After snapping the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) Tigers’ two-year reign in 2023, the Accountancy (ACC) Griffins charged higher for a redemption arc in this year’s Palarong Atenista after falling short last campaign, clutching a 49-point haul with 23 golds, 22 silvers, and 5 bronzes.

ACC Cluster Representative Filfred Kaizzer Calma accentuated that it is the “solid” careful planning, combined with the cluster’s renewed determination, that paved the way for their triumphant return and title reclamation.

“From the very beginning, our goal was really simple: It was to really empower our different athletes and everyone in the community.  So, I believe if there is one thing, there is really a sense of community and a sense of pride…With that, I believe that if there’s anyone who deserves recognition on this, it is all of us Griffins,” he said. 

He highlighted the team’s immense commitment “to live in the moment” en route to victory, ensuring that a robust rapport is present among the athletes and the organizing team. 

“We were so eager to win. But along the way, we were trying to also enjoy the process and to live in the moment and not just fully focus on the end line, but also to enjoy and indulge with the people and the cluster and also the athletes and everyone who got involved with this preparation.” 

Looking ahead, Calma vowed to stack this success with sharper play-calling, deeper empowerment, and stronger teamwork in preparation for next year’s showdown.

“Right now, I believe we’re currently just enjoying this celebration and this win for all of us. And I believe for next year, I believe there will be a more robust, more empowered, and more creative and more empowered Griffin for all of us,” the cluster representative affirmed.

After officially opening on September 12, the season was disrupted midway on October 10 due to a 7.4-magnitude earthquake, suspending all tournaments before resuming on December 10 and concluding with the closing ceremony the following day.

Samahan ng Mga Mag-Aaral ng Pamantasang Ateneo de Davao (SAMAHAN) Administrative Secretary and Event Head Nicole Alexa Faith Adolfo reflected on the efforts behind the staging of this year’s Palaro amid quake disruptions that temporarily halted the event. 

“At the beginning, it was so hard to do everything since it was also my first time organizing such a big event. But seeing everything come to fruition today, it was very fulfilling, not only for me but also for the people who worked behind me,” Adolfo stated. 

She noted that despite unexpected setbacks, SAMAHAN’s dedication and coordination ensured the event could move forward and push through.

“The major challenge was the earthquake. It stopped all the games, the preparations that were being prepared for months… However, I am really proud of my team for being able to overcome the challenges that were brought by the earthquake and be here at this moment,” she shared.

Close on ACC’s heels, the Business & Management (B&M) Vipers finished as first runner-up with 38 total points behind 17 gold, 15 silver, and 7 bronze medals, while the SEA Tigers placed second runner-up with 30 points after posting 16 gold, 10 silver, and 5 bronze finishes, with all three top clusters incurring a one-point deduction in the final standings.

The awarding of winners for this year’s Palarong Atenista culminated at 4F Martin Hall on December 11.