The CARASUC Athletic Meet is an annual event dedicated to fostering holistic development among students, coaches, and college officials from various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Cordilleras. Going beyond mere competition, this event emphasizes emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual growth, creating a comprehensive platform for overall wellness. It offers participants an opportunity to channel stress into physical energy, promoting good health and well-being.
A cornerstone of the CARASUC Athletic Meet is its unwavering commitment to gender equality and reducing inequality, particularly for minority group members who participate in the activities. By ensuring that individuals of all genders and backgrounds have equal opportunities to participate in various events, the meet promotes inclusivity and dismantles gender-related stereotypes. This fosters a culture of diversity and acceptance within the realm of sports.
The CARASUC Athletic Meet 2024, hosted by Apayao State College in Luna, Apayao from April 28 to May 3, 2024, was a testament to these principles. It brought together student-athletes from different SUCs in the Cordilleras for a series of competitive and collaborative sports events. The event not only showcased the sportsmanship and talents of the student-athletes but also highlighted the camaraderie and unity among all participants. Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) contributed significantly to this inclusive atmosphere by sending 240 student-athletes, 42 coaches, and college officials, totaling 282 participants.
In terms of competition results, Benguet State University led the Cordillera Administrative Region Association of State Universities and Colleges (CARASUC) Athletic Meet 2024 with an impressive haul of 32 gold, 23 silver, and 32 bronze medals. The host school, Apayao State College, followed in second place with 19 gold, 13 silver, and 15 bronze medals. Ifugao State University secured the third spot with 13 gold, 16 silver, and nine bronze medals, while the Abra State Institute of Science and Technology came fourth with 11 gold, 10 silver, and 13 bronze medals. Mountain Province State Polytechnic College finished fifth with nine gold, 19 silver, and 18 bronze medals, and Kalinga State University took sixth place with five gold, eight silver, and seven bronze medals. The University of the Philippines Baguio rounded out the rankings with bronze medals.
Notably, MPSPC’s delegation included 45 male and 74 female student-athletes who excelled in various sporting events and categories. This balanced representation underscores the event’s dedication to gender equality, ensuring that both male and female athletes have equal opportunities to shine and succeed. Through such inclusive practices, the CARASUC Athletic Meet continues to advance gender equality and reduce inequalities, particularly for minority group members, within the sporting community.
