CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Student-athletes from 10 municipalities are competing this week for spots in the 2026 South Cotabato Provincial Athletic Association (SCPAA) Meet, which opened at the Norala Sports Complex on Sept. 9.
The multi-day meet will determine athletes who will represent the province in regional and, eventually, national sports competitions.
The opening program featured a parade of municipal delegations, school drum and lyre corps, and the hoisting of the provincial athletic banner.
Schools Division Superintendent Leonardo M. Balala declared the meet open and urged athletes to work for excellence both in sports and academics.
Balala cited recent improvements in the Philippines’ performance in international student assessments as a sign that the country’s education system is improving.
He also challenged student-athletes to pursue achievements beyond the classroom.
“Filipino athletes should not only excel in academic activities,” Balala said. “We must also lead in extracurricular activities like this sports competition.”
Athlete A. Fanoficial lit the SCPAA Friendship Urn, while Sham Grey H. Lopez led the athletes in the Oath of Amateurism. Education Program Supervisor Alex F. Floro administered the oath for technical officials.
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Levi B. Butihen and Norala Mayor Clemente B. Fedoc delivered welcome remarks.
Local officials, sports coordinators, disaster response personnel, medical teams and law enforcement officers were also deployed to support the competitions and ensure venue safety.
