Representatives from the offices of Quezon Governor Helen Tan and Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala came in full support to the Opening Ceremony of the 5-day Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Quezon Chapter Meet held at the MSEUF Gymnasium, March 20.
Gov. Tan’s supervising administrative officer John Francis Luzano and Mayor Alcala’s executive assistant Ashley Soza graced the event with their presence, giving inspirational messages that highlighted their support to succeeding sporting events and its importance to promote teamwork, discipline, and leadership among the youth.
“‘Ito [sports achievements] ay ginagamit upang i-develop ang bawat isang mag-aaral. Upang hulmahin ang kanyang karakter, hulmahin ang kanyang pagkatao. Kaya sikapin natin na maglaro nang fair. Sikapin nating ma-develop ang ating mga sarili. Sikapin natin na ma-develop ang buong country,” Luzano said on his message.
In the ceremony, MSEUF Vice President for External Relations Celso D. Jaballa lauded student-athletes’ commitment and perseverance to represent their respective institutions and urged them to always let the spirit of sportsmanship prevail.
The opening program featured a variety of cultural performances such as the entrance of colors by 374th NROTC, first institutional cheerdance of the MSEUF Cheer Squad, a lively display of dance moves from the Banyuhay Dance Troupe, the singing of the national anthem of the MSEUF Concert Singers and the university hymn by the MSEUF Chamber Winds.
Together with a representative from each private school, a ceremonial lighting of the torch and raising of flag began to symbolize the harmony and good will of the event followed by Gian Franco Hernandez, bronze medalist for Dancesports in the PRISAA National 2023, leading the reciting of the Oath of Sportsmanship.
Moreover, after PRISAA Quezon Chapter President Darios O. Virrey declared the start of PRISAA Quezon Chapter Meet 2024, a ceremonial toss followed to conclude the opening program.
This year the PRISAA Quezon Chapter Meet featured 12 private institutions which include MSEUF – Lucena, MSEUF – Candelaria, MSEUF – Catanauan, Sacred Heart College, MaryHill College, STI College, Calayan Educational Foundation Inc., Quezonian Educational College Inc., St. Anne College, Leon Guinto Memorial College Inc., Interglobal College Foundation Inc., and College of Sciences Technology and Communications Inc.
