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DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 21 August 2026) – The annual Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) Sports and Cultural Meet has been postponed following a shooting incident inside the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) Junior High School campus.
In a statement published on the official Facebook page of Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School, DACS announced that the basic education sports and cultural events will be moved to October instead. The decision, signed by executive director Jimmie-Loe dela Vega, reschedules the originally planned August 24-29 events to October 19-24.
The statement cited heightened concerns over reported threats targeting schools, including teachers and personnel, as well as warnings from experts about potential “copycat effects” after high-profile campus violence. While not explicitly mentioning the AdZU incident, DACS emphasized the need for caution.
Acknowledging the preparations already made by participating schools, the postponement allows additional time for training and logistical adjustments. The organization urged patience and cooperation while advising schools to update coaches, performers, parents, and stakeholders on the changes. Schools with prior facility reservations were asked to reschedule, with revised event timelines to be circulated.
DACS also encouraged member institutions to strengthen safety and security protocols for inter-school activities, including sports, cultural, and academic events. The decision followed concerns from parents and administrators over recent campus violence.
The DACS Sports and Cultural Meet, featuring over 1,000 participants from Catholic schools like Ateneo de Davao University, San Pedro College, and Holy Cross of Davao College, is organized by the basic education committee of principals and administrators from the Archdiocese of Davao.
The statement concluded with prayers for victims of violence, hoping for national healing and peace. (Yas D. Ocampo/MindaNews)
