Passi city: Delegates to the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) meet will continue to observe energy conservation measures while enjoying the sports events, and proper guidance has been made to protect the athletes from possible high heat index. In a press conference on Wednesday, Education Support Services Division Chief Leonerico Barredo said sports events usually happen in the morning, and billeting quarters are only occupied by a few people during the period.
According to Philippines News Agency, Barredo emphasized the importance of energy conservation, highlighting that schools division offices have their respective accommodation committees to ensure that electricity and water are not wasted. The host local government unit of Passi City will deploy personnel to ensure the smooth supply of utilities and turn off power when not in use.
Barredo also mentioned that the regional office of the Department of Education (DepEd) issued Memorandum 242 on Tuesday to ensure the safety of participants. The memorandum directs the schools division superintendent and the assistant schools division superintendent to provide equipment to mitigate the heat index.
The disaster risk reduction management committee will offer regular updates on the heat index, which will be posted daily on the Facebook page of the regional meet. Daily blood pressure monitoring of personnel will be conducted before they proceed to the playing venues. Outdoor events are scheduled not earlier than 4 p.m. and not later than 9 a.m.
The regional meet, scheduled for March 17-22, will gather close to 7,000 delegates from the eight schools division offices (SDOs) in Western Visayas. There will be 16 events for the elementary level, including futsal (girls), and 25 for secondary, including football (girls) and weightlifting for boys and girls.
On Wednesday afternoon, Passi City held its send-off ceremony for its 545-member delegation at the City of Passi Arena. City Mayor Stephen Palmares addressed the delegation, encouraging them to give their best in every event and to show hospitality and support to athletes and delegations from across Western Visayas.
