A burst of color, energy, and school spirit swept across the UNP Oval as the annual Intercolor Games and Culture & Arts Festival (IGCAF) officially opened on October 19, 2026, bringing students together in a spirited celebration of athletic excellence, artistic expression, and camaraderie.
Anchored on the theme, “UNP United: Where Sports, Culture, and Arts Ignite Excellence,” the week-long festivity opened with palpable excitement and enthusiasm as nine participating units gathered to showcase their competitive spirit, talents, and unity. The celebration brings together students from various colleges and academic units, highlighting the University’s commitment to excellence in sports, culture, and the arts while promoting camaraderie and healthy competition.
The participating units are Unit 1 – Dragon Hearts, comprising the College of Nursing and College of Health Sciences; Unit 2 – Golden Legions, representing the College of Communication and Information Technology and College of Public Administration; Unit 3 – Nine-Tailed Fox, composed of the Laboratory Schools, College of Teacher Education, College of Technology, and College of Architecture and Built Environment; Unit 4 – Eagles, representing the College of Business Administration and Accountancy; Unit 5 – Sovereign Owls, comprising the College of Law and College of Medicine; Unit 6 – Raging Wolves, composed of the College of Criminal Justice Education, College of Social Work, and College of Fine Arts and Design; Unit 7 – Jaguar, representing the College of Engineering; Unit 8 – Red Tigers, representing the College of Arts and Sciences; and Unit 9 – Flaming Flamingos, representing the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Together, these units set the stage for a week of spirited competition, artistic expression, and a celebration of the University’s diverse talents and shared identity.
As a tradition, the grand opening of the 2026 Intercolor Games and Culture & Arts Festival commenced with a vibrant parade of participating units, filling the campus with color, energy, and school spirit. The contingents marched toward the University’s front gate, proceeded along its left wing and through the back gate, before converging at the UNP Oval for the festival’s opening ceremony.
Following the parade, Hon. Rachel Anne Imperial, UNP Student Regent, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing that IGCAF transcends competition by celebrating the discipline of athletes, the passion of performers, and the cultural traditions preserved through the arts. She highlighted that while participants proudly represent their respective units and colors, they remain united by their shared love for learning and their commitment to the University, making the festival a celebration not only of individual talents but also of collective pride and unity.
Hon. Imperial urged participants to look beyond medals, trophies, and recognition by upholding the core values of sportsmanship, respect, camaraderie, and mutual appreciation throughout the competition. She encouraged them to give their best, seize every opportunity to grow, and recognize that victory carries greater meaning when achieved through unity and respect for others.
“Together, we do not simply compete for excellence—we become the excellence that unites us,” she declared, formally welcoming the participants to the festival and calling on them to make the celebration a testament to shared achievement, solidarity, and the pursuit of excellence.
Following Hon. Imperial’s remarks, Dr. Chasen Almazan, Head of the University’s Culture and Arts Program, introduced the participating delegates, presenting each unit through vivid metaphors and motivational descriptions that highlighted their distinct identities, strengths, and competitive spirit.
The ceremony continued with the raising of unit banners, led by the academic deans representing each participating unit. With the banners proudly displayed along the bleacher railings, the opening program shifted to a vibrant field demonstration featuring 3,472 second-year students enrolled in PATHFIT 103. Armed with ruffled hoops in striking shades of red, orange, and yellow, the students delivered a coordinated performance that added color, energy, and spectacle to the festival’s grand opening.
Following the field demonstration, Prof. Joel Arruejo, Head of the UNP Sports Program, introduced Hon. Ryan Luis Singson, incumbent Vice Governor of Ilocos Sur, as the guest of honor and speaker for the opening of the 2026 IGCAF.
Hon. Singson, in his inspirational message, emphasized that excellence is achieved not through individual effort alone but through mutual trust, cooperation, and a shared commitment to a common goal. “Excellence is never achieved by one person alone. It comes from people learning to trust one another and working together toward a common goal,” he said, emphasizing the value of camaraderie and collective action in achieving meaningful outcomes that benefit others.
Beyond the pursuit of medals and trophies, Hon. Singson encouraged students to embrace the courage to accept defeat, the humility to handle victory, and the respect owed to every competitor. He also urged them to treasure the friendships and shared experiences formed during their university years, reminding them that these connections would remain valuable long after graduation. “One day, you will leave these university grounds and begin new chapters of your lives,” he reminded the students, encouraging them to carry the lessons and values they gained at the University into their future endeavors.
The opening ceremony drew the presence of distinguished guests, including Hon. Eva Marie Singson-Medina, former mayor and member of the UNP Board of Regents; Ms. Cara Michelle Tabios; and Mr. Marius Cabudol, with UNP executive officials and other members of the Board of Regents. Their attendance lent significance to the celebration, reflecting the strong support of university leaders and community partners for student engagement and the holistic development of UNP learners through sports, culture, and the arts.
Breaking the succession of high-energy performances was UNP’s Fearless Forecast, which brought humor and lively exchanges to the program. Representatives from the participating units engaged in a spirited battle of witty remarks, playful sarcasm, and good-natured banter, drawing laughter and cheers from the audience while showcasing their confidence, quick thinking, and unit pride.
Reaffirming the spirit of fair play and healthy competition, Ivin Angel Baquiran, a member of the UNP Badminton Varsity Team, led the student delegates in reciting the Oath of Amateurism, committing themselves to uphold sportsmanship, integrity, and respect throughout the festival.
The opening ceremony reached its peak with the ceremonial lighting of the festival torch, led by UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, together with the University’s executive officials and representatives of the nine participating units. Symbolizing unity, excellence, and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship, the torch lighting set the stage for the festival’s official opening, which Dr. Cadorna formally declared moments later. The declaration was followed by a spectacular fireworks display sponsored by Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Hon. Ryan Luis Singson, illuminating the evening sky in a vibrant tribute to the dreams, aspirations, and boundless potential of the University’s young people.
With the festival formally underway, representatives of the nine participating units brought the UNP Oval to life during the Bench Yell Competition, unleashing powerful chants, synchronized cheers, and spirited displays of unit pride.
The grand opening culminated in a lively, party-like jamming session led by the UNP Band, bringing students and guests together in a vibrant atmosphere of music, celebration, and camaraderie as the week-long festival officially began.
Article by Nestor Quilop III.
