With Apayao returning as host for the largest weeklong sports competition in the region, the host province vowed to retain their second over – all finish as it hopes to narrow the gap in the over-all championships held by Baguio City.
Lawyer Edmar Pascua, Apayao provincial administrator, during CARAA’s press launching in Luna town said athletes from the province are ready to defend the home turf and has set their sights on improving their medal haul during the regional sports meet.
“We will aim for a better finish. Puspusan ang magiging training ng mga bata,” added Pascua.
Apayao and Benguet recently finished their respective provincial meet with the winners representing their provinces during CARAA slated April 15 to 19.
But Benguet, for the longest time was a perennial runner – up to Baguio in the annual CARAA met, is sure to bounce back after their lack luster performance in the past regional sports conclave.
“Our athletes will be 101 percent ready. Babawi ang Benguet,” said assistant schools division superintendent Samuel Egsaen during the press briefing.
Even Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap has thrown in his full support to athletes who will compete in CARAA assuring cash incentives to medalists in the hopes of improving their standing in athletic meet.
Since becoming a full pledge province 29 years -ago, Apayao was a perennial whipping boy of the CARAA met but made a turn around when it first hosted the regional meet in 2013 when it climbed up to the team standings finishing third over-all, behind Baguio and Benguet.
During the 2018, Benguet held on to the second place with 38 gold, 66 silver and 71 bronze medals while Apayao, landed 5th place with 23 gold, 62 silver and 65 bronze medals.
Apayao then came back stronger in 2019 with its second-place finish after bagging 69 golds, 76 silver and 79 bronze while Benguet slid to fourth with 35 gold medals, 66 silvers and 83 bronze.
Due to the pandemic, CARAA was shelved from 2020 to 2022 and returned only last year with Baguio City hosting and winning the over-all title again.
Apayao also retained its second-place finish behind power house Baguio hauling 53 gold medals including 54 silvers and 85 bronze while Benguet fought their way back to third place with 37 gold medals, 60 silvers and 62 bronze. Roderick Osis
