𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝐓𝐀𝐔 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠'𝐥 𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐀𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝐓𝐀𝐔 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠'𝐥 𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐀𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) is set to deploy a 248-member athlete delegation to the 2026 Regional SCUAA (State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association) Games, at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) on 22–27 February.

With 13 member institutions competing this year, TAU’s contingent eyes a strong medal haul, anchored on a balanced lineup of seasoned athletes and emerging talents. In an interview, Sports Development Office (SDO) Director Dr. Emerson B. Cuzzamu further shared that TAU has implemented significant adjustments in its preparation strategy following the graduation of key medalists, particularly in athletics. 

“We revisited and overhauled our entire training program to rebuild our core,” he said. The revamped regimen features intensified daily sessions, with morning training from 5:00 to 8:00 and afternoon practices from 5:00 or earlier to 7:00.

TAU will also field a women’s softball team for the first time. “We will gradually enter all sports events as part of our long-term plan,” Dr. Cuzzamu explained. 

Despite the transitions, Dr. Cuzzamu expressed confidence in several disciplines to deliver gold medals. “We are counting on our traditional powerhouses, athletics and archery, to be primed for the podium,” he noted.

Preparation has extended beyond campus to sharpen TAUian Carabaos’ competitive edge. The men’s basketball team gained exposure through the United Central Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA), while athletics competitors participated in Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA)-sanctioned events. TAU’s Arnisadors also tested their skills during the Luzon leg of an Arnis tournament.

The final phase of preparation culminates in a centralized training camp from 2-13 February, with athletes billeted at the University for focused training, supported by training allowances.

As the regional meet draws near, TAU’s sizable delegation and recalibrated game plan underscore the University’s determined bid to climb the overall rankings, building on last year’s strong performance, where TAU ranked fifth, amassing 35 golds, 26 silvers, and 37 bronzes.

Looking ahead, the University aims to organize a Football Festival this year as a preparatory step toward sending a full football team to future SCUAA editions. This year’s games will also introduce 3x3 basketball as a demonstration sport, though TAU has opted not to participate this time.

#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #SCUAA #RegionalGames #NEUST #SDO #SDG3 #SDG4 #SDG11 #SDG17

Text | Jerome L. Duque [Information Unit]

Photos | June Adel S. Guerrero  [Information Unit]

Graphics | Omar U. Barauntong [Information Unit]