34th BBEAL Season Kicks Off
NOVEMBER 3, 2023
The Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) Season kicked off its 34th season on October 28, 2023 at the Benguet State University, this season's host. This event brought together student-athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts from various educational institutions in Baguio and Benguet.
The BBEAL has a storied history, dating back to its humble beginnings in 1989. Over the years, the league has grown in both scale and prestige, becoming a symbol of unity and sportsmanship among the diverse academic institutions in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
The event started with a parade of athletes. Each team, wearing their school colors and displaying their banners, marched proudly into the BSU gymnasium.
In his opening remarks, BSU President Felipe Salaing Comila emphasized the importance of sports not only in promoting physical well-being but also in fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership among the youth. He spoke about the value of the BBEAL as a platform for student-athletes to showcase their talents and dedication to their respective institutions.
The event was further enriched by the captivating intermission performances of two of the BSU cultural groups. The BSU Sinagtala showcased their artistic mastery through a fusion of contemporary and traditional dance forms while the BSU Kontad showed their graceful movements, rhythmic dance routines, and vibrant traditional attires, showing the beauty of Cordillera's cultural heritage.
This was followed by the lighting of the BBEAL torch, carried by Ms. Lorjane Aludos, a BSU student and two-time national player of the U16 football team, which symbolizes unity and sportsmanship. The BSU basketball varsity player Alvin Castillo also led the oath of sportsmanship.
Among the highlights of the event was the recognition of past athletic directors for their invaluable contributions to the BBEAL. Among the awardees were Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Athletic Directors Lt.Col. Edgardo B. Batinay, Lt.Col. Thomas B. Bawayan Jr., and Lt.Col. Edbert L. Ngina; Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) Athletic Director Eduardo R. Laureano; Baguio Central University (BCU) Athletic Director Percy A. Sacyafen: Pines City Colleges Athletic Director Quirico Jr. L. Bambico, and BSU Athletic Director Rex John G. Bawang. CCDC was also awarded for hosting the 33rd BBEAL Season.
Afterward, the unfurling of banners was led by the athletic directors followed by the Ceremonial Toss led by BSU President Comila, which signifies the declaration of the opening of the 34th BBEAL Season.
The participating teams include BCU Eagles, Baguio College of Technology Atoms, BSU Wildcats, CCDC Cagers, PMA Cavaliers, Saint Louis University Navigators, University of Baguio Cardinals, University of Cordilleras Jaguars, and University of the Philippines Maroons.
The UB Cardinals is still the reigning champion and will look to defend its title this season.
