SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR – The Department of Agriculture Bicol thru the DA Employees Association conducted the annual Sportsfest and Team Building Activity with the theme ‘’Magkakaisang pagsusulong ng masaganang agrikultura at maunlad na ekonomiya.” on July 11-12, 2024 at DA 5 Compound.
The Sportsfest started with a Fun Run followed by Zumba. The parade of team colors (Red, Green, Yellow, and Blue Teams) was led by the Camarines Sur Marching Bands and Majorettes.
In his message, DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla said that, “It is your time to shine to showcase your talents, your beauty, on how you think, and your strength as Department of Agriculture employees.” He also emphasized the true essence of teamwork and unity as a whole ‘’One DA’’ despite the team colors represented by each team.
As part of the Sportsfest 2024, the candidates for Mr. and Ms. DA Bicol 2024 were presented wearing their Sports Attire. The Cheerdance Competition delighted the employees by their exquisite performance and wowed them by their pyramid and lifting formation. Afterwards, outdoor and indoor games such as Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Badminton, Darts, Dodge Ball and Mobile Legends started simultaneously.
On the 2nd day, the facilitators from the Boy Scout of the Philippines led the Team Building Activity. They started the activity by “Laro ng Lahi”, followed by Maria went to Kadiwa, Patintero, Tumbang Preso, Sipa, Cook Fest, Darakupan Orig and Skills Fest. At lunch time, the employees enjoyed the boodle fight.
“Obstacles are fun when you overcome them together.” Three competing teams: Red, Blue, and Yellow, composed of 10 members each, bravely answered the questions and clues from the team building facilitator and were rewarded with different tools in farming like wheelbarrow, watering can, and trowel. Each station is named after animals like cows and chicken. At the end of the obstacles, they went down in the mud, stack some tires and finally caught a catfish. Teamwork and perseverance were the weapon of Yellow Team to their success, as they won the Obstacle Relay, during the last part of the Team Building Activity.
The night was young just like the eight lovely and handsome candidates, as they battled for the title of Mr. and Ms. DA Bicol 2024. After a long and tiring day for the Team Building, the employees supported and cheered for their respective candidate, as they represented each team color and department. The candidates showcased their talent and wit, as well as their beautiful attires in the Swimwear Competition, Modern Filipiniana and Modern Barong Tagalog Competition. Present during the Coronation Night were the reigning queens of Ms. DA Bicol 2023 for passing of the crown.
Arman C. Igos Jr. (Green Team) and Aprille Joy Temporal (Yellow Team) were crowned Mr. and Ms. DA Bicol 2024. Followed by: 1st Runner-up Mr. Ivan John Esplana and Ms. Mylce Jean C. Nidea (Blue Team); 2nd Runner-up Mr. Edton B. Ecleo (Red Team) and Ms. Hazel B. Isidro (Green Team); 3rd Runner-up Mr. Mark Nikko Badiola (Yellow Team) and Ms. Shane M. Pimentel (Red Team).
To conclude the 2-day break for the entire DA-RFO5, the employees celebrated camaraderie at the covered court for dinner and awarding ceremony. The Blue Team was hailed as Over-all Champion; while, the Yellow Team garnered the 1st Runner-up; followed by Red Team as 2nd Runner-up; and lastly, the Green Team for 3rd Runner-up. (Angela Mae Lafuente – RAFIS 5)