The Province of Benguet earmarked the amount of 5.1 Million to fund the athletes for the scheduled Cordillera Administrative Region (CARAA) Meet in Baguio City early next month.

It was learned from Education Program Supervisor under the School Governance and Operations Division and Co-General Athletic Manager Dr. Ceasar Luma-ang that the Provincial School Board, co-chaired by Governor Nestor B. Fongwan and Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Federico P. Martin has approved the release of the budget in time for this annual sports activity.

“We really thank the provincial government for conducting double time in their deliberations for the timely approval and release of the budget”, with this, we can proceed with the necessary preparations and other miscellaneous matters”, Luma-ang said. ” A manifestation of our leaders in the province’s strong support and interest for the continued development of sports in the province”, Luma-ang added.

The pre-training of athletes started last week at the Benguet Sports Center in Wangal with close supervision of their coaches in some of the events in the elementary like; Arnis Boys/Girls, Football Boys, Softball Girls, Baseball Boys, Swimming Boys/Girls, Taekwondo Boys/Girls, Table Tennis Boys/Girls. While in the secondary; Arnis B/G, Boxing, Football, Softball, Swimming B/G, Athletics B/G, Taekwondo B/G, Table Tennis, Wushu B/G and Wrestling. All the other athletes and coaches/trainers in the other events in Athletics, Basketball, Lawn Tennis, Sepak Takraw, Boxing, Gymnastics, Bunong Braso, Billiards, Badminton, Futsal, Track and Field, Volleyball arrived yesterday for the general training proper until the departure of the delegation to Baguio City on February 4.

On the other hand, Co-General Athletic Manager Pablo A. Khayog Jr. said the budget will be used to defray sports equipments/supplies, food and uniforms.

Alongside with DepEd-Schools Division Office of Benguet, the province is set to send a total of 609 delegates including coaches, trainers and chaperons of which 479 will compose athletes from the elementary, SPED and secondary schools and 133 coaches/trainers/chaperons. The delegation will be headed by Benguet Rep. Ronald M. Cosalan, Governor Nestor B. Fongwan, Vice Governor Nelson C. Dangwa, DepEd-Benguet Schools Division Superintendent Federico P. Martin, OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Nestor L. Bolayo, Chief Edcuation Supervisor for SGOD Lucio B. Alawas and Chief Education Supervisor for CID Rizalyn A. Guznian. Gov. Fongwan promised his all the way support to the athletes in his message during the Provincial Meet last year and will be behind them all the way, adding, “win, but we do not force you to win, just do the best you can and be the ambassadors for the province to Baguio City.

Last year, the amount of 4.2 million was used to fund the province’s athletes’ participation in the CARAA Meet hosted by the City Government of Baguio. — SUE CJ DAWANG–