Faithful to the torch relay inspired by the practices from ancient Greece where the flame heralds the start of the COA Sportsfest and transmits a message of peace and friendship, the Supervising Auditors of the provinces of the Regional Office No. IV-A (ROIV-A) led the passing of the torch to Regional Director Atty. Resurreccion C. Quieta who lit the cauldron during the Opening Ceremony of the COA ROIV-A’s Sportsfest on the occasion of COA’s 123rd Anniversary Celebrations at the world class Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.
On April 25, 2022, the Opening Ceremony started off with an early morning Mass officiated by Reverend Father Dennis Magsalang, immediately followed by the Parade of Colors and Banners by the players/delegates; namely: Cavite- Red; Laguna-Yellow; Batangas-Pink; Rizal-Violet; Quezon-Blue and Regional Office-Green.
The programme proper went under way with the prayer led by Ms. Maria Kristine O. Gumitad. Thereafter, Ms. Maria Theresa M. Calabig and Kenneth John Fadriquela gave a rendition of the National Anthem and COA Hymn, respectively.
In his Welcome Remarks, SA Rodolfo M. Asuncion, Supervising Auditor of the Province of Laguna reiterated his gratitude to the local government of the City of Sta. Rosa for generously allowing COA ROIV-A to utilize the facilities of the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex. He spoke highly of the athletes who will participate in the upcoming games and recognized the importance of holding a sporting event as it promotes camaraderie, athleticism, good sportsmanship. He expressed his hope that everyone will enjoy the games in the spirit of fun.
“Set aside hierarchy of position and designation because all of you are players, but play with fairness and observe utmost sportsmanship, after all, you’re here to play and not hurt each other,” says Regional Director Atty. Resurreccion C. Quieta in his Opening Remarks. He further emphasized the power of sport to unite and foster comradeship specially as we have all experienced pandemic fatigue and that this event is a respite from the pressures of work.
Atty. John Arvin B. Atie led the Oath of Sportsmanship, quickly followed by the introduction of the teams with their respective “Battle Cry”. Then came the Raising of Colors (Flag of each Team) by the Muses and Escorts.
The Opening Ceremony would not have been complete without the Best Battle Cry Contest and the Mini-Pageant for the Best Muse.
The criteria for judging for the Battle Cry are: Artistry, Style and Originality (35%); Timing and Coordination (30%); Entertainment value (25%); Simplicity (10%) for a total of 100%. The Champion was the well-coordinated and huge contingent province of Batangas with their “ala eh” and “barako” chant; followed by the 1st Runner Up- the Province of Quezon with their very original request to give their battle cry from the bleachers; and finally the 2nd Runner Up, the host province, Laguna with their bright and catchy chant.
“I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter.. dancing through the fire ’cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar,” were the lyrics that Ms. Melaine B. Rafa sang which secured her victory as the Champion for Best Muse, province of Laguna. 1st Runner Up went to Ms. Fatima Llana B. Ante from the province of Batangas and 2nd Runner Up was awarded to Ms. Maria Kristine O. Gumitad, province of Cavite.
The event was hosted by Ms. Cruzette Dela Cruz, Ms. Maria Luisa Aganan, and Mr. Carlos Garcia.