CARAA 2025 DEPED SECY. ANGARA CHALLENGES ATHLETES- WIN WITH HUMILITY, LOSE WITH DIGNITY

February 25, 2025 Sports

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Sunday challenged the 3,174 strong Cordillera athletes to demonstrate the true values of sportsmanship and called on them, to honor their school, province and Cordillera roots. “This year we are not just playing for gold, we are playing something bigger, I challenge each of you to compete fiercely butfairly…win with humility and lose with dignity,’ Angara said in his keynote speech in Sunday’s (Feb.23) rain-marred opening ceremonies of CARAA at the refurbished BenguetSports Complex (BSC).

Every struggle is a test, but for those who refuse to quit ,he will stand top. Angara mentioned the likes of Filipino Olympic gold medalists Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting) ,Carlos Yulo (gymnastics), and EJ Obiena (pole vault) , who foryears persevered , first tasted defeat before they triumphed. For them, its not only a story of triumph but story oftrials. There are a lot of opportunities, said Angara ,adding student- athletes are faced with the challenges of times. The meet, its not just about collecting your medals, but facing the daily challenges of life.“Its about facing up to the challenges..its about stepping on the playing field with confidence..the real victory is having the courage to give it your all.”

“Tandaan natin,showing up is half the battle..hindi lahat ay magiging kampeon ngayon linggo..hindilahat makaka-akyat ng podium, pero lahat kayo ay may pagkakataon patunayanna kayo ay mandirigma..mga atletang maytapang, may disiplina at may integridad.” For those who will qualify for the Palarong Pambansa , ill see you in Ilocos Norte, andfor those who will not qualify, rememberthis, champions are made in the way theyrise after every fall.Thats the way a fearless Highlander. Patunayan nyo lahat kayong Cordillerans ..you climb, compete and conquer. He pointed Highlanders world class players , the like of mixed martial artist Eduard Folayang.

He also recognized the Cordillera learners’ exploits in wushu and taekwondo in last year’s Palaro in Cebu. Primo Agatep with reports from Jhawe Saldaen/Hubert Balageo/UB Interns PHOTO CAPTION HONOR YOUR SCHOOL,YOUR PROVINCE and CORDILLERA ROOTS: Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny”Angara delivers his keynote address in Sunday’s (Feb 23) rain-marred opening ceremonies of the 2025 Cordillera AdministrativeRegion Athletic Association (CARAA) meet held at the Benguet Sports Complex.

Text by Hubert Balague- Photo by Jhawe Saldaen/UB Interns