Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur – Senate Majority Leader Francis ‘TOL’ Tolentino has commended a group of tertiary schools in Mindanao for fostering unity and camaraderie among the youth and meaningful connections among its member-institutions through the holding of yearly sports and cultural events.

In a speech delivered at the opening of the MASTS Friendship Games and Cultural Festival held at the Blue Oval of the provincial government complex here on Sunday, Tolentino also said the event, “promotes the value of sportsmanship, cultural appreciation, and mutual respect.”

Senator Francis Tolentino delivers a speech at the opening of the Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools (MASTS) Friendship Games and Cultural Festival held in Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur last Sunday.

MASTS, or the Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools, is composed of public tertiary schools, including state universities and colleges located across Mindanao.

“Through events like this, we witness the strength of Mindanao’s youth, its culture, and its capacity for collaboration. In a world often divided by differences, your efforts to unite diverse communities through sports and culture resonate deeply,” the senator added.

He urged everyone to continue upholding the principles of fairness, respect, and camaraderie in playing the games. He also reminded spectators and participants that “they are all part of a greater community working towards shared goals.”

Tolentino encouraged students to showcase their skills simultaneously, learn from one another, and “build friendships that transcend boundaries and strengthen the bonds that make diversity a source of pride and strength.”

Finally, the senator wished them to be champions of unity, advocates of respect, and pioneers of positive change.