From top regional contenders, the “best of the best” team and solo athletes of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) nationwide converged in Cebu City from June 25 to 27, 2025, for the weeklong National Social Welfare Employees Association of the Philippines (SWEAP) Sportsfest.

Hosted by DSWD Field Office VII, the event took place at the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II, which served as the venue for over 200 athletes competing in various sports events, including chess, table tennis, volleyball, and basketball.

This inaugural Sportsfest aims to redefine employee engagement through an inclusive program that promotes well-being, strengthens relationships, and fosters teamwork and resilience.

The opening ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, was led by SWEAP President Rolly Laganga; DSWD Assistant Secretary for Policy and Plans and Mutual Benefit Association Inc. (MBAI) Chairperson Rodolfo Santos, and Assistant Regional Directors for Administration Tonyson Luther Lee (Field Office VII) and Tristan Telen (Field Office Caraga).

Santos, in his inspirational message, said the event, being the first of its kind in the department’s history, is just one of the innovations the department is pushing as it aims to be the best department in the government.

“As we conduct this first-ever national sportsfest, let us remember that this is the first in the long history of the Department (of Social Welfare and Development), and of course, this is worth remembering forever in our lives,” he said.

“The competition we will be participating in will challenge us to be, once again, the [best we can be]. And all of these things that we do is to promote the well-being of all Angels in Red Vests,” he added.

The players are divided into team clusters with field Offices (FO) 1, 2, and the Cordillera Administrative Region representing cluster 1; FO 3, NCR, and Central Office representing cluster 2; Field Offices IVA, IVB, and V representing Cluster 3; Field Offices 6,7, and 8 for Cluster 4, and Field Offices 9, 10, 11, 12, and Caraga for Cluster 5.

The opening ceremony concluded with a welcome dinner for all the athletes and delegates with the Miss SWEAP 2025.

Meanwhile, the Visayas cluster showcased its prowess by clinching top spots in various events, including basketball and Miss SWEAP 2025, where FO VII’s Analy Janaban outshone five other candidates.

Janaban earned several awards, including “Miss IPI,” “Best in Sportswear,” and Best in Production Number.

Ms. Jennens Rozano Bantilan of FO Caraga earned the 1st Runner-up title and the Best in Sports Mimetics award, while Ms. Concepcion Lasota from FO CALABARZON was named 2nd Runner-up, and Ms. Mizpah Sarah Bautista from FO VI secured 3rd Runner-up.

The three-day sportsfest wrapped up with a fellowship and awards night at Montebello Hotel on Friday, June 27. ###