By Edmar Delos Santos

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – “Addatayo ditoy tapno suportaran ti maysa ken maysa.” (We are here to uplift one another).

This was the message 8th MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. to participating state universities and colleges (SUCs) during the opening program of the Region 1 sports, cultural, and arts festival on February 24 at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium.

As the host of this year's Region 1 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Regional Games and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Cultural and Arts Festival, Dr. Manzano said it is an incredible honor for MMSU to organize the competitions.

He also highlighted the symbolism behind the event logo, which draws inspiration from Ilocos Norte's windmills and empanada, representing the region's unity. “Just as a windmill harnesses the wind, we draw strength from each other, driving progress, excellence, and lasting impact,” Dr. Manzano said.

Emphasizing the importance of mutual support, he noted that uplifting one another will help improve the region's performance at the national levels of SCUAA and PASUC.

“True champions aren’t defined by trophies but by courage, discipline, and the heart to lift others,” Dr. Manzano told the delegates, guests, and spectators.

During the opening program, PASUC-1 and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) President Jaime I. Manuel Jr. led the hoisting of banners alongside other SUC presidents, sports and cultural directors, and Mr. and Ms. SCUAA-1 candidates, marking the official start of the regional event.

As PASUC-1 President, Dr. Manuel also formally declared the opening of the regional games and the cultural and arts festival during the opening program.

In her closing remarks, Commission on Higher Education Region 1 Director and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) OIC-President Christine N. Ferrer told the delegates the importance of sportsmanship as it teaches lessons far beyond the games.

“When athletes show respect, fairness, and support for one another, it sets an example for others to follow,” she remarked.

Hosting the event for the first time since 2020, the university has welcomed nearly 2,000 athletes and artists this year under the theme “Triggering Ripples, Building Momentum,” promising a memorable regional competition. Participating SUCs include MMSU, DMMMSU, ISPSC, University of Northern Philippines, and Pangasinan State University.