BAGUIO CITY – Student-athlete delegates conducted more intense training this week in preparation for the upcoming CARAA Meet in Wangal La Trinidad on February 22 to March 2.
The city is able to support its delegates through making different facilities available for practices and training sessions. Janice Mestito, a staff member from the Athletic Bowl Sports Office, stated that the city lends its 101% support when it comes to sports events such as this.
In support of the event and the Municipality of Benguet, Baguio City will provide various venues for the competitions. The Athletic Bowl will primarily host football events, while archery competitions will take place at the Melvin Jones Football Grounds. Baguio City National High School will accommodate gymnastics participants, and Irisan National High School will serve as the venue for weightlifting.
The Department of Education (DepEd) also ensures the safety of the Baguio City delegates. “Enough training or sufficient training would result in no injury or lesser injury,” says Niño Tibangay, the institution’s Chief Education Supervisor and the head of the School’s Governance and Operation Division. “So DepEd is trying to give at least ample time for our athletes to have their training.”
Coaches and trainers also lend full support to their athletes. University Baguio (UB) Women’s Basketball coach, Cristy Grace Ramilo stated that aside from incentives, she also focuses on her athletes’ emotional needs so they are “holistically and fully prepared for the CARAA.”
Baguio City National High School Athletics coach is also seen in Athletic Bowl supporting his students. “So far, training is continuous. Physically, they’re prepared. Hopefully, they’re also mentally prepared,” Coach Sansano states.
Athletes are also filled with excitement and anticipation as they prepare to represent both their schools and the city of Baguio in the upcoming competition. “Masaya po at nakakakaba kasi hindi lang po yung school namin yung irerepresent namin kundi pati yung Baguio po,” expressed athletics delegate Uhanna Laban, while Muay Thai athlete Lyrie Ngina added, “Very happy and excited po. I really look forward to not only represent Baguio in the CARAA but to also represent the Cordillera for the Palarong Pambansa.”
Aside from free food, water and accommodations, the Baguio City CARAA athletes will also receive free medical assistance, transportation, parade uniforms, training attires and training allowance of Php 3,000.00 per athlete. A total of 583 student-athletes in both elementary and high school will compete in the 2025 CARAA Meet, accompanied by 138 coaches and chaperones. By Aiyra Marzan
