DUMANGAS, Iloilo — Young athletes from across Iloilo's Fourth Congressional District gathered at the ISUFST Open Field for the opening of the 2026 Iloilo Fourth Congressional District Sports Association Meet. Dumangas successfully hosted this year's competition, welcoming delegations from seven municipalities.
A Celebration of Sports Excellence
The meet carries the theme, "Leading the Legacy of Sports Excellence Towards Stronger Home of the Champion." Mayor BJ Biron welcomed the athletes and participants, expressing honor in hosting the district-wide event. He looked forward to days of competition marked by fair play and memorable moments.
Biron called on the young athletes to give their best in every game. He hoped the event would bring participants closer together, fostering camaraderie beyond the playing field. His message set a tone of unity and sportsmanship for the competition.
Seven Towns Compete
Athletes from Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, San Enrique, and Dumangas gathered for the district meet. Each delegation brought its own contingent of young competitors, all eager to showcase their skills and represent their hometowns with pride.
Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque joined the opening program as guest speaker. She praised the athletes for their discipline, perseverance, and determination. She emphasized that champions are not born but made through hard work, pressure, and the courage to keep pushing forward.
Leaders Rally Behind Young Athletes
The opening ceremony drew a distinguished roster of officials. Congressman Ferjenel Biron, Board Members Rolando Distura and Dominic Oso, and Mayors Braeden John Biron, Gian Carlo Niño Fernandez, and Robert Martin Pama attended the event. OIC Anilao Mayor Lyka Joy Gelle was also present.
Education officials joined the celebration, including Dr. Ruby Therese Almencion, SDS Eugenio Mallorca, and the rest of the DepEd Division of Iloilo family. ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason and PGDH-ISDMO Dr. Ma. Janelyn Fundal also graced the occasion.
The presence of vice mayors, Sangguniang Bayan members, and local leaders underscored the community's strong support for youth sports development. Their collective attendance demonstrated a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes.
Building Stronger Athletes and Communities
Debuque stressed that carrying forward the Fourth District's legacy of sports excellence builds not only stronger athletes but also a stronger home of champions. The competition serves as a platform for young Ilonggos to develop discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
The meet also provides an opportunity for athletes to learn from one another. Competing against peers from different towns exposes them to diverse styles and strategies. These experiences contribute to their growth as athletes and as individuals.
Local officials congratulated Dumangas for successfully hosting the event. They also commended all participating delegations for carrying on the district's strong tradition in sports. The successful opening signaled a promising competition ahead.
A Legacy of Champions
The 2026 IFCDSA Meet reflects the continuing investment in grassroots sports development across Iloilo's Fourth District. By providing young athletes with a competitive platform, local leaders are planting seeds for future champions who will represent the province and the country.
The theme resonates beyond the playing field. It speaks to the values of excellence, perseverance, and unity that define the Fourth District's approach to sports. Every game played and every point scored contributes to a legacy that inspires the next generation.
As the competition unfolds, the focus remains on fair play and memorable moments. The athletes carry with them the hopes of their communities and the pride of their towns. Their journey embodies the spirit of the champion that lies within every young Ilonggo.
