The Province of Benguet and the Department of Education (DepEd) in the region have allocated P25 million pesos for the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) meet, which begins Feb. 22 at the Benguet Sports Complex.
During a Department of Education (DepEd) briefing Friday, Brian Camhit of the Provincial Governor’s Office said the province set aside P16 million for the event, including P4 million for hosting duties. DepEd-CAR Regional Director Estela Leon-Cariño added that the agency appropriated nearly 10 million pesos for the annual school-based competition.
The funding covers facility repairs, uniforms, athlete training, and official allowances.
“This event is not just about competition—it’s about coming together as one Cordillera region, celebrating our shared values, and inspiring the next generation of athletes and leaders,” Leon-Cariño said.
Leon-Cariño noted that preparations have focused on improving athlete quarters and playing venues. Using materials provided by both the provincial government and DepEd, officials are adding bathrooms and upgrading sanitation facilities at hosting schools in La Trinidad.
Venues are also receiving fresh coats of paint. Leon-Cariño assured that facilities would be ready for teams arriving as early as Feb. 20 for initial practices.
The weeklong event features 28 sports disciplines, including the debut of elementary girls’ football and both elementary and secondary girls’ futsal while 1,587 medals – 519 golds, 519 silver and 549 bronze medals will be given away during the weeklong competition.
Approximately 4,321 athletes from the elementary and secondary divisions will represent Abra, Apayao, Baguio, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Tabuk City, and the host province of Benguet.
Mayor Roderick Awingan of host town La Trinida led 12 other municipal executives and representatives at the forum, including Sablan Mayor Alfredo Dacumos and Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan. Each municipality in Benguet will assist in hosting delegates, who will be housed in public schools throughout the capital. Kyla Macapanas and Juleana Sarmiento/UP Baguio interns