-5.

Mrs. Zhiela Abiva and Ms. Janette Ragus claimed the gold medal for Badminton under the women’s doubles category. Ms. Abiva and Ms Ragus also won first and second place in women’s singles A and B, respectively. Moreover, Prof. Floresto Franco Jr. received the silver award in men’s singles, while Dr. Marlowe Aquino and Prof. Ryan Dean Sucgang bagged the bronze award in the men's doubles category.

MMSU table tennis paddlers also dominated the competition. Engr. Rommel P. Viloria and Prof. Marilou J. Raval achieved the gold award for the men and women single-A category. Engr. Loreli Manzano and Ms. Aiza Inosente were also awarded the bronze medal for women’s Doubles while Prof. Baby Rlene Bayoc placed third in women’s singles.

Overcoming a steep course and gloomy weather, Mrs. Mary Ann Gorospe conquered the 5K run, ranking first in the women’s category. Meanwhile, Prof. Floresto Franco Jr. and Mr. Bernard Polido, bagged the bronze award for 4KM and 5KM run, respectively. Mr. Christian Aganus placed fifth while Mr. Buchard Cutin ranked tenth under the 6KM run category.

Meanwhile, MMSU cyclists took on challenging terrains. Mr. Bernard Polido bagged first place under the 40-49 age category. Mr. Mark Angelo Barangan won second place in the age category below 29, along with Mr. Christian Mark Aganus in the age category 30-39. Other cyclists also garnered several awards under the 30-39 age category. These are Mr. Dondon Rabanal (4th place), Mr. Winson Mamotos (5th place), Mr. Eric Agcaoili (8th place), and Mr. Jansen Sagadraca (9th place). In the 40-49 age category, Prof. Floresto Franco Jr. placed fifth and Mr. Rainier Cabuag ranked ninth. Mr. Joselito Costudio bagged third place in the 60 and above age category.

Mr. Tristan Janryll Mata and Mr. Joselito Custodio were awarded the gold award for Lawn Tennis men’s double (open category). Mr. Jesson Ramil Cid and Ms. Janna Marie Quinto are champions in the discus throw and shot put category. Mr. Cid, along with Mr. Reygan Butali, Mr. Gelson Daluyon, and Mr Christian Mark Aganus, won second place in the 4x100 M relay. Mr. Daluyon also placed second in the 100m dash in the below 29 category.

The MMSU men’s volleyball team also triumphed in this year’s competition, ranking third out of twenty teams. The team comprised Mr. Ashier Calulot, Mr. Aldrin Pastor, Mr. Altroy Agtang, Mr. Christian Bayangos, Mr. Jan Francis Javier, Mr. Rafael Domingo, Mr. Andrei Fernandez, Mr. Elmer Morales, Mr. Reymart Pecpec, Mr. Mar Ruiz, Mr. Jayson Tebes, and Mr. Mark Kelvin Villanueva.

In addition, the women’s basketball team bagged second place, comprising of Ms. Maricel Billones, Ms. Marichel Tagayuna, Ms. Janna Marie Quinto, Ms. Christine Mata, Ms. Rowena Batucal, Ms. Kathleen Castillo, Ms. Erica Mae Macalma, Ms. Eba Christie Rivera, Ms. Hannah Lois Mata, Ms. Madelyn Quitoriano, Ms. Lakshmi Joanna Doco, Ms. Glaiza Gapuzan and Ms. Crisanta Ganado. Meanwhile, Mr. Feland Dolores, Mr. Jan Leiton Palaspas, Mr. Arnie Jay Ibe, and Mr. Anthony Roman Mata Jr. placed third in 3x3 Basketball Men.

MMSU also demonstrated its skills in esports, ranking third in Mobile Legends. The team comprised Mr. Jojo Servanes, Mr. Michael Caldito, Mr. John Galano, Mr. Gerald Laforga, Mr Jay Carlos Padunan, and Mr. Julius Butay.

Showcasing their prowess in visual arts, Ms. Marilyn Adajar ranked second in on-the-spot painting, and Mr. Joel Adajar placed third in pencil drawing.

In a battle of beauty and wit, Mr. Alvin G. Domingo and Ms. Frances Charlyn Batara were crowned second runner-up in the Mr. and Ms. ASCU-SN.

MMSU President Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis lauded the Stallions for their commitment to excellence, embodying the core values of the university. “Continue pushing your limits, embrace every challenge, and take pride in every small and great achievement,” she encouraged.

Apart from MMSU, 25 other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region I, II, III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region joined this year’s ASCU-SN midyear festival with the theme “Abante Norte: Embracing Differences, Celebrating Togetherness.”