BONTOC, Mountain Province – Earlier today, the Provincial Local Government Unit of Mountain Province (PLGU-MP) joined the Mountain Province State University (MPSU) and various stakeholders in the opening of the 2025 Cordillera Administrative Region Association for State Universities and Colleges (CARASUC) Athletic Meet and Culture and the Arts Festival held at the Eyeb Grandstand, Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province.
Gracing the event were Cong. Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr., represented by Atty. Cyphrine Maxcel Dalog-Duclan, Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., represented by Provincial Youth Development Officer (PYDO) Arthur Leonard B. Odsey, Bontoc Mayor Jerome B. Tudlong, Jr., Ifugao State University President(IFSU) Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon, Benguet State University (BSU) President Kenneth A. Laruan, Kalinga State University (KSU) President Joy Grace P. Doctor, Apayao State College President Dr. John N. Cabansag, Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology President Gregorio T. Turqueza Jr., UP Baguio Chancellor Dr. Joel M. Addawe Vice, Sports and Socio-Cultural Directors, Coaches, Officiating officials and student-athletes.
Cue expressed his excitement and gratitude as this is the first time the MPSU would be hosting one of the biggest events in the region, bringing to Mountain Province the diverse talents of the Cordillera through the fusion of sports and culture which he hopes will be a source for a stronger and united CARASUC.
“We are one united CARASUC because individually, we are just a handful of dust, but together, we can be a mountain range, tested by storms and other disasters yet still standing and mighty on its ground,” Cue said.
Meanwhile, the province’s officials also expressed their support and solidarity with the MPSU in the hosting of the regional event.
Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., in his message read by PYDO Odsey, congratulated President Cue and the MPSU for bringing the CARASUC to Mountain Province and cheered the delegates, highlighting the importance of the event as a powerful agent for cultivating progress through sports, culture, and the arts.
“In essence, sports, culture and the arts are transformative in many good ways. Ultimately, they bring about the progress of the human mind and spirit – and these are what young people and our communities sorely need today,” Odsey said.
Moreover, Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr., represented by Atty. Cyphrine Maxcel Dalog-Duclan added that the transformative power of sport and the arts comes from how these inspire people and foster the development of character, empathy, and self-control, which is essential to an individual’s social and emotional growth.
“As we open this CARASUC meet today, let us encourage sportsmanship and collaboration, as well as boosting social interaction and general well-being at school and in the larger community. Let us celebrate the spirit of athleticism, culture and the arts, teamwork, and friendship as we witness the dedication and hard work of our students,” Duclan said.
In addition, Mayor Tudlong welcomed the delegates to Bontoc, encouraging them to take time to explore the beauty of the town and experience the food, products and hospitality of the Bontoc people.
“Please consider our place your second home, and may this be a chance to forge lasting bonds beyond the confines of the sports arena, allowing us to renew friendships as one Cordilleran Community,” Tudlong said. By MP-PIO
