Story by Mdpwn. Jexine Ysabelle Hibionada and Mdpn. JB Von Abid
Photos by Mdpn. Lee Harvey Gumban and Mdpn. Arvil Desamparado/The Navigator
Dr. Ronald Raymond Sebastian, Western Visayas Private Schools Athletic Association (WVPRISAA) Meet 2026 Chairman and President, and Chief Executive Officer of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University emphasized that "every great achievement begins with a dream; nurtured by passion, strengthened by discipline, and realized through preserverance and innovation," during the opening ceremony of WVPRISAA Meet 2026 at the university gymnasium today.
During his opening remarks, the Chairman affirmed the PRISAA's mission of continuously developing the whole person by fostering not only athletic excellence, but also character, leadership, teamwork, and integrity, for the 1,448 athletes, coaches, assistant coaches, participants and delegation officials from Aklan (111), Capiz (226), Capiz (510), and Iloilo (601) who will be taking part of the WVPRISAA 2026 Meet.
Engr. Richard Kenneth Salas, ILOPRISAA Chairman, and Hon. Johnny Young, Iloilo City Councilor, on behalf of Hon. Raisa Maria Treรฑas-Chu, Mayor of Iloilo City, also gave their welcome remarks rooted in the theme, "Inspiring Dreams, Igniting Passion, Innovating Passion for the Olympics."
The raising of the WVPRISAA banners followed with the lead of the Board of Trustees: Dr. Ma. Lourdes De Leon, Fr. Arnel Dizon, OSA, Rev. Fr. Jose Gualberto Villasis, Dr. George Cortel, Dr. Mark Salvador; Dr. James Montehermoso, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Ive Sta. Ana, Regional Executive Director; and Dr. Christy Laurente. Afterwards was the raising of the provincial banners conducted by the Mutya, delegation heads, and provincial sports coordinators took place.
Dr. Ma. Janelyn Fundal, Provincial Government Department Head, on behalf of guest speaker Hon. Arthur Defensor Jr., Governor of Iloilo Province, stressed the importance of discipline, determination, and the power of sports in shaping character. This was fortified by the inspirational message of Hon. Julienne Baronda, Representative of the Lone District of Iloilo City, who shared the values she learned when she was still a volleyball player and a track and field runner.
Key officers who were instrumental in making the event possible present during the event include Mr. Robert Parcia, MSMM, Co-Chairman; Dr. Arnulfo Distor Jr., Vice President (Aklan); Fr. Edione Febrero, JCL, Vice President (Antique); Very Rev. Fr. Freddie Billanes, Vice President (Capiz); Engr. Richard Kenneth Salas III, Vice President (Iloilo); Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy, Secretary; Dr. Jose Barcelona, Treasurer; and Fr. Arnel Ong, SJ, PIO.
The WVPRISAA 2026 officially commenced after the lighting of torch; oath of sportsmanship by the athletes, coaches, and officials; and the declaration of the opening by Dr. Sebastian.
The opening ceremony was preceded with parade along the road from Tatoyโs Manokan leading up to the university grounds, with officers of the university's Naval Reserve Officer's Training Corps Unit, the Handumanan Marching Band, Ramon Avanceรฑa National High School Drummers, and Tribu Pan-ay Drummers.
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