Over 2,000 delegates grace ASCU-SN Summer Olympics

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

Batac CITY—Scattered rain showers did not stop over 2,000 delegates from the 23 state universities and colleges in Regions I, II, III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region to show their strength and will power to join the 2019  Association of State Colleges and Universities-Solid North (ASCU-SN) Summer Olympics held at the Mariano Marcos State University main campus in this city on May 7-10, 2019.

In her welcome speech, MMSU President Shirley Agrupis, also the incoming president of ASCU-SN, said she is delighted to see the largest gathering of inter-regional groups of state colleges and universities in the country which aims to foster solidarity and promote health and wellness among employees and the communities they serve.

“Even Mother Nature is excited to have you here. In the past weeks, the heat was almost unbearable and so were very happy when it rained a few days back and we started praying for the rain to stop.  Over the years, we realized there is something more to geography that brings us all together and that is our collective character, common vision and the solid, lasting and invaluable friendships we have forged over the years,” said Mrs. Agrupis citing her unforgettable experience when she was unanimously elected as vice president of ASCU-SN, in her first time to attend such gathering.

With this year’s theme “Igniting the Amianan Spirit,” Mrs. Agrupis underscored that people in this northern Philippines have a strong leadership if we trace back history of producing former Philippine presidents who trace their roots within the so-called “amianan” or solid north.

As the incoming president of ASCU-SN, Mrs. Agrupis hopes to strengthen the solid north’s common vision and goals in harmonizing various academic and research programs of the member colleges and universities from the four regions.

“Maybe it’s high time that we unify our teaching materials and other programs,” she said as she expressed excitement of the number of delegates which doubled compared to last year.

Every year, Dr. Eduardo T. Bagtang of Kalinga State University, also the outgoing president of ASCU-SN said the event is also a way of benchmarking activity among its members and learn from the experiences and best practices of each other.

“We hope that we will remain solid and for all employees to be aware about the value of having a healthy mind and spirit,” said Mr. Bagtang.

Aside from sports and cultural events, ASCU-SN is also engaged in academic, research, and other activities of mutual benefit to its member-institutions.