Baybay city: Baybay City officially welcomed nearly 10,000 delegates to the 2026 Eastern Visayas Regional Athletics Association (EVRAA) Meet, showcasing its newly completed sports facilities during the opening ceremonies on Sunday night. Mayor Jose Carlos Cari highlighted the city's pride and preparedness, emphasizing the completion of the Binaybayon Sports Complex located in Barangay Hibunawan.
According to Philippines News Agency, the facility includes a modern convention center and Olympic-size swimming pool, making it a world-class venue for major sporting events. Its Roman Colosseum-inspired main grandstand is set against Mount Pangasugan and the Leyte mountain range. Mayor Cari noted that despite challenging weather conditions over the past four months, the city managed to complete the sports complex in time for the event.
Following the regional meet, Baybay City expects the complex to attract additional sporting events and boost tourism in the area. The local and national government invested PHP400 million in developing the complex, including a PHP100 million allocation by the Department of Public Works and Highways in 2019. Mayor Cari emphasized the dual focus on the city's new sports facilities and its tourist attractions, such as Lintaon Peak, the 16,000 Blossoms, and several pilgrimage sites.
The mayor expressed gratitude to the Leyte provincial government, the Baybay City Council, the Department of Education, and Leyte 5th District Representative Carl Nicolas Cari for ensuring funding availability. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, the guest speaker at the EVRAA 2026 opening, highlighted the role of sports in fostering discipline, leadership, and resilience among the youth.
DepEd Eastern Visayas Regional Director Ronelo Firmo underscored camaraderie, respect, and excellence as guiding principles throughout the games. He encouraged athletes to perform their best while upholding integrity and sportsmanship. Firmo acknowledged the support from local government units across Eastern Visayas for the 13 delegations, which he said is crucial for nurturing young sporting talent in the region.
A total of 7,992 athletes from 13 delegations across Eastern Visayas are competing in various sporting events from March 1 to 7, 2026.
