Five months after its original schedule due to repeated delays from earthquakes and heavy rains, Visayas State University (VSU) has finally concluded Sàlingkusóg 2025 last February 12, 2026 at the VSU Upper Oval.
Originally scheduled for September 29 to October 2, 2025, this year’s Sàlingkusóg was first postponed due to the threat of Tropical Storm Opong and later rescheduled following a series of earthquakes and Typhoon Tino in November. The university eventually finalized February 9–12 as the official schedule.
Held every two years, the meet proceeded on a university-wide scale, drawing athletes from the main campus and satellite campuses.
Day 0: Rain batters Salingkusog 2025 opening
Due to the Orange Rainfall Warning issued by DOST-PAGASA, the opening program was transferred from the Upper Oval to the VSU Gymnatorium, resulting in limited attendance and the postponement of the field demonstration to the closing ceremony of the intramurals.
The event gathered competing factions across divisions. The collegiate division featured the Centicore Vanguards (FAFS), Luring Sirens (FE, FFES, FOC), Mystic Moirai (FTE, FNMS, FHSS), and Ascendant Chimera (FME, FON, FVM), along with the VSU Isabel Cyber Warriors, VSU Alangalang Golden Centaur, VSU Tolosa Valiant Sharks, and VSU Villaba Griffins.
The high school division included Formidable Inugami, Fiery Kitsune, and Ferocious Tanuki, while faculty and staff competed under Wild Werewolves, Mighty Pegasus, Raging Minotaur, and Propitious Zephyrs.
Moreover, Sàlingkusóg 2025 guest speaker Dr. Jo-Ann Cerna-Rapada, Chief Education Supervisor, emphasized the importance of carrying the same passion from sports into everyday life, reminding student-athletes that perseverance and resilience are built through consistent effort.
“Whether you are facing a tough opponent today or a difficult board exam tomorrow, remember that greatness is not a single event; it is a habit of endurance. So be relentless, be resilient… and let the spirit of Sàlingkusóg carry you far beyond the finish line,” Dr. Cerna-Rapada said.
Day 1: Rainfall warning suspends games; Mystic Moirai pair grabs Ginoong Malakas, Binibining Maganda crown
A Red Rainfall Warning from DOST-PAGASA prompted the temporary suspension of all first-day Salingkusog games and was lifted late in the afternoon.
Further, the Ginoong Malakas and Binibining Maganda 2025 proceeded in the evening with Mystic Moirai lad Vincent James Malazarte and lass Fatima Rose Polinar after a battle of beauty and brains against four other pairs.
In her winning answer, Polinar shared reflections on Filipino pride and emphasized the importance of supporting local tourism, culture, and heritage.
“As a student myself, I would love to use my voice and my scholarship, since I'm also a DOST scholar, to really push and to really promote our locals here, because I believe that. The culture and arts here are very important. It reflects our identity, our heritage, our values as Filipinos,” Polinar said.
On the other hand, Malazarte emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and collective action in addressing climate change and protecting vulnerable communities in his answer for the final question and answer.
“I want to challenge the institution to [build facilities] and a movement that will truly change our environment. And I also encourage the Viscans that we must take care of our environment, the nature, because it is the very gift from God,” Malazarte said.
Day 2: Song, dance events take center stage
Following the resumption of games, an evening showcase of music and dance took place, highlighting the singing and dancing talents of Viscans and providing a platform for artistic expression alongside athletic competition.
Ascendant Chimera dominated the P-Pop category, securing championship titles in both the women’s and men’s categories. Meanwhile, Centicore Vanguards claimed the top spot in the hip-hop competition, showcasing strong stage presence and choreography.
In the folk dance category, the Golden Centaur emerged as champions, delivering a performance that highlighted cultural artistry and precision.
Day 3: Mystic Moirai, Mighty Pegasus reign as Salingkusog 2025 champs
Following the final leg of games and dance competitions, Sàlingkusóg 2025 officially concluded, with Mystic Moirai and Mighty Pegasus emerging as the overall champions in their respective divisions.
Mystic Moirai secured the overall title after amassing a total of 77 gold, 36 silver, and 47 bronze medals, demonstrating consistent performance across various sporting and cultural events throughout the meet.
Meanwhile, Mighty Pegasus claimed the overall championship in the faculty and staff division, finishing with 61 gold, 31 silver, and 33 bronze medals, reflecting strong participation and competitiveness across multiple categories.