Mariners March as NCRAA Season 32 Officially Kicks Off 

| NEWS | Wesley Dave A. Agmata

NCRAA Season 32 officially opened on March 3, 2026, as drum rolls across Dasmariñas Arena, with the PMMS Mariners joining the league’s formal ceremonies hosted by De La Salle University–Dasmariñas. The event kicked off the season’s sports competitions, bringing together basketball, volleyball, and dance in a celebration of collegiate sportsmanship and rivalry.

Before the formal program, a brief friendship basketball game between the host school and Emilio Aguinaldo College–Cavite concluded with a narrow 76–75 result, setting an early competitive tone inside the arena.

The opening rites began with a Parade of Champions led by the marching band of AIMS College. Member institutions entered in full delegation: AIMS Blue Sharks; Bestlink College of the Philippines; DLSU-D Patriots; EAC-C Vanguards; LPU-L Pirates of Lyceum of the Philippines University–Laguna; Olivarez College Sealions; PATTS Seahorses of PATTS College of Aeronautics; PMMS Mariners of Philippine Merchant Marine School; UL Tigers of University of Luzon; and Blue Hawks of Immaculada Concepcion College.

The program opened with an invocation led by Fr. Reinier R. Dumaop, followed by the Philippine National Anthem. A dance presentation from the host institution highlighted the cultural segment of the ceremony.

In his opening message, DLSU-D President Br. Iñigo R. Riola, FSC, EdD, underscored the value of sports in promoting unity and excellence among schools. NCRAA General Manager Manuel M. Encarnado introduced the guest of honor, Hon. Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, who spoke on grassroots development, regional training centers, and sports tourism initiatives nationwide.

The event also featured a league-wide Muse Presentation. In the Muse Competition, PMMS secured 3rd Runner-Up honors. DLSU-D was named 2nd Runner-Up, Immaculada Concepcion College placed 1st Runner-Up, and the University of Luzon was crowned Ms. NCRAA Season 32.

The Oath of Sportsmanship was led by Mr. Marc Paul Lopez of Immaculada Concepcion College’s senior basketball team, affirming the athletes’ commitment to fair play and integrity throughout the season.

The NCRAA General Manager formally declared Season 32 open, marking the start of league competitions across various sports disciplines.

As the season begins, the Mariners join the rest of the NCRAA member schools in pursuing disciplined performance and competitive excellence in the months ahead.