𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐨𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

Despite the rain, the opening ceremony of the Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools (MASTS) Sports and Socio-Cultural Friendship Games 2025 was successfully held, bringing together thousands of delegates from state universities and colleges across Mindanao in a grand celebration of camaraderie, talent, and unity.

The momentous event was graced by top provincial officials led by Governor Henry S. Oaminal and Vice Governor Rowena Gutierrez, who expressed pride in hosting this year’s MASTS Friendship Games in Misamis Occidental. Also in attendance were Dr. Nelson Cabral, MASTS President, and presidents of various state universities and colleges across Mindanao who came together to show their full support for the annual gathering.

Among the distinguished participants was J.H. Cerilles State College, headed by College President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales, and 450 delegates, comprising athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff. Their strong presence at the opening rites reflected the college’s commitment to excellence, sportsmanship, and cultural pride.

Governor Oaminal, in his message, lauded the resilience and spirit of the delegates, saying that the rain symbolized blessings for a successful and meaningful week ahead. “Even the rain could not dampen the enthusiasm of Mindanao’s youth. This is a celebration of friendship, unity, and the enduring spirit of Mindanaoans,” he remarked.

The opening program featured the symbolic lighting of the torch, signifying the start of the week-long MASTS 2025 Friendship Games and Socio-Cultural Festival. The event set a tone of optimism and togetherness, highlighting the dedication of each participating institution, especially JHCSC, in promoting academic excellence and the values of teamwork, discipline, and regional solidarity.