by Jo Andrei Bonite, SILAHIS
THIS YEAR’S Institute Palakasan kicks off with a torch lighting ceremony on October 26, 2019, in front of the Institute gymnasium. As is the tradition, the ceremony marks the beginning of the annual Palakasan and symbolizes the unity of the seven colleges in aiming for sportsmanship and camaraderie.
The lighting ceremony is participated in by the Kataastaasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA) President Hanz Jude Ambalong, the seven college governors: Cris Gel Arcadio of the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM), Philip Espina of the College of Computer Studies (CCS), Adin Jhon Ligsanan of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), Hannah Rose Respecia of the College of Engineering and Technology (COET), Francheska Manhot of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), Hosanah Sheminith Rafanan of the College of Education (CED), Christen Gold Aguilar of the College of Nursing (CON), and the Vice Chancellor for Student Services Marie Joy D. Banawa.
Themed Breaking Boundaries Through Unity in Diversity, the Palakasan 2019 features various activities and competitions.
The week-long intramurals began with a foot parade within the campus, and an opening program on October 26.
Several literary and sports events such as Creative Writing, Editorial Cartooning, Sports Writing, Futsal, Volleyball, and Frisbee are in full swing; preliminary games were held in advance on October 23.
Special events and culture and arts performances take place in the evenings. Opening night of Palakasan 2019 on October 26 saw performances of the Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) and the Echoes Band at the Institute gymnasium.
This was followed by the College Heroes Contest featuring Mindanao mythological deities and noble figures such as CSM’s Musang, CASS’ Asog Libulan, CED – IDS’ Amihan, CBAA’s Anitun Aguila, CON’s Lakan Danum, COET’s Raha Kalayo, and CCS’ Matunggaw.
Candidates for the Mr. and Ms. IIT pageant were also introduced, presented their advocacies, and performed their production number.
The official pageant proper happens on October 29 at the Institute gymnasium.
The Palakasan 2019 concludes on October 30 with Awarding and Closing Ceremonies.