Passi city: The Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) sports meet officially kicked off in a ceremony at the Ricardo P. Palmares Sr. Memorial Sports Complex in Passi City on Tuesday evening. An estimated 7,000 delegates from the eight school divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) 6 (Western Visayas) gathered for the event, which runs until March 22.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera, in his message, said Western Visayas has always produced some of the determined athletes in the country because "Ilonggos are known not just for their talent but for their persistence, discipline, and brave heart." He emphasized that the gathering brings together thousands of athletes, coaches, and officials from across the region, not just to compete, but to represent their schools, families, and communities. He highlighted that the meet celebrates something deeper than medals - character.
Corvera also conveyed that Education Secretary Sonny Angara believes sports are not just an extracurricular activity in school, but an essential and powerful tool for nation-building. To this end, DepEd strengthens the school sports program, expands grassroots sports development in cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission, and supports pathways for talented athletes through institutions, such as the National Academy of Sports.
He underscored that sports teach lessons beyond the classroom, including discipline, teamwork, resilience, and the ability to rise after defeat. Corvera mentioned that Angara is fully committed to ensuring that every young athlete in public schools has the opportunity to discover their strength, confidence, and purpose through sports.
Furthermore, Corvera expressed excitement as Western Visayas will, for the first time, compete against the Negros Island Region (NIR), which has already hosted its own regional sports meet since its creation. He noted that what matters most is that young athletes continue to grow stronger and better for the country.
The sports meet will include 16 events for the elementary level, such as futsal (girls), and 25 for the secondary level, including football (girls) and weightlifting for both boys and girls.
