ACTIVITIES
UP BAGUIO IN THE CARASUC
By: Asst. Prof. Fernando P. Florendo
The University of the Philippines Baguio participated in the 2024 Cordillera Administrative Region Association of State Universities and Colleges (CAR-ASUC) hosted by the Apayao State College from April 29 to May 3, 2024.
HKP Program Coordinator, Asst. Prof. Jessica Talangchey and Asst. Prof. Jennifer Inovero headed the UPB contingent comprised of 34 athletes and 4 coaches who competed in 5 events namely; Badminton Men, Basketball 3×3 Men, Table Tennis Women as well as Volleyball Men and Women.
Despite the relatively small delegation compared to the other state schools, the UPB athletes were able to win 7 bronze medals courtesy of 4 medals from the table tennis women and 3 medals from men’s 3 x 3 basketball.
The men’s basketball 3×3 coached by Mr. Darwin Delizo finished behind Ifugao State University (IFSU) and Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST) but defeated Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) and host Apayao State University. Both the Benguet State University (BSU) and Kalinga State University (KSU) were disqualified from fielding players coming from their 5×5 teams in the 3×3 event due to the ground rules of having separate entries for 5×5 from that of the 3×3.
The women’s table tennis team coached by Asst. Prof. Fernando Florendo defeated Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) twice 2-1 in the eliminations and 2-0 in the step ladder semi-finals. They also defeated the host school ASC 2-0 and ASIST 2-1 also in the eliminations. They lost a close 1-2 decision to defending champion BSU and 0-2 to eventual champion IFSU after leading 2-0 in opening singles game. Overall, the women’s table tennis team manage to bag 4 wins, the most wins for any UPB team since the BBEAL during the 1st semester.
Although not being able to win medals, the men’s badminton and men’s volleyball teams both coached by Mr. Joshua Laureta had impressive performances. The men’s badminton team placed 4th behind BSU, IFSU and ASIST who won 1st , 2nd and 3rd place respectively. However, they finished ahead of MPSPC, KSU and ASC. The Men’s Volleyball Team also placed 4th behind BSU, ASIST and ASC but ahead of KSU and MPSPC. They narrowly lost to ASC 25-23, 25-23 after crucial calls which adversely affected the game results. Both events were played using the double elimination format.
The women’s volleyball team coached by Ms. Irish Claire Balay-as lost to 3rd placer IFSU 2-0 in their first game and 2nd placer ASIST 2-0 in their second game in the double elimination women’s volleyball event. Even powerhouse BSU was not able to garner a podium finish in this event dominated by the host ASC.
The UP Baguio delegation would like to congratulate the Apayao State College for the successful conduct of the CARASUC meet. They would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kagawad Erwin Ballesteros who assisted in the transportation of the athletes to and from the different far flung venues to their billeting area The administration of the Luna Central School for their overwhelming hospitality as well as the Municipality of Calanasan for graciously hosting the UPB Delegation with a welcome program with free dinner and breakfast as well as souvenirs for each delegate.
