Honorian athletes ramp up training as dancesport boosts SUC III ‘26 medal chase

In preparation for the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) III Olympics 2026, the Pampanga State University (PSU) Honorian athletes have intensified their training, with dancesport added to the roster of events, bolstering the University’s medal chances at the regional meet.

A 285-member delegation is currently undergoing rigorous training and tune-up sessions that began on January 12 and will run until February 20, with several student-athletes staying on campus to further sharpen their form ahead of the competition.

In a recent interview with The Industrialist, Office of Sports and Development (OSD) Director Dr. Eddiebal Layco said the University has been strengthening its preparations by refining plans and mobilizing resources to elevate athlete performance.

“Naghire tayo ng trainer, naghire ako ng trainer, ah… i-strengthen natin na maghire din tayo ng sports specialist, may sports specialists ngayon para mas ma-improve pa ‘yung talents ng mga bata…” he said.

Building on last year’s eighth-place finish, the University aims for a higher medal tally this year, with Layco confirming the inclusion of dancesport in the event slate.

“[Sa] dancesport… kaya sumali ako ng dancesport, nakita ko na andami niyang medal, so ayon… Win or lose, wala naman akong ano… kumbaga nag-add ako ng mga entries, diba, parang the more entries you send, the more chances of winning,” he shared.

He also assured that everyone is compensated fairly by stretching the allocated budget to accommodate the needs of the athletes and coaches.

Headed by the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) III, this year’s regional event will be held on February 21–27, hosted by Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, with athletes determined to prove their mettle across events and maximize their expanded roster on the regional stage.