All-Univ Intrams ‘26 kicks-off
By Kate Giordan Flores
Silliman University (SU) administrators encouraged the student-athletes to choose peace, kindness, and humility when confronting heated games during the 2026 All-University Intramurals.
SU President Betty Cernol-McCann and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research addressed hundreds of Sillimanians during the opening program at the Cimafranca Ballfield on Sunday, Feb. 15.
In her inspirational message, McCann reminded the students to uphold values integrated in this year’s theme “Embracing Christ’s Peace, Cultivating Care, and Revisioning Excellence.”
“When there is a close game, a tough call, a missed shot, and in those moments, the real victory is not just scoring the next point. It is choosing calm over anger, grace over pride, humility over ego,” she said.
Despite being opponents in games, McCann also told them to look after each other.
“Care transforms competition into community, and when we talk about excellence, we are not simply talking about winning championships,” she stressed.
She furthered, “At the end of this intramural season, the trophies will actually matter less than the friendships formed, the discipline you built, and the character shaped along the way.”
Meanwhile, Bautista coined her message on the Bisaya phrase “dili ko pikon” (I am not short-tempered), urging them to instill values such as discipline, kindness, and integrity.
“Noble intentions embody dignity, respect, and graciousness in both winning and losing,” she said.
Intrams’ 26 commence amid controversy
The Intramural games were officially opened following a torch lighting ceremony and declaration led by Athletics Department Director Dionesio Piñero II.
This, despite controversies surrounding the Senior High School’s (SHS) removal from the annual event after a last-minute decision made by the deans last Feb. 10.
According to Piñero, they affirmed the move to exclude SHS after consulting with the tournament managers, noting that a “non-bearing” participation was considered but would affect the number of games plotted for competing colleges.
Moreover, the SU Student Government Sports and Recreation Committee confirmed the return of lawn tennis this year, alongside some venue changes in Cheerpop competition and closing program.
The Intramural games span from Feb. 16 to 21 with events being held on and off-campus.
