01/07/2026
🅔🅨🅔🅢 🅗🅔🅡🅔|| PHSFI Ignites Intramurals 2026 with Spirit of Unity and Excellence
Who will emerge victorious when determination, teamwork, and school pride collide on one playing field? As anticipation reached its peak, Philsaga High School Foundation, Inc. (PHSFI) officially opened the Intramurals 2026 on a rainy day—July 1, 2026, at the PHSFI SAGA Multi-purpose Gymnasium, Bayugan 3, Rosario, Agusan del Sur, carrying the theme, "Hudyaka: One Strength in Diversity, One Vision, One Journey."
The celebration commenced with a lively campus parade led by the PHSFI Drum and Lyre Corps (DLC), whose synchronized rhythms and spirited performance energized the campus as students, faculty, and staff gathered to witness the official opening of this year's Intramurals.
The excitement continued with the Team Yelling Competition, where the competing teams proudly showcased their creativity, unity, and school spirit through synchronized chants, dynamic routines, and thunderous cheers.
“Batang Palaban! Palaban! Palaban! Pusong Palaban sa ano mang laban! Di padadaig sa mga tiguwang!” echoed through the venue as the Grade 7 Yellow Phoenix took the floor as the first team to perform, boldly showcasing their determination and courage to stand their ground against their senior competitors.
When the cheers settled and each team gave their all, the competition reached its first major milestone as the very first gold medal of the Intramurals was awarded to the Grade 9 Orange Lions, whose outstanding performance surpassed the rest and set an enthusiastic tone for the athletic festivities ahead.
The formal opening ceremony began with an invocation, followed by the audio presentation of the Philippine National Anthem, creating a solemn yet inspiring atmosphere for the start of the celebration.
Following these opening rites, School Principal, Mr. Julymar G. Angcog, delivered his welcome address, encouraging every participant to uphold sportsmanship, discipline, and camaraderie throughout the week-long festivities.
"Winning earns applause, but sportsmanship earns respect that lasts far beyond the final whistle," Sir Julymar remarked, highlighting the most important thing for this year's Intramurals —sportsmanship.
To ensure a fair and meaningful celebration, Sports Coordinator, Mr. Mark Neil P. Rufino presented the general guidelines, particularly the age eligibility requirements for players, and emphasized that the event serves as an essential preparation for the upcoming Municipal Athletic Meet—also reminding athletes, coaches, and spectators of the rules and responsibilities that uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship and fair play.
One of the ceremony's most symbolic moments was the Lighting of the Torch, carried out by the school's outstanding athletes—Andrew Sean Pansit and Libe Boyonas, both 2025 Palarong Pambansa Qualifiers in Soccer, alongside Janalyn Inot, Regional Qualifier in Latin Dance Sport, and Jicson Sarno, Regional Qualifier in Standard Dance Sport—representing the passion, perseverance, and excellence that continue to inspire every Philsagan.
The spirit of integrity was further strengthened through the Oath of Sportsmanship, led by Sharlene Duhig, PHSFI Division Meet Qualifier for Table Tennis Girls, reaffirming every participant's commitment to fairness, respect, and honorable competition.
Officially declaring the Intramurals open, the ceremonial toss was performed as the formal opening, marking the beginning of several days of athletic competitions, teamwork, and unforgettable experiences for the PHSFI community.
"As the games unfold, may every athlete remember that while medals recognize excellence, it is sportsmanship, unity, and integrity that leave the most lasting legacy," event hosts—Sir Jeric Dela Cruz, Junior High School (JHS) Vice Principal, and Ma'am Melvie Joy Ygoña, Senior High School (SHS) Vice Principal stated, closing the event and starting the contest proper.
As the torch continues to burn brightly and the cheers echo across the campus, which team will leave its mark in this year's Intramurals?
With every game, every challenge, and every victory, PHSFI once again proves that true excellence is achieved not only by winning, but by standing together as One Strength in Diversity, One Vision, One Journey.
Words by | Melvin Etang, Golden Pen EIC
