24/10/2026
๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐
The University of Eastern Pangasinan (UEP) officially opened the 15th Local Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (LCUAA) National Games 2026 on October 24 at the UEP Football Field in Binalonan, Pangasinan, welcoming delegates from participating institutions for a week of athletic competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.
The opening ceremony brought together local officials, education leaders, LCUAA officials, coaches, and student-athletes in a celebration of athletic excellence and institutional pride.
Binalonan Municipal Mayor Hon. Ramon Ronald V. Guico IV delivered the welcome address, followed by a message of support from Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, CESO III, regional director of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region I, represented by Dr. Virgo C. Lopez, education supervisor II of CHED Region I. Dr. Evelyn Abalos-Tomboc, UEP president, introduced the keynote speaker, Hon. Ramon V. Guico III, governor of the province of Pangasinan, whose keynote address was delivered by Hon. Manuel O. Luis, Jr., provincial administrator.
A highlight of the ceremony was the entrance of the LCUAA flag, carried by Mr. Justin Jerzel C. Soliven, gold medalist at the national event of the 5th Leg Pro-Active Arnis tournament.
The ceremonial torch handover began with Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, CESE, LCUAA executive director, passing the torch to Hon. Ramon Ronald V. Guico IV, municipal mayor of Binalonan, symbolizing the commitment to fair play, unity, and integrity. Mayor Guico then handed the torch to Hon. Manuel O. Luis, Jr., provincial administrator, representing shared leadership, provincial and municipal solidarity, and Pangasinanโs support for the successful staging of the national games.
The ceremony also recognized three Pangasinan prides whose achievements embody excellence and perseverance in sports. Mr. Danny Ildefonso, a two-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Most Valuable Player, built a distinguished 17-year professional basketball career, winning eight PBA championships and earning a place among the leagueโs 40 Greatest Players. Mr. RJ Tamase Brucal, a two-time gold medalist in para-athletics, won gold in the Menโs Under-17 Long Jump T20 event at the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games and secured two gold medals in the long jump and 400-meter run at the Palarong Pambansa 2025. Mr. URL Gerard Daquioag, a decorated badminton athlete, has earned multiple titles in singles and doubles competitions, including championships at the UEP university meet and other local tournaments.
The ceremony also featured the entrance and hoisting of delegatesโ flags, the oath of sportsmanship, and the formal declaration of the gamesโ opening by Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, LCUAA Executive Director.
Guided by the theme โGaling ang Baon, Husay ang Layon,โ UEP proudly welcomes the participating institutions as the Ang Galing spirit takes center stage in Binalonan.
The torch is lit. The games are underway. Let the battle for glory begin!
