Security measures in place for CARAA 2018

THE DEPARTMENT of Education assured delegates from the different provinces and lone city in the Cordillera security measures are in place when Abra hosts the largest sporting event in the region.

DepEd sports coordinator Agustin Gumuwang said police have already put in place its security plan for the upcoming Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association from February 4 to 9.

“The police will make sure there will be personnel manning all playing venues and billeting areas of our delegates during the regional meet. Abra police vowed they will maintain peace and order during the CARAA,” said Gumuwang.

Close to 6,000 delegates are set to troop to Abra for the annual regional meet which the province will host for the first time since 2001 with a newly refurbished athletic oval and Olympic swimming pool at the Bangued Sports Complex.

With the backing of Governor Joy Bernos, Abra athletes hope to improve its last place finish bagging only 10 gold medals, eight coming from the elementary level, 19 silver and 32 bronze.

Bulk of Abra’s medal haul came from athletics, badminton and gymnastics.

During the 2017 edition, Baguio City emerged as the over-all champion by running away with 232 gold medals including 112 silver and 59 bronze medal while Benguet was at far second with 33 - 78 - 83.

Mt. Province climbed back to third place with 18-20-62 as Kalinga finished fourth

with 16 - 37 - 36. Ifugao and Apayao ranked fifth and sixth respectively.

Meanwhile, the province of Kalinga and Tabuk City will send a joint delegation during the weeklong sports competition.

This was agreed by heads of offices, DepEd – CAR director May Eclar and other school officials.

Governor Jocel Baac asserted Kalinga will only have one delegation including the city of Tabuk.

“Tabuk will never be separated under my watch; as long as I am the Governor, there will be one delegation in order not to create divisiveness,” he said.

Baac announced the provincial government approved P5 million financial support to DepEd and to Kalinga delegates to the regional meet.

A committee was also formed to coordinate the two divisions and organize the management of athletes.

Eclar expressed DepEd’s gratitude for the full support of the province as she assured that DepEd will respect the agreement for a single delegation for the province of Kalinga to the 2018 CARAA. Roderick Osis with a report from PIA