Sen. Bong Go leads inauguration of renovated DOrSU gymnasium

Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) formally inaugurated its newly renovated gymnasium at the Main Campus in the City of Mati on Friday, October 23, with Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go leading the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and turnover of the facility.

The inauguration marked the reopening of one of the university’s major sports facilities, which had been out of use for several years due to its deteriorating roof and flooring. The rehabilitation has restored the gymnasium’s functionality as a venue for sports competitions, physical education activities, and other university events.

In his message, University President Dr. Roy G. Ponce expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Senator Go for his continued support of the university, particularly his efforts to secure funding for the gymnasium’s rehabilitation and the construction of a water supply system at DOrSU’s San Isidro Campus.

Dr. Ponce acknowledged the importance of these infrastructure projects in addressing the university’s longstanding facility needs and improving the learning environment and services available to students and the wider DOrSU community.

For his part, Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education, which he described as one of his personal priorities. He also emphasized the importance of investing in sports facilities, citing their contribution to physical fitness, health, and youth development.

Senator Go underscored the role of sports in encouraging young people to pursue productive activities, develop discipline, and stay away from illegal drugs and other harmful vices.

The gymnasium also holds historical significance for the university. Built in the 1990s, it was among the notable infrastructure developments in Davao Oriental during the term of then-Congressman and now City of Mati Mayor Joel Mayo Z. Almario. The structure has endured major natural disasters, including super typhoons and the doublet earthquakes that struck the province.

Mayor Almario also played a key role in the university’s institutional development, having principally authored House Bill No. 7007, which led to the enactment of Republic Act No. 11033 in 2018, converting the former Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology into Davao Oriental State University.

The inauguration coincided with the men’s basketball championship game of SIGLAKAS 2026, the university’s annual sports and socio-cultural festival, providing an opportunity to formally reopen the rehabilitated facility during one of the event’s most anticipated competitions.

Also present during the ceremony were Davao Oriental Provincial Board Member John Erwin “Don” Go Montojo and City of Mati Councilor Xander Paul “Bong” Alcantara, along with university officials and members of the DOrSU community.

The completion of the rehabilitation returns a major sports venue to active use, allowing the university to accommodate athletic competitions and other activities while preserving a facility that has served generations of students.