By Kaela Aidelynne Orcullo
Following a consensus decision of the Silliman University (SU) Athletics Department and other sports coordinators, the Senior High School (SHS) department officially ended its participation in the All-University Intramurals this year.
Athletics Department Director Asst. Prof. Dionesio Piñero II confirmed the matter after a discussion among university administrators, event organizers, and sports coordinators in preparation for this year’s Intramural games.
According to Piñero, the SUSHS was invited for the last time because their department originally belongs to the School of Basic Education (SBE) Department.
He noted that the department has their own annual Pasiklaban Sports Festival which began last school year.
“Every college should only have one Intramural game for a school year and they are now having two Intramurals, one for senior high school and one for All-University,” Piñero said.
He also pointed out that the all-university intramural games are intended for college students, and so there is a distinction that senior high school has its own program instead.
Despite joining two Intramural events, Piñero stated that they are given “one last opportunity” this year in order to not be questioned by the administration.
Reasons of exclusion
SUSHS Governor Althea Picardal stated that scheduling conflict did not influence the consensus.
“There were no budgetary constraints or scheduling conflicts that affected this decision as much as we know.” she said.
Although Picardal stated that conflicting schedules did not affect the decision, SBE Associate Dean Dr. Elve Nasvik disclosed that time discrepancy regarding the Intramurals schedule played a part in the decision.
“The SHS academic schedule had to be adjusted in previous years to align with the university intramural games, causing disruptions to classes, exams, and lesson pacing,” Nasvik stated.
Even with the looming budget constraints, Piñero denied the factor, citing that it is “not about finance” but having their own separate Intramurals.
“It takes a lot of budget from the university to be spent because for these intramurals alone, this cost us half a million. But no, it’s not about budgetary, it’s about having their own separate university games,” Piñero said.
Piñero added that the SUSHS is encouraged to have their own because he essentially considered the physical, mental and emotional aspects of playing the games.
“So in terms of playing the games, the college students are more mature. While we know for a fact that the senior high school is also mature, they are not mature enough [to be playing against…] at the college level,” he furthered.
Potential outcomes
Meanwhile, Picardal expressed her concerns on the potential effects of the exclusion towards the senior high students.
“Potential effects may be a negative reaction from current and incoming SHS students who are looking forward to participating. Potentially, there will be less participants and audience especially knowing that SHS is the biggest department when it comes to population.” she explained.
Moreover, Picardal stated that the final decision will instead lead them to focus on their own department’s Pasiklaban.
Nasvik also stressed that the exclusion of SUSHS from the Intramurals may impact school spirit and reduce opportunities for senior high students to interact with the broader university community.
“It may also limit their exposure to high-level competitive sports, affecting their development as student-athletes,” he said.
Despite these concerns, Piñero remained that the SHS Pasiklaban is a way for the senior high students to “know each other and develop camaraderie.”
The SHS Pegasi concluded their 2025 Intramurals at fifth place with eight podium finishes, bagging one gold and six silvers in different sports events. ###
