STRASUC kicks off at Los Baños

The 2014 Southern Tagalog Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (STRASUC) Olympics formally opened on Dec. 16 with a parade of athletes from the 12 state universities and colleges (SUC), namely: Batangas State University, Cavite State University, Laguna State Polytechnic University, Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology (MinSCAT), Marinduque State College, Occidental Mindoro State College, Palawan State University, Romblon State University, Southern Luzon State University, University of Rizal System, Western Philippines University, and UPLB.

In his opening remarks, UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., said that the 2014 STRASUC Olympics almost did not push through due to the disruption caused by Typhoon Ruby. The Chancellor was referring to the rescheduling of exams in UPLB that caused the lodging accommodations of STRASUC 2014 to be messed up by the extended stay of UPLB students in the dormitories.

Chancellor Sanchez said that despite this, the delegates came to UPLB for the 2014 STRASUC Olympics opening, showing that situational inconveniences could not dampen their spirits. He also admonished the participants about sportsmanship, that how they respond to winning or losing is what will make them real winners.

Los Baños Mayor Caesar P. Perez expressed delight at being asked to give a message for STRASUC 2014 and formally welcomed the participants to the town of Los Baños, the Science and Nature City. He reminded the participants about waste management practices in Los Baños including the prohibition of the use of plastic bags. Mayor Perez gave a surprise monetary reward to the delegates from MinSCAT whom he observed to be the most disciplined delegation that participated in the parade and opening ceremony.

The closing remarks given by STRASUC president, Dr. Jesse T. Zamora, resonated with the STRASUC Olympics 2014 theme “Harnessing Strong Linkages among SUCs through Quality Sports Competition towards ASEAN Integration.” Dr. Zamora, who is also the president of MinSCAT, reminded everyone that STRASUC 2014 is not a fight, and that it in fact strengthens collaboration and linkages among the participating schools not just in sports activities but also in academics and research. He closed the program by sharing a quotation from Napoleon Bonaparte: “Victory belongs to the most persevering.”

The opening program also highlighted the lighting of the Olympic flame, performances from The UPLB Sandayaw, The UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe, UPLB Street Jazz and Wyre Underground, and the UPLB Choral Ensemble. Faculty members Mike Lopez and Naomi Enriquez served as Masters of Ceremony. STRASUC games are scheduled until Dec. 21. (KE Araguas)

Article officially published at the UPLB wesbite.