The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officially opened the BuCor Summer Sports League (BSSL) 2026 on 20 May 2026 at the Corrections National Training Institute (CNTI) Parade Grounds, gathering BuCor personnel in a celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork, camaraderie, and unity.
The event commenced with a parade led by C/SUPT MICHAEL M MARTIN, DPA, Chairman of the BSSL and Acting Director of the Directorate for Security and Operations (DSO), together with C/CINSP ANTHONY NUPABLE G OMEGA, Vice Chairman of the BSSL, and members of the organizing committee.
Participating in the parade were representatives from different clusters such as the Office of the Director General (ODG), Office of the Deputy Director General for Administration (ODDGA), Office of the Deputy Director General for Security and Operations (ODDGSO), BuCor Directorates, New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Superintendent’s Office, NBP camps and support groups, and the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.
The formal program began with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by the BuCor Marching Band, followed by an invocation officiated by Rev. Fr. Jesus N. Los Bañes Jr., BuCor Service Chaplain. In his welcome remarks, C/CSUPT CELSO S BRAVO, Head Executive Assistant (HEA), ODG, warmly welcomed all participants and underscored the importance of fostering solidarity and teamwork through sports.
The Oath of Sportsmanship was administered by C/SSUPT GARY A GARCIA, RCrim., MSCA, Superintendent of NBP, with all participants pledging to uphold fairness, discipline, respect, and teamwork throughout the competition. The ceremonial lighting of the torch, led by CO2 Bonna Maricar De Paz Barroga of the ODDGA/Directorate for Personnel and Human Resource Development (DPHRD) Cluster, symbolized the official opening of the league and the Bureau’s commitment to excellence, unity, determination, and sportsmanship.
In his message, C/SUPT MARTIN formally declared the opening of the BSSL 2026 and highlighted the significance of the activity in strengthening morale, camaraderie, and healthy competition among personnel. He also expressed his appreciation to the organizing committee for their dedication in ensuring the success of the event.
Serving as Guest of Honor and Speaker was Olympian and Taekwondo athlete MR. MONSOUR DEL ROSARIO, who delivered an inspirational message emphasizing that sports go beyond competition and serve as a platform for building character, perseverance, discipline, and mutual support.
Adding excitement to the event was a special intermission performance by the BuCor Taekwondo Team, which showcased martial arts discipline and skill through a dynamic demonstration. Representatives from different clusters also participated in dance presentations featuring their respective muses and escorts. The Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) emerged as the champion in the dance presentation competition, while the NBP – Minimum Security Camp (MinSeCamp) won the Best Muse and Escort award.
A token of appreciation was presented to Mr. Del Rosario in recognition of his support and participation in the successful opening of the BSSL 2026.
The successful conduct of the activity reflects BuCor’s continuing commitment to promoting employee welfare, camaraderie, and organizational unity under the leadership of BuCor Director General, GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH.
CO1 Erika M Miranda
Contributor
