“Alongside the progress of our province, we are given the opportunity to provide many opportunities for our fellow citizens, such as the gathering we are having now, which promotes the importance of sports, shaping, awareness, and good behavior of our youth” – Fernando
CITY OF MALOLOS – “I want to praise and thank our Lord God for the fulfillment of this meaningful day. Alongside the progress of our province, we are given the opportunity to provide many opportunities for our fellow citizens, such as the gathering we are having now, which promotes the importance of sports, shaping, awareness, and good behavior of our youth. The support we receive from BUCAA warms our hearts. Now, we have a sports competition at the collegiate level to be proud of.”
This was the opening message of Governor Daniel R. Fernando as he spearheaded the opening ceremony of the first season of Bulacan University and Collegiate Athletic Association (BUCAA) alongside Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro and the Provincial Youth, Sports and Development Office that was held at the Baliwag Star Arena, City of Baliwag, Bulacan yesterday.
Grateful for the warm and enthusiastic start of BUCAA, Fernando also reminded the 32 collegiate and university participants to approach sports with passion and sincerity and to give their best effort in the upcoming games.
“Maglaro kayo nang may puso. Ipakita ninyo ang pagmamahal ninyo sa sports. Tandaan niyo, ang tagumpay ay hindi lamang nakikita sa medalya, sa maiuuwing premyo o sa tropeyo na inyong nakamit. Sinasalamin din natin ang masasayang alaala at mga kaibigang mabubuo ninyo sa kumpetisyong ito. Enjoy every game, give it all—win or lose,” Fernando said.
Meanwhile, for the BUCAA opening cheerdance competition, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Maria Campus clinched the champion title, securing a grand prize of P200,000, a trophy, and individual medals. Other notable teams included Bulacan State University – Meneses Campus in 1st place with P150,000 and a trophy, Dalubhasang Politekniko ng Lungsod ng Baliwag in 2nd place with P100,000 and a trophy, and Academia de San Lorenzo Dema-Ala, Inc. in 3rd place with P60,000 and a trophy.
Special awards were also given to Richwell Colleges who won Best Uniform for Basketball Team and Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Maria Campus who won Best Uniform for Cheerdance Team, each receiving P20,000; while Charmaine Alexis Cruz of Bulacan State University – Meneses Campus won 1st Place for Best Muse along with P20,000 cash prize, Jolina Andan of Marian College of Baliwag in 2nd place and got P10,000, and Ma. Christina Dreu of Dalubhasang Politekniko ng Lungsod ng Baliwag in 3rd Place and took home P5,000.
Also present in the opening event were Baliwag City Mayor Ferdinand V. Estrella, Board Members Casey Tryone E. Howard, Romina D. Fermin, Lee Edward V. Nicolas, Romeo V. Castro, Jr., and Cezar L. Mendoza, Governor’s Office Chief of Staff, PYSDO OIC and Tournament Director Atty. Nikki Manuel Coronel, Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office Head Atty. Jayric L. Amil and Provincial Public Affairs Office Head Katrina Ann Bernardo-Balingit. ###