February 28, 2026 - Romblon State University (RSU) successfully conducted the third key phase of Project POPOY (Promoting Opportunities and Participation through Organized Youth Sports), focusing on building resilience among young people through community-based sports. Held at the university quadrangle, the event centered on the theme “Enhancing Mind-Body Resilience and Access through Community Engagement in Youth Sport (EMBRACE)”.
The program featured lectures, workshops, and hands-on sessions on basketball and pickleball, drawing participants eager to gain coaching and officiating skills.
RSU President Prof. Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, Ed.D., CESE, delivered the inspirational message, emphasizing the program’s broader goals beyond physical fitness.
“What we want to achieve here in the university is not just physical strength through sports like basketball and pickleball, but also building mental and emotional resilience among our youth.”
President Mani further highlighted the importance of sports in fostering community impact.
“Through POPOY and EMBRACE, we are investing in the future generation, empowering them to become resilient leaders who contribute positively to society.”
Dr. Tomas Faminial, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered opening remarks, while Eddie G. Fetalvero, Ph.D., Vice President for Research, Extension, Development, and Innovation and Project POPOY Focal Person, provided an overview of the initiative.
Resource speakers from Cavite State University—Mr. Stephen Jhon H. Cuaresma, Mr. Joel D. Anajao, and Mr. Gerard Noel M. Martinez—led morning lectures on pedagogical theories for basketball and pickleball. Afternoon sessions shifted to practical workshops on coaching and officiating for both sports.
President Catajay-Mani expressed gratitude to partners, including the Extension Services and Community Engagement Office (ESCEO), the College of Education (particularly the BPED department), the REDI unit, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for their support and endorsement.
She also thanked the Cavite State University facilitators for sharing their expertise in popular sports including pickleball.
“To all our participants joining us today, your enthusiasm and active participation embody the true spirit of EMBRACE. Let us embrace the opportunity to grow, connect, and build a healthier, more resilient future together.”
Aligned with the current agenda of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) ACHIEVE, the project POPOY-EMBRACE foster addresses Advanced and Accessible Lifelong Learning and supports Centralized One-Nation Human Capital Development by promoting organized sports as a pathway to building mind-body resilience, community engagement, and leadership skills among the youth.
RSU views Project POPOY as a step toward utilizing sports for leadership, volunteerism, and unity in Romblon communities.
RSU President Prof. Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, Ed.D., CESE, delivered the inspirational message, emphasizing the program’s broader goals beyond physical fitness.
“What we want to achieve here in the university is not just physical strength through sports like basketball and pickleball, but also building mental and emotional resilience among our youth.”
President Mani further highlighted the importance of sports in fostering community impact.
“Through POPOY and EMBRACE, we are investing in the future generation, empowering them to become resilient leaders who contribute positively to society.”
Dr. Tomas Faminial, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered opening remarks, while Eddie G. Fetalvero, Ph.D., Vice President for Research, Extension, Development, and Innovation and Project POPOY Focal Person, provided an overview of the initiative.
Resource speakers from Cavite State University—Mr. Stephen Jhon H. Cuaresma, Mr. Joel D. Anajao, and Mr. Gerard Noel M. Martinez—led morning lectures on pedagogical theories for basketball and pickleball. Afternoon sessions shifted to practical workshops on coaching and officiating for both sports.
President Catajay-Mani expressed gratitude to partners, including the Extension Services and Community Engagement Office (ESCEO), the College of Education (particularly the BPED department), the REDI unit, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for their support and endorsement.
She also thanked the Cavite State University facilitators for sharing their expertise in popular sports including pickleball.
“To all our participants joining us today, your enthusiasm and active participation embody the true spirit of EMBRACE. Let us embrace the opportunity to grow, connect, and build a healthier, more resilient future together.”
Aligned with the current agenda of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) ACHIEVE, the project POPOY-EMBRACE foster addresses Advanced and Accessible Lifelong Learning and supports Centralized One-Nation Human Capital Development by promoting organized sports as a pathway to building mind-body resilience, community engagement, and leadership skills among the youth.
RSU views Project POPOY as a step toward utilizing sports for leadership, volunteerism, and unity in Romblon communities.
