The Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) kicked off its 54th season with 15 participating schools on Saturday, September 30, at the Chiang Kai Shek College.
The opening program commenced with the Parade of Athletes introducing the participating schools, colleges, and universities, including Centro Escolar University, Assumption Antipolo, Assumption College San Lorenzo, De La Salle-Santiago Zobel School, La Salle College Antipolo, and Miriam College.
Along the lineup are Philippine Women’s University, San Beda College-Alabang, St. Paul College Pasig, St. Scholastica’s College, St. Jude Catholic School, St. Stephen’s High School, University of Asia and the Pacific, University of Santo Tomas – Angelicum, and host Chiang Kai Shek College.
It was then followed by the welcoming remarks of the President of the WNCAA Board of Trustees, Dr. Juanita Alamillo, expounding the season’s theme, “WNCAA reignites @54”.
As Dr. Alamillo expressed, it is about rekindling sports to give new light and reigniting the passion of people.
“Like other human activities, sports is about winning people together,” she added.
Ms. Maria Vivian Perea Manila, the Chairperson of the WNCAA Board of Trustees, introduced the guest speaker of the event, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs, and Communication, Margarita Gutierrez.
In her speech, Usec. Gutierrez emphasized breaking barriers as she believes it takes a lot for women to excel in society and inspiring young women to embrace their profession is a part of it.
The guest speaker also mentioned that studying in an all-girls institution, St. Scholastica’s College has taught her to have courage and conviction that helped her when she was given the opportunity to be an undersecretary.
As she concluded her address, she encouraged the athletes to make waves of change to create a safer and more inclusive community.
Meanwhile, the team captain of the Philippine Women’s University Basketball Team, Mikaela Roces, led the Oath of Sportsmanship.
Afterward, St. Stephen High School presented a vibrant and cultured dance performance, followed by a dynamic and powerful routine from the CEU Pep Squad.
The 54th season of the WNCAA was formally opened by the chairperson, Ms. Maria Manila.
The opening ceremonies ended with a bang through the invigorating number from the 53rd WNCAA Streetdance Champion, CEU Street Squad.
The upcoming game schedules of the CEU Lady Scorpions will be announced by the WNCAA via their social media accounts.
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