ORMOC CITY – Dr. Aljibe C. Maximo, CESO III, the Regional Director of Commission on Higher Education Region VIII, delivered the keynote address and formally opened the First Friendship Athletic Meet 2025 of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (ALCUAA) Eastern Visayas held at the Abuyog Mini Gym in Abuyog, Leyte on June 26, 2025.
Together to celebrate the opening program were the Mayor of Abuyog, Hon. Lemuel Gin K. Traya, and the Presidents of the Local Colleges of Region 8. Dr. Aljibe emphasized in his speech that it is not about the medals that delegations strive to collect but the bridges that they will build, the values that they have to uphold, and the hearts they have to inspire.
There were five delegations that were represented by the Burauen Community College (BCC), City College of Ormoc (CCO), Catbalogan City Community College (CCCC), Colegio De Las Navas Living Legacy (CDLN), and Abuyog Community College (ACC) as the host institution for this year.
The ALCU Solidarity and Executive Meeting was conducted on the arrival and welcome day at 1:00 in the afternoon at the Abuyog Community College Business Incubation Facility. At the meeting, the delegates were welcomed by ACC College President, Dr. Clemelle L. Montallana, CESE.
After the meeting, the Friendship Athletic Meet officially commenced with a vibrant parade around the Municipality of Abuyog, which was participated by more than 300 student-athletes, coaches, faculty and staff, and volunteers from the five delegations. Every delegation showcased its best choreography during the parade as they proudly represented their institution. The City College of Ormoc exceptionally showcased their pride as they were the only delegation that had umbrellas as hand props, which lent a very festive vibe.
Along the parade route, students and pupils from different DepEd and private schools in the Municipality of Abuyog showed their support by enthusiastically waving their flags as a warm welcome gesture to all the delegates.
Each delegation also showed their best chants and performances. “We are stronger when we are given love, we are stronger when we are together doing the best we can as a single one,” exclaimed Dr. Montallana, CESE, in his welcome remarks. Additionally, Abuyog Municipal Mayor Lemuel Gin K. Traya inspired all the delegates with his message, “…more than a game, it’s a bridge.”
Cultural performances featuring festival dances and songs were also presented by each delegation, which showcased the uniquely vibrant cultures of their own cities and municipalities. The City College of Ormoc gracefully performed the well-applauded Piña Festival, choreographed by Edward A. Resuera under the tutelage of Sir Christian Miro, Coordinator, Culture and the Arts Unit.
Day one opened with a retinue of amazing performances from the five delegations, which symbolized the start of building bridges and camaraderie in the successful launch of this historical event. (Contributed by Rolex P. Gelig, CCO CEA/ EV Mail June 23-29, 2025 issue)
