Pangasinan: The Antique provincial government has allocated PHP15 million as allowances for athletes as they prepare for the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) 2026 Meet. In an interview on Friday, Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Antique sports officer Oliver Servillion said the fund covers the allowances of 577 athletes, as well as their trainers and coaches.

According to Philippines News Agency, the athletes will begin their school-based training on January 26 for the WVRAA, which will be hosted by Passi City in Iloilo. The athletes are set to compete in 25 events including swimming, taekwondo, dance sports, and boxing from March 16-21. Each athlete will receive a daily allowance of PHP600 for the duration of their 36-day training period. Trainers are set to receive the same daily allowance, while coaches, who are also the teachers of the athletes, will be provided with PHP360 per day as an incidental allowance.

Servillon also mentioned that the Antique provincial government has set aside a PHP19 million budget to cover meals, uniforms, and other needs during the actual regional sports event. Additionally, the Offices of Senator Loren Legarda and Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda will organize a sports camp in collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission, which will provide national trainers for the athletes.