“This occasion allows us to demonstrate and give what we have for the sake of DSWD Region 7. Bring the level of interest to our day to day service, sigurado gyud ko nga nindot ang mabuhat sa DSWD region 7 tungod kay ang tanan nagpakabana (DSWD region 7 will produce a good outcome because everyone shows deep concern),” Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero emphasized in her welcome speech during the SportsFest 2025.
Held at Area Vocation and Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II in Labangon Cebu City, this annual Sportsfest is the opening salvo of the weeklong celebration of DSWDs’ anniversary.
The day consisted of sports, games, and other activities that enjoined the staff in a friendly competition.
The celebration of the Holy Mass at the office started the event, which the staff members attended. After which, the motorcade going to the AVRC II followed.
The different teams included the Green Team, composed of staff from the Office of the Regional Director (ORD), the Policy and Plans Division (PPD), the Disaster Response and Management Division (DRMD), and the Innovations Division (ID); the Blue Team comprised the Protective Services Division (PSD), Commission on Audit (COA), and from Centers and Institutions (formerly Yellow Team); the Red Team is from Promotive Division and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino (4Ps) Division; and the Orange Team, which comprises the Administrative Division, General Administration and Support Services Division (GASSD), Human Resource Management and Development Division (HRMDD), Finance Management Division (FMD), and Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC).
A team of LGBTQ+ staff brought the house down with their surprise basketball game, which even had ARDA Lee and ARDO Cantero joined when they were up against the DSWD basketball team of players with towering heights.
The Mr. and Ms. DSWDlympics showcased beauty and brains. Red team representatives Gerald Louis Rabaya and Analy Janaban brought home the crowns for this year’s title. Rodel Duarte and Wenilyn Sabalo of the Green Team emerged as the first runners-up; Romnick Emmanuel Balasabas from the Orange Team and Ma. Jessa B. Labra of the Blue Team came out as the second runners-up; Carl Lester Alamin Lanit of the Blue Team and Jolina Micah Muring of the Orange Team turned up third runners-up.
Different Filipino games of takyan (sipa), tug-of-war, and the battle of the brains, among others, followed the DSWDlympics.
The day ended with a bang, as each team brought the stage to life with their grand musical dance presentation. The Green Team emerged victorious with their breathtaking and explosive Moana dance interpretation. The Orange group came second with their energetic and fast-paced dance of Shrek. The Red team in third place performed their nostalgic and fun portrayal of the 70s hit Grease. The Blue team, in fourth place, was a delight to see with their vibrant storytelling of Encanto through their song and dance.
One of the highlights of the DSWD 74th anniversary opening salvo was the Mr. and Ms. DSWDlympics, where representatives from the blue, red, green, and orange teams showcased their skills, poise, athleticism, and confidence in the production number, sports mimetics, and the Final Question and Answer portion.
“It was deserving, dili malalis (unquestionable),” said Arda Lee to the Green Team after their win.
Aside from staff, other government agencies like the Philippines Statistics Authority that offered its services, Philhealth for the Konsulta enrollment, and the IPI company, who shared some of their wellness products.
The musical dance competition grand winner will perform during the Panata Ko and Praise Awards ceremonies, which culminate the DSWD 74th-anniversary celebration that carries the theme “Bawat Pamilya ay Mahalaga sa Bagong Pilipinas.” ###
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