THE wait is over—venues and schedules for the 2024 Western Visayas RSCUAA Sports Festival and Conference are now set, sparking excitement across Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST). With 20 days to go until the December 15 to 20 event, themed “One Western Visayas: Promoting Peace, Inclusivity, and Well-Being through Sports,” preparations are in full swing for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and shared pride.
The festival will start on Sunday, December 15, with the Opening Parade and Ceremonies at 3 p.m. at the Barotac Nuevo Tamasak Arena, followed by the LGU Night at 7:30 p.m. at the same venue. The solidarity meeting earlier that morning at the ISUFST Main Campus-Poblacion Site Social Hall will set the tone for collaboration among delegates from 13 participating state universities and colleges, including ISUFST as host.
Sports enthusiasts can look forward to a wide array of competitions across venues. Basketball enthusiasts will gather at Barotac Nuevo Tamasak Arena for men’s basketball, while women’s games will take place at the ISUFST Main Campus-Tiwi Site Covered Gym. Volleyball matches are set at ISUFST Main Campus-Tiwi Site Student Center for men, and Brgy. Lico-an Covered Gym in Barotac Nuevo for women. Meanwhile, the ISUFST Dumangas Campus will host the thrilling beach volleyball and softball games.
High-energy sports like athletics, football, swimming, lawn tennis, and table tennis will be held at the Iloilo Sports Complex, while ISATU in La Paz, Iloilo City, will host futsal and pencak silat. For martial arts fans, karatedo and taekwondo will electrify ISUFST’s Tiwi Cultural Center. Brgy. Bungca in Barotac Nuevo Covered Gym becomes the battleground for arnis, and Brgy. Jalaud in Barotac Nuevo hosts 3×3 basketball. Chess enthusiasts will strategize at the ISUFST Main Campus-Poblacion Site Library, while Gaisano City in Lapaz, Iloilo City, serves as the venue for badminton and billiards.
The excitement continues with Sepak Takraw for men happening at the Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School. At the same time, the women’s matches will take place at the ISUFST Main Campus-Poblacion Site Social Hall. Baseball enthusiasts can catch the action at the Anilao National High School, promising thrilling moments for players and spectators alike.
Other highly anticipated events include dancesport at the Tamasak Arena and the inaugural esports competition for Mobile Legends at the ISUFST Main Campus-Poblacion Site Techno Hub, which will bring a contemporary twist to this year’s festival. The week will conclude in spectacular fashion with the closing ceremonies on December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Tamasak Arena. For a detailed schedule, please refer to the attached matrix.
As ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason expressed, “This event goes beyond the competition—it is a true celebration of camaraderie and the shared pride that binds our region. Our school accepted the huge challenge to host RSCUAA 2024 because we want to journey with all SUCs to forge connections, create lasting memories, and leave a legacy of unity as we champion peace, inclusivity, and well-being through the power of sports.”
Aside from host ISUFST, participating universities include Aklan State University (ASU), Capiz State University (CapSU), Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU), Central Philippines State University (CPSU), Guimaras State University (GSU), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU), Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), Philippine Normal University-Visayas (PNUV), State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), University of Antique (UA), University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), and West Visayas State University (WVSU).
“As Western Visayas transitions with the departure of Negros Occidental SUCs following the newly-signed Negros Island law, RSCUAA 2024 is poised to be a heartfelt and historic celebration of history, sportsmanship, and unity,” said General Secretariat Chairperson Dr. Edmer Bernardo. “With everything in place and the collective effort of all involved, this sports festival will stand as a powerful reminder of what the region can accomplish through talent, passion, and solidarity.”| (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)
