To truly appreciate the beautiful game, one must do more than watch from the sidelines. It’s about lacing up boots, feeling the grass underfoot, hearing the roar of the crowd, memorizing the names of football heroes before adolescence, or even volunteering to breathe life back into a forgotten pitch.

For Engr. Jack Edsel B. Saavedra, football was never just a pastime – it was a lifeline. A graduate of BS Civil Engineering from Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) Main Campus in 2007, Saavedra found solace on the pitch amid the grueling demands of academic projects and deadlines. The sport became his outlet, sharpening not only his skills but also his leadership and resilience.

Today, as part owner of Ztatik Builder Inc., Saavedra channels those same principles into his company. Much like a football captain, he leads with empathy and vision – ensuring every employee is valued, heard, and supported.

His journey reflects the enduring connection between an institution and its graduates. For Saavedra, being an EVSU alumnus is not simply a distinction attached to his name; it is a continuing relationship with the university that helped shape the person and professional he has become.

That connection has found tangible expression in his continued support for EVSU football. As the university works to revitalize its football field, Saavedra has extended his support to the rehabilitation and beautification of the playing area. He helped in leveling and flattening the field and lent his truck to assist in the work, contributing not only resources but also his time and effort as an alumnus giving back to his alma mater.

The initiative was strengthened by his collaboration with fellow EVSU alumnus and football mentor, Coach Nelson Manadong. A stalwart of the sport, Manadong once led the EVSU football team to multiple district achievements and continues to share Saavedra’s passion for developing football within the university.

Their shared vision for the field began in an unexpected yet fitting moment during a friendly match. Manadong passed the ball to Saavedra, who headed it cleanly into the goal – a seemingly ordinary play that became symbolic of a larger goal: bringing the EVSU football community together to restore a space where generations of students can play, compete, and grow.

What started as a casual play soon evolved into a shared crusade that is to rejuvenate the EVSU football field, not just as a sporting venue but as a symbol of community, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the beautiful game.

This article is aligned with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) specifically SDG 03: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Via MSIA | UMDC