SDAM 2024 KICKS OFF
written by: Marites T. Penera
written by: Marites T. Penera
DAPA, SDN – “This has been our long-awaited time! Everybody is excited! The opportunity to play is here! Athletes, you were born to become players — you are meant to be here. This moment is yours!”
Those were the words exclaimed by Dr. Karen L. Galanida, CESO V, the Schools Division Superintendent, to the 2,222 learner-athletes during her speech as she officially opened the Siargao Division Athletic Meet (SDAM) 2024.
Gracing the three-kilometer Opening Parade and Program are DepEd Siargao’s stakeholders led by the Provincial Government under the incumbency of Governor Lyndon Z. Barbers, who was ably represented by two of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members – Hon. Nathaniel Plaza and Hon. Julecs Sanico.
Although unable to attend due to prior commitments, Honorable Congressman Francisco “Bingo” F. Matugas sent his Bagtik Muserbisyo AVP Team that covered the SDAM Opening Ceremonies live online.
Showing their unwavering support also were the municipal officials of the nine municipalities, headed by their municipal mayors, namely: Mayor Angie B. Arcena of Burgos; Mayor Elizabeth Matugas of Dapa, ably represented by SB Member Mc Kenly Tesiorna; Mayor Sol F. Matugas, ably represented by SB Member Gina Kosaza; Mayor JR Coro, ably represented by Vice Mayor Dulguime; Mayor Atty. Maria Liza Resurreccion and Vice Mayor Jeasa Gonzales of Pilar; Mayor Gina Menil of San Benito; Mayor Lamberto Dominos, Jr. of San Isidro, ably represented by Vice Mayor Norberto C. Dulpina; Mayor Arwela Dolar of Sta. Monica; and Mayor Rizza Rafonsel Timcang & Vice Mayor Gemma Ocon of Socorro.
Also in attendance were the Municipal Federated PTA Presidents, Sangguniang Bayan Members, Barangay Captains , and Sangguniang Kabataan Federated Chairpersons of the different municipalities in Siargao islands.
Adding color to the opening salvo was the grand parade and Saludo performance of each of the twelve district delegations that brought the Siargao Sports Complex alive as the songs, yells and dances of the delegates were met with resounding applause.
The Saludo performance of the differently-abled learners left the audience smiling in awe as they have witnessed an athletic meet that is nurturing and inclusive.
written by: Laiza May A. Lampad
In her acknowledgement of the participants, Schools Governance Operations Division (SGOD) Chief Harem L. Taruc, PhD tallied a total of 3,223 participating student-athletes, coaches, and assistants from the 195 elementary and secondary schools across Siargao islands in the Siargao Division Athletic Meet (SDAM) 2024 in Dapa, Surigao del Norte from January 25-27.
Meanwhile, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Marilou A. Laurencio, PhD, CESE remarked that the highly anticipated 20 events in the SDAM 2024 are accommodated at different playing venues in the municipality of Dapa, while select schools of Dapa East and West districts serve as the billeting quarters to house the entire delegations.
written by: Lorenze A. Quinaso
Dapa, Surigao del Norte- The Local Government Unit of Dapa commended the Schools Division of Siargao for conducting the Siargao Division Athletic Meet (SDAM) 2024 in its economically booming town on January 25 - 27, 2024.
In his opening remarks, representing Mayor Elizabeth Matugas, Sangguniang Bayan Member Mackenley A. Tesiorna warmly welcomed all the guests and SDAM delegates and emphasized that sportsfest is a celebration of unity, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.
Hon. Tesiorna further expressed gratitude to all the coaches, officials, and SDO Siargao’s organizers for their unflagging work just to make this event possible and successful. He highlighted how thankful he was for these people for being able to set themselves in motion despite the difficulties that got them into hot water.
“Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we are all grateful for your efforts,” he added.
In closing, Hon. Tesiorna lit the fire of the student-athletes when he said that they were the heart and soul of SDAM 2024 and that he hoped that this year’s athletic meet would serve as a platform to showcase their talents so as to inspire others.