CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – The Bagsik Bugsok is back!
The whole Samar State University (SSU) community is in full palaro mode as it officially opened the SSU Palaro 2025: Championing Sports Values, Playing for a Greater Purpose. The festivities and games are spearheaded by the Sports Development Program (SDeP) headed by its Director Dr. Randy E. Pacadaljen.
This year’s Palaro games was kicked off with an opening ceremony at the SSU Grounds, participated by students, athletes, coaches, and unit officials from various participating units, including the College of Industrial Technology (Unit 1), College of Arts and Sciences (Unit 2), College of Engineering (Unit 3), College of Education (Unit 4), SSU Mercedes Campus (Unit 5), SSU Paranas Campus (Unit 6), SSU Basey Campus (Unit 7), College of Nursing and Health Sciences (Unit 8), and Samar Island Institute of Medicine (Unit 9).
SSU’s Vice-President for Student Affairs Dr. Gina U. Españo, opened the ceremony with a welcome remark, followed by the hoisting of the University Banner and raising of Unit Banners by the respective Unit Sport Coordinators and representatives.
In his inspirational message, University President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia mentioned the relevance of SSU’s core values—Leadership, Excellence, Discipline, Service— ground and guide the University’s annual hosting of the Palaro games.
“As a transformative University, SSU recognizes the value of sports and its impact to character development. Through athletics and extracurricular activities, we shape lifelong skills, strengthen values, and build resilient, well-rounded individuals who play with purpose . . . [A]s we keep the spirit of LEDS alive within us and as we nurture the sports values, let us remember that the most powerful expression of these values comes not from medals or scores, but from the purpose behind our participation. This is the true essence of our annual PALARO,” President Palencia echoed.
Following this message, the Palaro Urn was publicly lit by the SDeP Director Dr. Pacadaljen, Yvo Jairus Tan, National SCUAA 2025 Archery Gold Medalist, and the Sepak Takraw National SCUAA 2025 varsity athletes. In the same vein, Mr. Tan also led the Oathtaking of Amateurism among all participating student-athletes.
The opening ceremony was concluded with President Palencia’s declaration of 2025 Palaro, and presentations of Arnis Anyo and Taekwondance, before proceeding with today’s official games.
The days-long sports events will feature various games, including basketball, volleyball, sepak takraw, chess, table tennis, and badminton. Good luck, players!