BONTOC, Mountain Province – Thousands of athletes, coaches, and officials from the seven state universities and colleges in the Cordillera Administrative Region came together in this capital town for the 2025 Cordillera Administrative Region Association of State Universities and Colleges (CARASUC) Athletic Meet and Culture and Arts Festival.
With the theme, “A United CARASUC: Celebrating Heritage, Cultivating Progress in Sports, Culture, and Arts,” the event kicked off on March 24, 2025, with a grand parade around the streets of Bontoc, culminating at the Eyeb Grounds, where the opening program was held.
Mountain Province State University (MPSU) headed by President Dr. Edgar Cue, welcomed delegations from Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology, University of the Philippines Baguio, Benguet State University, Ifugao State University, Apayao State College, and Kalinga State University.
Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., in his welcome address, warmly welcomed the delegates, emphasizing the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
“This is an opportunity to renew friendships as one Cordilleran community. To all the athletes, may this be a chance to forge lasting bonds beyond the confines of the sports arena,” he remarked.
He also encouraged the participants to explore Bontoc’s rich cultural heritage and scenic attractions, such as the Maligcong Rice Terraces, Mt. Kupapey’s Sea of Clouds, the Alab Petroglyphs, Bontoc Museum, the breathtaking Petawana Falls in Barangay Bayyo, and other tourist destinations in Bontoc.
Likewise, Provincial Youth Development Officer Arthur Leonard Odsey, who represented Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., underscored that Bontoc takes pride in the hospitality and warmth of its people. He further commended MPSU’s leadership for accepting the challenge of hosting the event and acknowledged the vital role of committees and stakeholders in ensuring its success.
Meanwhile, Congressman Maximo Dalog Jr., represented by his Chief of Staff, Atty. Cyphrine Maxcel Dalog-Duclan, shared an inspiring message on the unifying power of sports.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, he stated, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people that little else does. It speaks to the youth in a language that they understand.” He encouraged athletes to seize this opportunity to showcase their talents, learn from one another, and create lasting memories.
The weeklong event features 24 sports competitions, including combat sports, basketball, volleyball, football, track and field, and sepak takraw. Complementing the athletic competition are cultural and arts festivities showcasing traditional Cordilleran dances, music, and visual arts. By Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan
