LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The province is fully prepared for the upcoming Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet 2025, ensuring readiness in the program, billeting areas, facilities, and other athlete necessities, according to Governor Melchor Diclas and the organizing committees during the 1st quarter Kapihan sa DepEd conducted on February 14.
This year’s theme is “Fostering a United and Healthier Cordillera through Sports” and the event will commence on February 23 with a parade, and will conclude on February 28.
Diclas stated that the province has allocated approximately PHP 30 million for the event, sourced from the general fund and the school board fund, while DepEd-CAR has allotted PHP 700,000. Additionally, Congressman Eric Yap will provide financial support for athlete trainings, LED wall, sound system, and fireworks for the program proper.
He emphasized that the athletic meet also serves as an opportunity for other delegations to visit Benguet and for the province to showcase its sports facilities.
The governor also assured that the Benguet Aquatic Center’s construction will be completed in time for the event, enabling it to host the swimming competition and for the athletes to experience an “international level competition” according to Lucio Alawas, SDO Benguet School Operation and Governance Division Chief.
Municipal mayors expressed their readiness to welcome delegations, with each municipality responsible for providing food and accommodation including free tumblers and mats for their respective guests.
The 2025 CARAA Meet will gather a total of 6,197 participants, including 3,774 athletes, 745 coaches, 154 chaperones, and 881 delegation officials. The largest delegations come from Benguet (815), Baguio City (827), and Apayao (736).
Moreover, the host municipalities and their billeting schools include La Trinidad Central School for Apayao, Benguet State University SLS & ELS for Tabuk City, Benguet National High School – B for Abra, and Benguet National High School – A for Benguet. Other delegations will be accommodated in Lucban Elementary School (Baguio City), Puguis Elementary School (Ifugao), Buyagan Elementary School (Kalinga), and Lubas Elementary School (Mt. Province).
The games will take place across various venues in Baguio City and Benguet such as the Benguet Sports Complex, BSU Gym, San Jose High School Gym, Melvin Jones, Athletic Bowl, Benguet Regional Office, Tublay Municipal Gym, Benguet Aquatic Center, and Cordillera Development College.
It is the second time that Benguet will be hosting the athletic meet since its first time in 2014. By Blessah Joy Manuel
