University of the Philippines Mindanao

GOVERNMENT agencies in the Davao Region come together for the annual Inter-Agency Sportsfest 2025 on Oct 17, 2025, at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex, Mintal, Davao City.

Among the participating agencies are the Department of Science and Technology XI, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Department of Labor and Employment XI, Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI, Department of Agriculture XI, and Commission on Audit XI. 

Now in its third year, the sports event aims to foster a sense of community, prioritize employee well-being, and solidify partnerships among government agencies in the region. Over 800 participants participated in various sports events, including men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, badminton, pickleball,  futsal, larong pinoy, and e-sports like Mobile Legends. 

Agency officials expressed their enthusiasm for the event and its goals, highlighting the value of work-life balance and the positive effects of sports on staff morale and productivity.

DOST XI regional director Anthony C. Sales, PFT, CESO III emphasized unity and integrity in public service, saying, “Together we show that when government agencies move as one, we build stronger institutions and deliver better service to our communities. Public Servants in Action, Celebrating Strength, Skill and Sportsmanship, reminds us that discipline, teamwork and integrity, define us both in public service in all the playing fields.”

Echoing the same spirit, DOLE XI regional director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy underscored the connection between sportsmanship and workplace well-being:

“Teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship… these align for DOLE’s steadfast campaign for healthy workplaces as part of each mandate to ensure not only safety but help promote the work environment,” he said.

Meanwhile, DENR XI regional executive director Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan highlighted the event’s deeper purpose of fostering unity among agencies: “More than just a competition it is a powerful opportunity for us to strengthen the bonds of unity, teamwork and camaraderie among the different agencies of the Davao Region. We are gathered in this event to put aside our usual roles and titles and to come together as one team united in the pursuit of healthy, friendly competition, and mutual respect.”

This year’s Inter-Agency Sportsfest saw a remarkable increase in participation compared to the previous year, with COA XI, DENR XI, and COA XI joining the event.

Participants expressed their joy and appreciation for the opportunity to take part in the activity, emphasizing how it allowed them to unwind, connect, and strengthen relationships with fellow government employees from other agencies.

“The memorable experience is not actually competing and winning but the camaraderie within the UP Campus… just forgetting about work for at least a day is totally worth it and meeting, of course, fellow public servants,” said Franklin Buenaflor of DENR XI.

“I really appreciated how our team worked even though hindi kami masyadong close ng mga participants kasi we rarely interact at school because of hectic schedules… but I’m happy and amazed with the teamwork that we built today,” said Kim Rendon from PSHS-SMC.

Their reflections captured the essence of the Sportsfest, a celebration not just of athleticism, but of teamwork, and shared purpose among public servants across the Davao Region.

For the third InterAgency SportsFest, first-time participant Department of Environment and Natural Resources emerged as the overall champion, securing 1145 points. The University of the Philippines Mindanao followed closely with 900 points, while the Commission on Audit claimed the third spot with 860  points.  

UP Mindanao Chancellor Lyre Anni E. Murao expressed her appreciation for the spirit of unity and sportsmanship that the event fostered, saying, “This Sportsfest isn’t just about showcasing athletic talent. It’s about celebrating teamwork, respect, and resilience. Every game we play, whether on the court, in the field, or through other creative challenges, reflects the same values that guide our work in public service: integrity, cooperation, and dedication. Behind every pass, every rally, every cheer, there’s a simple truth: we achieve more when we work together. Progress requires trust, coordination, and that willingness to function as one team.”

As the program drew to a close, Chancellor Murao formally turned over the hosting of the next Inter-Agency Sportsfest to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), marking the start of another chapter in this continuing tradition of collaboration and goodwill among government agencies.