CAGAYAN DE ORO City — Mindanao State University (MSU) has kicked off its 65th founding anniversary and the MSUSAA Unity Games 2026, bringing student-athletes, faculty members, and university officials together for a week of competition and campus celebration.
Dubbed “SiKKKlab 2026,” the athletic meet opened Sept. 1 and will run through Sept. 8 at the MSU Main Campus Oval Grounds and University Sports Complex.
Delegations from across the MSU System arrived in Marawi City for the system-wide competition, with the opening marked by the Grand Parade of Delegates featuring colorful uniforms, chants, and campus performances.
The parade was followed by the Rawaten Cultural Extravaganza, showcasing regional choreography, institutional performances, and martial arts exhibitions.
Defending champion MSU-General Santos made an early mark, winning the Best in SALUDO March award while sporting its signature magenta and white colors.
The formal opening rites included the Oath of Sportsmanship and Oath of Technical Officials, before the ceremonial lighting of the urn officially ignited the games.
MSU-MCEST Superintendent Jamaloden A. Basar, chair of the organizing committee, formally declared the competition open.
Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Matthew P. Gaston, BARMM Sports Commission Executive Director Salihwardi B. Alba, and MSU System President Paisalin P. D. Tago also delivered messages of support during the ceremony.
The Unity Games form part of MSU's 65th anniversary celebration, themed “MSU @ 65: Kultura, Kahusayan, at Kaunlaran Tungo sa Isang Inklusibong Pamantasan.”
The anniversary also highlighted MSU's academic expansion, with the university pre-launching three initiatives: the Lake Lanao Research Institute, Institute of Bangsamoro Studies and Policy Research, and Mindanao Law Institute.
Sports competitions will continue across MSU's venues until Sept. 8, as campuses battle for system-wide supremacy while celebrating unity, culture, and excellence.
