𝑷𝑯𝑬𝑳𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑻 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝑶𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒚𝒎𝒃𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝑹𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝑻𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔

J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) officially marked the opening of this year’s Sports and Socio-Cultural Festival—PHELEMET 2025—on April 8, 2025, at the Main Campus in Mati, San Miguel. The Sports and Socio-Cultural Committee organized the festival, with Sports Director Dr. Buena D. Calunsag and Socio-Cultural and Performing Arts Director Mr. Joseph B. Salimbangon leading the initiative. The event, running from April 7 to 11, embraces the theme: “PHELEMET: Padayon (Continue), Pamagap (Tolerance), Ghepesalabuk (Unity),” reflecting the values of perseverance, respect, and solidarity.

President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales delivered an inspiring message during the ceremony, describing the festival as the most awaited activity among tertiary students—an opportunity for them to showcase their talent, beauty, prowess, and skills. Moreover, he expressed his commitment to helping students develop their abilities, stating, “As the President of J.H. Cerilles State College, I am challenged to provide more sports facilities,” a statement that reinforces his goal of sending more athletes and cultural participants to national competitions.

Hon. Rosela E. Patigayon, San Miguel Municipal SB Member and former JHCSC faculty member graced the occasion as the guest of honor, representing Mayor Hon. Ex D. Ocapan. In her message, she emphasized that the event goes beyond games and competitions—it is a celebration of unity, strength, camaraderie, and the opportunity to learn life’s most valuable lessons.

The opening program commenced with a parade and “saludo” performed by the participating teams: Blue Wolves (School of Teacher Education), Yellow Tigers (School of Arts and Sciences), Green Bulls (School of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Studies), Red Dragons (School of Engineering and Technology), White Serpents (School of Nursing & Pagadian BSIT), and Pink Panthers (School of Business and Management & SOCJE-BSCrim).

A series of symbolic rites preceded President Rosales’ official declaration of PHELEMET 2025’s opening. The hoisting of the JHCSC and delegates’ banners marked a proud display of identity and unity. This was followed by the Oath of Sportsmanship, emphasizing integrity and fair play among athletes; the Officiating Officials’ Oath, reinforcing their role in upholding the spirit of the games; and the Lighting of the Friendship Flame, symbolizing camaraderie and a burning passion for excellence.

Adding color and energy to the event were the Sashing of Official Candidates for Mr. and Miss PHELEMET 2025 and the thrilling Bench Yelling and Power Dance Competitions, where participants poured their hearts into dynamic performances that showcased school pride and teamwork.

The event also highlighted JHCSC’s academic achievement through the presentation of the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) for its BS in Civil Engineering (BSCE) and BS in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BSABE) programs under the School of Engineering and Technology. This milestone reflects the institution’s dedication to academic quality, complementing the celebration of sports and culture.

As the days of competition continue, each event stands as a celebration of unity, camaraderie, and mutual respect—true to the enduring spirit of PHELEMET.