๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐น๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ ๐ข๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ, ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐จ๐ฆ๐
A total of 15 colleges, grouped into four competitive units, marched in unity as the highly anticipated Unilympics 2026 officially opened today, May 18, at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Auditorium.
The opening ceremony brought together student-athletes from various colleges and satellite campuses, displaying school pride and sportsmanship as they geared up for a series of athletic competitions.
This yearโs participants were organized into four mythical and symbolic units, each representing its own identity and competitive spirit: Valiant Bakunawa of Unit I, Golden Panthers of Unit II, Obsidian Pythons of Unit III, and Bagani Warriors of Unit IV.
A key moment of the ceremony was the Pledge of Sportsmanship led by Joshua Abraham D. Ferrer, a MASTS 2025 gold medalist, Finals MVP, and captain of the Menโs Volleyball Team.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Officiating Officials Committee Dr. Jomar B. Esto administered the oath for officiating officials, reaffirming their commitment to fairness and integrity in every competition.
The auditorium erupted in cheers as the USM Buffalo team captains lit the ceremonial urn, signaling the official start of the university-wide athletic meet.
In her message, USM Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leorence C. Tandog, highlighted the role of sports in fostering discipline, solidarity, and personal growth among students before formally declaring UNILYMPICS 2026 open.
During an interview, Jerome Jay Kkouz Andus of the Obsidian Pythons shared that their team draws strength from teamwork, discipline, and mutual trust.
โWe may have different skills and experiences, but we share one goalโto represent our college with pride and give our best in every game. To our CBDEM community, thank you for your support and belief in us. Win or lose, we hope to make you proud and embody the true spirit of sportsmanship and unity,โ Andus said.
Carrying the theme โOne USM: Forging Unity, Inspiring Greatness Through Sports,โ colleges and satellite campuses across the university will compete in various sporting events from May 18 to 20.
: Hazel Tampipi
: Rey-Alfrancis Gacias
:Dee Jay Gumaso