𝐉𝐇𝐂𝐒𝐂 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲

The four-day JHCSC Sports Festival 2025 opened with vibrant energy for employees and students, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) through the initiatives of Senator Pia S. Cayetano and Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara. Held from August 27 to 30, 2025, at the Main Campus Gymnasium in Mati, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur, the event was one of the highlights of JHCSC’s 24th Founding Anniversary celebration under the leadership of President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales and Sports Director Dr. Buena D. Calunsag.

The opening ceremony gathered the JHCSC community alongside distinguished guests and college officials, including Dr. Jerry B. Superales, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Resource Generation (VPRERG); Mr. Wilfredo M. Barnido Jr., Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF); Atty. Esther Marie S. Ringon, College Legal Officer; Hon. Glady C. Quirante, Faculty Trustee; and Dr. Trinidad C. Abapo, Main Campus Director. Also present were heads of offices, deans, faculty, and staff. The event was graced by Dr. Maria Judelyn Ramos, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd, Division of Zamboanga del Sur, and Mr. Niño Nuñez, who represented Senator Angara and the PSC.

Representing President Rosales, Dr. Abapo delivered an inspiring message highlighting the values reflected in the games. “Our President, Dr. Rosales, believes that the discipline, teamwork, and perseverance shown in this sports festival reflect the same values we uphold in our greater mission as an institution,” she said. After her address, Dr. Abapo officially declared the sports festival open.

Hon. Michelle Espina-Villanueva, Board Member of the 1st District of Zamboanga del Sur, stressed that sports teach essential life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and resilience. Mr. Nuñez, speaking on behalf of Senator Angara, praised the institution for hosting the festival and expressed ongoing support for its initiatives, assuring that programs promoting sports and youth development would continue in the coming years.

The opening featured the hoisting of the JHCSC banner alongside those of participating campuses, the athlete’s oath led by SCUAA 2025 lawn tennis gold medalist Mr. Andrei Cuevas, and the ceremonial entrance of the friendship torch, culminating in the lighting of the cauldron of peace and unity. Participants competed in lawn tennis, table tennis, volleyball, pickleball, basketball, badminton, sepak takraw, e-games, athletics, chess, and arnis. An invitational intercollegiate basketball game was also held, featuring Southern Mindanao Colleges, Yllana Bay View College, and Saint Columban College.

Capping the four-day celebration, the sports festival stood as a defining highlight of JHCSC’s 24th founding anniversary, showcasing athletic excellence, strengthening bonds across campuses, and reaffirming the institution’s dedication to nurturing both personal growth and community spirit.