ASCU-SN 2025 GAMES OPENS IN LA TRINIDAD; CSU JOINS 24 SUCS IN CELEBRATING ATHLETICISM, CULTURE, AND UNITY OF SOLID NORTH

La Trinidad, Benguet – The 2025 Association of State Colleges and Universities–Solid North (ASCU-SN) Games officially opened today, July 15, at the Benguet State University (BSU) in La Trinidad, Benguet with delegates from 25 participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) from Regions I, II, III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Cagayan State University (CSU) is represented by 219 faculty members, officials, and administrative personnel, led by OIC University President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez. They will be competing in various athletic and socio-cultural events scheduled from July 15 to 18.

Set in the cool highlands of the Strawberry and Rose Capital of the Philippines, ASCU-SN 2025 highlights regional solidarity through sportsmanship, creativity, and collaboration among SUC employees from Northern Luzon.

BSU President Dr. Kenneth A. Laruan formally opened the event by encouraging delegates to engage in the activities with joy and purpose.

"We encourage everyone to pray for the events, not in the spirit of rivalry but of joy and fellowship. Let this be a celebration of recreation, camaraderie, and well-being,” the host president said.

Local and national leaders graced the event. La Trinidad Mayor Roderick C. Awingan, in his welcome message, praised the organizers and noted the value of the event, emphasizing the importance of human connection beyond competition.

"You are not just athletes, you are educators, mentors, and leaders. May this event reconnect you with one another and reinvigorate your purpose as molders of dreams,” said the local chief executive, who also urged the participants to "enjoy not just the sights of La Trinidad, but the meaningful connections you will create.”

Apart from Awingan, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III was also present at the opening program held at BSU's gymnasium.

In his message, he highlighted the broader relevance of the event. "ASCU-SN is more than a celebration of physical strength; it reaffirms collaboration and unity across SUCs. It reminds us that education goes far beyond classroom walls. We thank the leaders of SUCs not only for academic excellence but for supporting the holistic well-being of employees.”

Despite her absence, CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis sent her greetings to the delegates. In a video message, she commended the annual tradition as a platform to strengthen regional identity and academic collaboration.

"This is one of the most anticipated traditions of our alliance, where we not only showcase talents but [also] the spirit of unity and values of the Ilocano people. Let us compete with integrity, and build lasting friendships with compassion and commitment,” the former Mariano Marcos State University President said.

Speaking in both Iloco and English, she also recognized the significant role of SUCs as equalizers in society and as institutions that shape both character and culture.

“Through sports and arts, we teach our communities how to work together, dream bigger, and honor one another, said chair Agrupis, the former president of ASCU-SN.

With the theme “Celebrating Athleticism, Culture, and Unity,” the ASCU-SN 2025 Midyear Sports and Cultural Festival has been a platform to showcase the role of SUCs in promoting wellness, resilience, and nation-building through inclusive, values-based engagement.