“Kami naman!” [Our turn!]

After nearly four decades of dreams and unyielding fight, the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) Tigers roared with all their might in the 38th regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Eastern Visayas Meet, held on December 8-13 at the Northwestern Samar State University (NwSSU) grounds.

With relentless waves of determination and unwavering spirit, the BiPSU Tigers etched their name in history, claiming their first SCUAA crown—a momentous achievement that crowned years of perseverance and hard work.

The Tigers’ supremacy was evident in the final and official medal tally. In total, BiPSU amassed 163 medals (69 golds, 52 silvers, and 42 bronzes), solidifying their dominance and proving their excellence in various sports disciplines.

BiPSU topped the standings with an impressive 69 gold medals, outshining their closest rival, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), who secured 67 golds. This remarkable performance underscored their position as this year’s region’s leading athletic powerhouse.

This victory is even more extraordinary when compared to BiPSU’s performance in the 37th SCUAA Eastern Visayas Meet just a year prior. During that event, BiPSU ranked a modest 8th place, earning only 17 gold medals, 51 silvers, and 49 bronzes—a far cry from this year’s commanding reign. Their dramatic leap to the top of the standings within a year is a testimony to the university’s renewed commitment to athletic excellence, rigorous preparation, and the unrelenting drive of its athletes and coaches.

Tigers’ journey to this triumph was no easy feat. Competing against seasoned teams, they faced immense pressure and doubts; yet they continued to rise, displaying resilience and teamwork that mirrored the values of their community.

At the heart of this victory is a leader who believed in his student-athletes from the very start. BiPSU President Dr. Victor Cañezo, Jr. was more than just a figurehead—he was the Tigers’ loudest cheerleader and their most steadfast supporter. From day one of the competition until the final event, Dr. Cañezo was present, his presence a constant source of encouragement and inspiration for the athletes.

“He was there every day, cheering us on, visiting us, and making sure we were okay,” shared Rica Roble, BiPSU Arnis Tigress. “Pres. Vic was the only president who went out of his way to check on us, to ask how we were feeling, and to boost our morale. That meant the world to us.”

This level of commitment set Dr. Cañezo apart as a transformative leader. His strategic focus on BiPSU sports was not limited to infrastructure and scholarship grants; it extended to building a culture of trust, unity, and mutual support. His hands-on approach empowered the institution’s 437 delegations to aim higher, train harder, and believe in the impossible.

“This victory is for every BiPSUnista who believed in our student-athletes and for those who came before us,” shared Dr. Cañezo. “It’s not just a win for the Tigers but a celebration of our university’s indomitable spirit.”

Moreover, this remarkable turnaround was made possible through the visionary directorship of Engr. Carmel Sigrid Docallos, BiPSU Sports and Athletics Services director, at an arm’s length with the burning dedication of the coaches, school deans and program chairpersons. Together, they orchestrated a meticulous plan, ensuring the athletes were well-prepared, disciplined, and ready to take on any challenge. Their expertise and commitment laid the foundation for the Tigers’ rise from underdogs to champions.

The support staff, often working behind the scenes, likewise played a vital role in securing that every student-athlete’s needs were met. From managing logistics to providing medical support and keeping the team’s morale high, their efforts were integral to the Tigers’ success.

This championship was more than a medal count. BiPSU’s rise is a story of redemption and persistence. It’s a tale that rolls with the entire institution, proving that dreams, when pursued with tireless tenacity, can become reality.

For the BiPSU Tigers, it was an opportunity to demonstrate their grit and toughness, not just on the field but as a community united in spirit and purpose.

The 38th SCUAA VIII Meet brought together athletes from state universities and colleges across the region, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship. This includes the Visayas State University (VSU), Leyte Normal University (LNU), University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), Samar State University (SSU), Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), University of the Philippines Tacloban College (UP Tacloban), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) and our very dear BiPSU.

As the final whistle blew, the BiPSU Tigers had not only claimed their first SCUAA championship but had also ignited a wave of celebration and inspiration. The 38-year wait was finally over, and with Dr. Cañezo at the helm, this triumph became a testament to what can be achieved when leaders and their communities stand together.

The roar of the Tigers now echoes as a symbol of unity, perseverance, and the promise of even greater victories to come. BiPSU has arrived, and this is only the beginning of their legacy.