Baybay city: Some 10,300 athletes, coaches, and trainers are set to participate in this year's Eastern Visayas Regional Athletics Association (EVRAA) meet, hosted by the Department of Education (DepEd) Baybay City Division in Leyte, from March 1 to 7. The event aims to select the region's representatives for the Agusan del Sur Palarong Pambansa scheduled for May, with delegations from 13 school divisions expected to arrive this week.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jasmin Francisco-Calzita, the information officer of DepEd Region 8, stated that the participant count includes Education officials who will serve as officiators and members of technical working groups from each delegation. The newly constructed Binaybayon Convention Center and Sports Complex in Baybay City will host most sporting events, featuring a rubberized track oval, full-sized football field, and swimming pool, all of which have been declared ready for the delegations' arrival.

"We checked all billeting sites to ensure there is a sufficient water supply in each area," Calzita said Tuesday. Organizers have also formed a committee with a nutritionist to oversee food preparation. In the event of rain disrupting outdoor competitions, the primary option will be to postpone events until weather conditions improve.

Baybay Mayor Jose Carlos Cari noted that hosting the EVRAA is expected to boost local tourism and the economy, with the city estimating visitor numbers could reach 25,000, including family members supporting participants. For security measures, Baybay City Police Station chief Lt. Col. Dexter Edillo mentioned that an additional 300 officers have been requested from the Leyte Police Provincial Office to secure playing venues and billeting areas, supported by village officials, watchers, and city government personnel.