San Isidro Campus (SIC) emerged as a strong contender in the recently concluded Alay Sa First Year (ASFY) 2025 as its first-year students placed among the best in three competitions, held at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) Closed Gym, Sumacab Campus, today.

After a tense back and forth of rebuttals, SIC debate team and College of Education (COED) faced off in the final showdown and ended in a rare tie, crowning both as champions while the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) settled for third.

Led by Ahrel Cyruz Catacutan, together with Jasmin Bencito, and Rei Anne Salvador competed under the mentorship of Mr. John Derrick P. Samin.

In Cantanova, Raven Hernandez, coached by Mr. Jessie T. Gonzales, powered through with a commanding vocal performance that secured second place.

The Wings and Swings dance group, composed of Lawrence S. Palad, Kainth Justin C. Galang, Kisha Mae B. Waquiz, John Kenneth T. Aveles, Patricia Dr. Sullano, Arty S. Viola, Alpha A. Punzalan, Aliyah Abegail E. Nazaria, and Efrime S. Barzana under the guidance of Ms. Anjela Marie L. Guevarra, ignited the stage with their routine and seized third place.

Capping off the celebration, the Rio Showdown troupe composed of 30 spirited SIC first year students under the mentorship of Mrs. Neriza Suarez participated in the lip sync competition with a performance that highlighted their creativity, teamwork, and energy on stage.

John Janeil Yabut, Governor of SIC Local Student Government, expressed how proud he was of the students and coaches in an interview. “The efforts of both students and coaches were paid off and doon palang sa part na nag-enjoy sila sa performances nila, it was something na irerelish ko everytime,” he said.

“Bonus na lang ang awards but we are fortunate to bag 3/4 placements,” he added.