DACS Season 63 Sports, Cultural Events Kick Off at ADDU SHS
The Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School (ADDU SHS) opened the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) Basic Education Department Season 63 Sports and Cultural Events on 19 October 2026 at its Bangkal Campus, with school leaders reminding delegates that the season is about community and the formation of youth, not victory alone.
Held under the theme “Forming Champions and Creative Witnesses: A New Horizon of Hope through DACS Sports and Cultural Encounters,” the opening program gathered delegates from member schools for a day that began with worship and ended with the awarding of winners.
Opening ceremonies
The Ateneo Blue Bandelles welcomed delegates on arrival. They then gathered at the Christ the King Chapel for the Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Eric Escandor, SJ.
The Parade of the Athletes with School Heads followed, also led by the Ateneo Blue Bandelles. The preliminaries came next, with the presentation of the colors, the prayer, and the national anthem.
Dr. Gina L. Montalan, University Vice President for Basic Education, delivered the opening remarks and set the tone for the season.
“We come together not merely as individual schools competing for victory, but as a united community bound by shared mission in Catholic education, collaboration, and holistic formation of our youth,” said Dr. Montalan.
One representative from each participating school then took part in the school flag raising and the lighting of the torch, marking the start of another season of faith and competition. Delegations came from schools such as Assumption College of Davao, Holy Cross College of Sasa, Philippine Women’s College of Davao, San Pedro College, Stella Maris Academy of Davao, and the University of Immaculate Conception, together with host school ADDU Senior High School.
The DAVRAA Boys, together with Coach Jess Evangelio and Coach Ion Angeles, delivered the Message of Solidarity. Coach Evangelio spoke on what makes student-athletes special.
“For me, student-athletes are special because at such a young age you are already learning how to balance two important responsibilities: academics and sports,” he said. He added that he constantly reminds student-athletes to give their best, but that what matters most is the person they become.
Mr. Al Damag, a silver medalist in Men’s Basketball at Palarong Pambansa 2026 representing ADDU SHS, led the Oath of Sportsmanship. Then, Dr. Joan Grace Palconit, ADDU Senior High School Principal, formally declared DACS BED Season 63 open.
To celebrate the official opening, performing clubs under the ADDU SHS Arts and Culture Office took the stage with band and dance performances, setting a lively tone for the competitions that followed.
Cultural events throughout the day
The Battle of the Bands at the Gymnasium opened the cultural events, with student bands from the participating schools taking the stage. Delegates took a lunch break afterward before the competitions resumed.
The rest of the day ran on two venues at once. At the SHS Gymnasium, Folk Dance opened the block, followed by Dancesport, Danza en Cuatro, Hiphop Megacrew, and Cheerdance. At the Admin Lobby, Vocal Solo and Vocal Duet competitions ran alongside the dance events.
An intermission number by La Aguila Gymnastica Philippines was staged before the Awarding Ceremony at the Gymnasium, which closed the day.
Preparations leading up to opening day
Ahead of the opening, participating schools took part in blocking and rehearsal sessions at the Gymnasium. Blockings for Hiphop, Danza en Cuatro, and Dancesport were held on 14 October, followed by Cheerdance and Folk Dance blockings on 15 October. Battle of the Bands rehearsals took place on 16 October.
Participating schools were assigned rooms in Buildings C and D of the campus, and audience attendance at the Gymnasium was capped at 30 per school, excluding competing participants.
