Region 7 eyes less opposition in title retention bid with NCR’s absence

WITH powerhouse National Capital Region (NCR) still undecided on its participation in the upcoming Prisaa National Collegiate Games, all eyes will be on Region 7 as it looks to defend its title in its own turf.

“We will retain our title,” said Prisaa Region 7 president Fr. Vic Uy during yesterday’s final press conference at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The annual multi-sporting event will be held at the CCSC and other venues starting this Sunday.

According to Elbert Atillano, Prisaa executive director, athletes from the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) have not united for the national games. Their organization has also been in rough waters since the passing away of Prisaa-NCR president Bren Perez in 2010.

“We proposed the sharing of slots in the 17 sporting events but both factions disagree because they have separate champions from their regional competitions,” said Atillano.

Despite the absence of NCR, Region 7 will not take the competition lightly since Region 6 may be preparing to dethrone the reigning champs. Uy considers Region 6 the black horse this year.

As of press time, 3,054 athletes have been qualified to compete in the annual event while one percent of the total number were disqualified due to overage. The organizers are expecting around 4,000 athletes to compete.

Meanwhile, CCSC manager Ricky Ballesteros said the venue will be ready in time for the sporting event.

“As of now, we are 95 percent finished. We are only finishing the fence of the track oval but all of the facilities are fully functional,” said Balleteros.

The CCSC has just undergone a major rehabilitation to repair the dilapidated oval. The new CCSC is scheduled to be unveiled also on Sunday with a ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony at 3:30 p.m.

“We did not hurry this renovation. We planned it carefully and repaired it carefully,” added Ballesteros. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL