TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Tabuk City is gearing up for its participation in the upcoming Cordillera Administrative Region Athletics Association (CARAA) Meet to be held in Benguet, with over 400 student-athletes, coaches, and trainers set to represent the city. However, due to budget limitations, the delegation for this year’s meet will be significantly smaller compared to previous years.
During the recently held Local School Board (LSB) meeting, the Department of Education (DepEd)-Tabuk revealed that while they initially projected a budget of Php 8 million for the CARAA 2025 event, financial constraints have led to a scaled-down delegation.
Special Concerns and Coordinating Officer Glen Wansi mentioned that an additional Php 2 million would be allocated from the office’s budget to support the athletes’ participation.
Due to these budgetary limitations, DepEd-Tabuk will be selecting entries based on the potential for winning in various sports. Wansi also emphasized the importance of seeking sponsorships for athlete tune-ups, as other cities, municipalities, and provinces have done to ensure their athletes are adequately trained.
In an effort to further reduce costs, the City Local Government Unit (CLGU) of Tabuk proposed limiting the number of accompanying personnel to essential staff only.
This measure is intended to minimize expenses while ensuring the safety and well-being of the athletes.
Tabuk City Mayor Darwin Estrañero also committed an additional Php 1.5 million to the CARAA Meet, with further financial support expected in the coming weeks.
Estrañero encouraged the athletes to prioritize their studies, stating that while training is important, education should always come first.
Looking toward the future, the mayor also discussed plans for the new sports complex that will provide local student-athletes with a proper venue for both training and competition.
This facility, once completed, is expected to enhance the city’s sports programs and give athletes a more robust environment to hone their skills.
To boost the morale of Tabuk’s athletes, Estrañero also opened the possibility of increasing incentives for players who bring home medals, offering additional motivation for success.
As Tabuk City prepares for the CARAA Meet, the local government is working to balance the financial realities of the event with its commitment to supporting student-athletes and ensuring their success both in sports and academics. By Edward Joseph Gacuya
