
Cebu Normal University (CNU) marked its first-ever participation in the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Region 7 (ARENA-7) Sports Festival 2026, with faculty member Mary Flor Villaruel clinching the second runner-up title in the Mr. and Ms. ARENA Sportsfest 2026.
Representing CNU in the Mr. and Ms. ARENA Sportsfest 2026, Villaruel and Kurt John Cristobal carried the university’s banner in its inaugural participation.
Villaruel’s second runner-up finish marked a strong debut for CNU in the ARENA-7 Sports Festival, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering employee engagement, wellness, camaraderie, and public service beyond the workplace.
The opening ceremony was held this morning at the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) Gymnasium, bringing together public servants from 22 government agencies across Region 7.
DOST-7 Regional Director and ARENA-7 Auditor Dr. Tristan Abando emphasized the importance of making time for physical activity and meaningful connections among public servants.
He encouraged participants to use the sports festival as an opportunity to “strengthen relationships, build trust, and promote well-being” beyond the workplace.
For his part, TESDA-7 Regional Director and ARENA-7 President Dr. Gamaliel Vicente Jr. underscored that the event goes beyond competition, describing it as an “avenue for government workers to come together and strengthen their bonds as one ARENA-7 family.”
He encouraged participants to give their best, play with discipline, and show respect toward fellow players.
He also reminded participants that winning is not the only measure of success, stressing that “integrity, sportsmanship, and respect” should remain at the heart of the competition.
CNU faculty members and staff are set to compete in different sports categories, including volleyball, basketball, pickleball, chess, badminton, table tennis, and e-sports.
This afternoon, CNU participated in the pickleball exhibition and competed in basketball as part of the opening day of the ARENA-7 Sports Festival 2026.
#AlwaysCrimsonAndGold2026
#SDG3GoodHealthAndWellBeing
#SDG17PartnershipForTheGoals


