Samar Colleges, Inc. hosted a send-off program for its delegation participating in the upcoming 2025 National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games on March 31, 2025, at the New Building Grounds. The program was organized by the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), in partnership with the Supreme Student Council (SSC), and was attended by school officials, SSC officers, student-athletes, coaches, and members of the school community.

The eleven (11) student-athletes who will be representing the school and Region VIII in the 2025 National PRISAA Games are Clarice A. Culminas and Jeiross A. Julaton for Vocal Duet; Roland L. Labong for Chess; Karl Matthew A. Abayan, Jeson L. Espera, Gerard Dainelle Peñas, Samantha Faith R. Dioneza, Melisse Franscine D. Parales, Shane Mae V. Pineda, and Sharmaine Lou B. Sapetin for Taekwondo; and Lucky Maundy G. Ebalde for Badminton. They will be accompanied by three (3) coaches: Mr. Jerick C. Cuevas, Mr. John Arnel C. Quitalig, and Mr. Jovan C. Dacutanan.

Their qualification for the national stage follows their outstanding performance at the Regional PRISAA Games held on February 15, 2025.

Mr. Pedro D. Fenellere Jr., Sports Development Programs Coordinator, welcomed the attendees and expressed confidence in the athletes’ ability to represent the institution and the region with pride and excellence. He also introduced the student-athletes and their respective events. He further recognized the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the coaches in guiding and motivating the athletes to reach new heights in their athletic careers.

Dr. Pedrito G. Padilla, Senior Vice President for Academic Programs, delivered a good luck message to the school’s delegation, congratulating them on their achievements and encouraging them to represent the school with pride and excellence. “Everything that you do there reflects what we are here in Samar College,” he said.

Dr. Padilla also shared the institution’s vision for its sports program, revealing that it is part of the school’s midterm plan to send delegation to the SEA Games, stating, “Our hope, by the end of a five-year period, is that one or two of our athletes will represent us in the ASEAN.”

One of the program’s key highlights was the distribution of kits, which contained towels and toiletries, to the delegates. Mr. Jerick C. Cuevas, OIC Dean of Student Affairs and Services, and Ms. Jessalou A. Dy, SSC Adviser, spearheaded the distribution to show support and to make the student-athletes and coaches feel valued as they prepare to compete on the national stage.

In addition to the kits, the school also provided a cash allowance for meals and snacks to ensure that they can focus on their training and competitions, as well as to help them maintain their energy levels and performance throughout their athletic commitments.

The program was made more entertaining by performances from the Rayhak Dance Troupe and the Samar College Chorale, who graced the event with their talents and expressed their best wishes for the delegates.

Also present in the event was Mr. Roque D. Villarin, Director for Campus Communication and External Services, who expressed excitement and optimism for the school’s participation in the National PRISAA Games. Mr. Villarin has been a long-time advocate of fostering holistic development among students through academic and extracurricular activities.

The send-off program concluded with words of encouragement from the SSC President, Ms. Vanny A. Abanag, who expressed her strong belief in the athletes’ abilities and her excitement to see them “shine.” “You carry with you the pride of Samar College, which believes in your potential,” she remarked.

The 2025 National PRISAA Games are set to take place from April 3 to April 12, 2025, in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Province, with participation from various private schools across the country. PRISAA aims to enhance the visibility and prestige of private educational institutions across the Philippines and is committed to nurturing talent, fostering excellence, and creating pathways for student-athletes to excel both locally and internationally.

Since its foundation, Samar Colleges, Inc. has devoted its efforts to promoting and developing the overall well-being of its students by creating diverse programs that go beyond classroom experiences.

Through the formation of its Sports Development Programs under the OSAS, the institution has established a strong avenue for students to showcase their athletic talents and abilities while cultivating essential life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

With these initiatives, Samar Colleges, Inc. remains optimistic about achieving exponential improvements in the institution’s performance in the athletic arena and envisions a bright future for its student-athletes.