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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Unigames Season 26 kicks off in Bacolod

Unigames Season 26 kicks off in Bacolod

Published Oct 23, 2025 10:14 pm
THE provincial government of Negros Occidental and city government of Bacolod welcome more than 1,500 athletes and coaches from various universities in the country during the opening of the 26th season of the Philippine University Games (Unigames) this year in Bacolod City. (Capitol PIO)
THE provincial government of Negros Occidental and city government of Bacolod welcome more than 1,500 athletes and coaches from various universities in the country during the opening of the 26th season of the Philippine University Games (Unigames) this year in Bacolod City. (Capitol PIO)
BACOLOD CITY – After a decade, the Philippine University Games (Unigames) returned to this highly-urbanized city for its 26th season hosted by the provincial government of Negros Occidental and co-hosted by the city government.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson welcomed more than 1,500 athletes and coaches from 41 colleges and universities to the province and this city during the opening ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon here on Thursday, Oct. 23.
In his message, Lacson paid tribute to the visionaries who gave life to these traditions and founded the Unigames in 1996 to provide a platform for student athletes to showcase their talents, build character, and foster unity through sports.
“To host the 26th Season of Unigames is to open our doors to the nation’s young athletes who show dedication and drive which reminds us that sports is not just about winning, but about building characters, forging unity, and celebrating the best of Filipino spirit.”
Lacson said that this sporting event has become a movement that embodies the idea of discipline, integrity, teamwork, and excellence – values that are essential not only in sports but also in nation building.
He added that sports have always held a special place in the Philippines, society, and hearts of Filipinos that serves as a powerful unifying force that transcends language, region and belief reminding everyone that in every contest of strength and skill, there lies a deeper pursuit of friendship, respect, and shared pride in being a Filipino.
“To the athletes, may this year’s game inspire you to give your best, to compete with honor and carry forward the spirit of fair play, and mutual respect that define true athleticism.”
Lacson assured full support to the endeavors like the Unigames that promote youth development, health, and national unity. “May the 26th season of Unigames become a memorable celebration of passion, perseverance, and camaraderie,” he said.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, in a message read by City Administrator Mark Mayo, said that hosting the Unigames here marks a milestone in this city’s vision to become a true home for athletes and a center for sports development in the region.
“Today, Bacolod proudly welcomes the Unigames 2025 and all who have come to be part of this celebration of spirit and perseverance,” the mayor said.
Gasataya stressed that sports has a way of uniting people — it speaks a language everyone can understand — of courage, discipline, and heart. “It brings strangers together and turns effort into dream, competition into camaraderie. It reminds us that the real victory is not only in winning, but in the journey that shapes us,” he said.
He said the recent unveiling of the largest covered skatepark in the country, among other sports facilities here, and the soon to be completed Bacolod City Coliseum, reflects one vision – to nurture talent, open opportunities, and make sports a lasting source of pride for this city.
Gasataya said that this gathering stands for resilience, commitment, and the will to keep moving forward. “We believe that when sports thrive, our youth grows stronger with discipline and greater opportunities,” he added.
Alas Pilipinas Angel Canino, a Negrense, led the oath of sportsmanship, with Jay Biñas, badminton tournament manager, for the oath for officials and coaches. Bro. Felipe Belleza, chairman of the Unigames Board, officially declared the opening games.
The province also hosted a Governor’s Night, a welcome dinner-and-fellowship program for delegation heads.
The Unigames Season 26 competitions which will kick off on Friday, Oct. 24, include athletics, badminton, basketball (women’s 3x3 and men’s 5x5), football, futsal, table tennis, taekwondo as well as volleyball and beach volleyball.
All matches will be played in various venues in here, except women’s volleyball and futsal, which will be held at Natalio G. Velez Arts and Sports Center in Silay City, Negros Occidental, and Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, respectively.

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