During the basketball and volleyball championship games of the INC Unity Games: Church Officers Edition in the Ecclesiastical District of Tarlac City, Tarlac, which was held on September 19, 2026, at the Tarlac City Gymnatorium, Tarlac City Cluster won in four categories.

These were the 39-and-below (volleyball-women’s) and 40-and-above (basketball-men’s, -women’s; volleyball-men’s) categories. Players of the said team were drawn from the local congregations of Binauganan, Dolores, Macabulos, Northern Hills, San Isidro, San Pablo, Tarlac City, and Tibag.

Meanwhile, Paraiso Cluster won the 39-and-below men’s volleyball championship, while Maliwalo Cluster took the 39-and-below basketball category.

Before the championship games began, the brethren participated in a short program that included a parade of delegates, performances, and cheers from players and supporters. Brother Bhel John Ubaldo, district supervising minister, delivered the opening remarks.

“The purpose of activities such as this is not only for the brethren to showcase their abilities in different sports but, more importantly, to strengthen their faith,” said Brother Julius Marafina, district Christian Family Organizations (CFO) overseer.

“The brethren were able to develop their skills in sports. At the same time, we see that Church officers can compete friendly while promoting brotherly love.” added Brother Dexter Zaporteza, Tibagan Congregation resident minister.

For the players, reaching the championship round also reflected the preparation and teamwork they had put into the competition: “I’m very happy because we devoted a lot of time to the Unity Games,” said Jarren Angelo Dela Cruz of the Maliwalo Cluster.

The cluster eliminations were held on August 15 and 16, and semifinals on September 12. — With assistance from Jasmine Galang, Gabriel Velasco, and Rose Pearl Peralta