University News

Radicals defend their title as back-to-back champions of UNIGAMES 2025

Jasmine Joson, News, Communication Management Office

Student-athletes of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) returned to the throne as they dominated in multiple sports categories at the 26th University Games (UNIGAMES) held from October 23 to 30, 2025, at the renowned City of Smiles - Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

Mayor of Negros Occidental, Eugenio Jose V. Lacson, welcomed more than 1,500 athletes from almost 40 universities and colleges in his speech at the Provincial Lagoon and Park in Bacolod City as he formally commenced the annual sports competition.

“To host the 26th season of the University Games is to open our doors to the nation’s young athletes whose dedication and drive remind us that sports are not only about winning, but about building characters, forging unity, and celebrating the best of the Filipino spirit.”

Mayor Lacson also marked the true essence of UNIGAMES and how sports served as a unifying force—transcending language, region, and belief.

Throughout the week-long competition, the PUP Radicals displayed their impeccable brains and brawn with other powerhouse universities like the University of the Philippines (UP), De La Salle University (DLSU), National University (NU), Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), University of the East (UE), and more in several sports categories: taekwondo, athletics, football, badminton, futsal, volleyball, and basketball.

Maroon and Gold Dominate the National Stage
In a thrilling showdown of grit and determination on the court, the ball of championship ended up once again in the hands of the PUP Men’s Basketball Team after scoring 95-85 in the final set against the College of San Agustin – Bacolod (CSA-B).

The PUP Men’s Basketball Team was led by Head Coach Theodelfonso Pacampara, as well as Asst. Coach Daniel Espaldon, Asst. Coach Joselito Bonifacio, Asst. Coach Mark Ian Quirante, and Asst. Coach Ryan Enriquez.

With dynamic kicks and attacks on the mat, the PUP Taekwondo Team headed by coaches—Angelito Laga and Sydney Darryl Crispino—also bagged multiple awards in both Kyorugi and Poomsae competitions.

Securing their consecutive championship titles in the Women’s Division were Zhenny Achivida and Juliana Sophia Marie Cadete after dominating in the Kyorugi competitions.

In a Facebook post, Achivida narrated how their success seemed as though it had already been set in stone as she recalled asking for a sign if they were bound to win.

While riding the airport bus on the way to the plane, I prayed and told the Lord, “Lord, if the flight provides cookies, I will take it as a sign that I will achieve the gold. During the flight, as the plane began to take off, I tried to sleep, pretending not to wait, but deep inside, I was hoping, praying, that when the flight attendant reached our row, it would be cookies in that little pack. And when that moment finally came, when the flight attendant handed me cookies, I smiled quietly. Because I knew. Right then and there, I felt His presence. I knew He was with me on this journey.”

Achivida also extended her gratitude towards their coaches and to the Sports Development Program Office (SDPO) for the opportunity to be in the same post.

Ram Vincent Daleon, Shen Daryl Gallardo, Ryvyne Santos, Mhalon Parker Timola also triumphed with gold in Kyorugi—marking their names as the champions of Men’s Division.

In the athletics category, Sintang Paaralan’s homegrown talents also swept awards as they showcased physical prowess in the track and field events, eventually bringing home the well-earned championship title alongside their coaches, Jojo Posadas, Raul Abangan, Mark Harry Diones, and Anthony Asuncion.

Further amounting to these remarkable feats are the PUP Men’s Football Team and coaches, Ignatius Anagbogu, Mark Gilbert Ayuson, and JP Merida, whose perseverance surpassed every hindrance as they kicked off their way to winning the championship title after a rainy match against the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos (UNO-R)—finishing strong at the last day of the week-long collegiate sports competition.

Fresh from the match, Captain of PUP Men’s Football Team – Carl Miguel Araza shared in an interview with DYRL Radyo Pilipino Bacolod how the team endured through a tumultuous period of trainings and sacrifices that manifested through their win.

Araza also recounted the ideals that his team embodied in their game and how teamwork truly makes the dream work.

“Discipline, communication, and trust in teammates. My only message to my teammates is to continue to a uphold good attitude, especially in the game—that is the winning mentality.”

Aside from the glorious golds, the PUP Radicals continued to rule the competition for achieving silver and bronze medals in the aforementioned categories. The athlete-delegates also stun in badminton, volleyball, women’s basketball, and futsal.

The Humble Roots of the UNIGAMES 2025 Champions
This golden feat in the UNIGAMES 2025 serve as a stark reminder that behind the maroon and gold jerseys lies the unwavering tenacity, sacrifice, and camaraderie which built the athletes and coaches of today. This is parallel to PUP’s commitment in embodying the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

From the humble grounds of Sintang Paaralan to the scorching heat of UNIGAMES 2025, the University continues to rise against all odds—proving that the true PUP spirit is not bound by any limits.