The Tarlac State University delegation paraded with high hopes and confidence during the opening ceremony of the 2026 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association III Olympics held this afternoon (February 22) at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.
The pack of maroon and gold was led by University President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco and Sports Development and Management Unit Head Dr. George S. De Vera, composed of 280 athletes, 49 coaches, and 22 officials.
In an interview, Pres. Velasco emphasized the significance of both discipline and love for sports.
“Ang pagkapanalo at pagkatalo ay magbubunga ng 'winning the respect of other coaches and athletes,' dahil ang TSU ay may disiplina at kinakikitaan ng pagmamahal sa iba,” he said.
Pres. Velasco also wishes every athlete to be in good health and have a winning mindset as they compete in their respective sports and disciplines.
“Maglaro nang may puso at disiplina at respeto sa iba at higit sa lahat, magdasal bago maglaro,” he added.
Moreover, Pres. Velasco reminded the TSUian athletes that the goal is not only to win golds and trophies but, most importantly, to win friends.
Meanwhile, this SCUAA III 2026 marks Dr. De Vera's first time leading the TSU delegation in the regional meet.
“Parang summer, like pupunta ka ng beach at alam mo na ‘yong daratnan mo… pero iba ‘yong excitement sa actual at masaya naman tayong tina-tackle ang mga situations,” he said in an interview.
Dr. De Vera also thanked the administration for fully supporting the athletes while hoping for the best outcome for this year's SCUAA III.
“Ibigay lang nila ‘yong best at ipakita ang values na mayroon ang TSU at importante ‘yong character nila ay nagma-manifest sa kanilang bawat action,” he added.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari made her first SCUAA III appearance as a commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education.
Gracing the event as the keynote speaker, Comm. Mallari highlighted the essence of the regional meet, following his year’s theme “Soar with Strength, Spirit, and Solidarity.”
“Ito ay competition ng pagkakaisa. We are 13 SUCs in the region. Ipakita natin ang ating lakas, ang ating disiplina, ang ating kaalaman—pisikal, espiritwal, at solidarity,” Comm. Mallari said.
At the same time, Comm. Mallari expects the regional games to be clean, fair, and square in all aspects to avoid any forms of misunderstandings.
“It’s not about being the first. It is not about the gold medals. It is about winning with pride, winning with honesty, winning with strength, and winning with camaraderie,” she furthered.
Also present during the opening ceremony are CHED Commissioner Dr. Desiderio Apag III, SUC III presidents, and other TSU key officials, namely VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza, VP for Administration Atty. Gherold C. Benitez, VP for Research, Innovation, and Extension Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos, and TSU Supreme Student Council President Brixter Millo.
The Firefoxes already bagged 1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals on the opening day of the 2026 SCUAA III, contributed by athletes from table tennis.
This year’s regional sporting event will run from February 21-27, 2026.
