Padada hosts schools’ meet

Fr. Gonzales (extreme right) with the coaches, teachers and heads of DDCCS schools. Coaches were taught how to journey with their players towards self-discovery. (Photo athletics.addu.edu.ph)

The Diocese of Digos Commission of Catholic Schools (DDCCS) opening rites was held at the grounds of St. Michael’s School of Padada, Davao del Sur this month.

The parade started after the Holy Eucharist in the morning. Participating delegations included Rogationist Academy, Holy Cross Academy of Digos, Cor Jesu College, Holy Cross of Hagonoy, Saint Mary’s College of Bansalan, Holy Cross of Kiblawan, Saint Mary’s Academy of Sta. Cruz, Holy Cross of Sta. Maria, Holy Cross of Malalag, Holy Cross of Malita, Holy Cross of Matanao, Holy Cross of Cabuyan, Holy Cross of Magsaysay, Holy Cross of Sulop, and St. Michael School of Padada.

With the theme: “Play Justly, Compete Kindly,” delegates gathered at the school’s gymnasium where the program started. Padada Mayor Gladys Razonable-Gascon shared the real meaning of victory. “Dili lang sa victory naay kadaugan, ug dili lang pod sa kadaugan naay victory,” the honorable quipped. She also shared the most important values that must be learned while playing, such as sportsmanship, patience, humility and honesty. “Before we go home to our places and houses, I wish that you’ve learn many values. You’ve gained victory because you’ve gained friends. You’ve gained victory because you applied values in yourselves.”

The urn was lit by the school’s lawn tennis player Jorez Gabriel Pantujan, along with the representatives of the participating schools. Ms. Jonalyn Rosario of Holy Cross of Malita led the oath of sportsmanship. Finally, DDCCS superintendent Fr. Perseus Gonzales,D.C.D. opened the annual sports fest. (Jeefry Yu Abarcar | Padada)