LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Education Undersecretary Fatima Lipp Panontongan called for increased investment in the National Academy of Sports during her keynote address at the official opening of the 2026 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet.
Panontongan emphasized the necessity of robust systems to support student-athletes in their journey to becoming national champions.
“Now, my challenge for our schools in CAR: be active, discover talent, develop character—because the next national champion may be standing here today,” Panontongan said, speaking in a mix of Filipino and English.
The undersecretary highlighted the Department of Education’s (DepEd) ongoing efforts to improve programs for athletes, coaches, and school districts.
Panontongan noted since the 2025 revival of school sports clubs under DepEd Order 22, the number of clubs has surged from 17,000 to 24,000 in just a few months.
“We invested in equipment, we strengthened varsity panelists, we partnered with the Philippine Sports Commission for grassroots development,” Panontongan said.
The government has allocated P5.3 million for the operations and management of the 2026 CARAA events.
Panontongan also lauded the region’s recent success at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, where Cordilleran athletes secured 17 gold medals in taekwondo, archery, wushu, and wrestling.
While celebrating these victories, she underscored that becoming a top-tier athlete requires a “whole community” approach involving parents, coaches, and local government units.
She concluded by reminding the delegates of the “Cordilleran warrior” spirit, defining true champions as those possessing not just medals, but “character, courage, and heart.” Caryl Sumulong/UP Baguio Intern