EXTREME HEAT CHALLENGES CARAA ATHLETES; DEPED, HOST APAYAO PREPARE MEASURES

April 13, 2024 Provincial

LA TRINIDAD, BenguetCompetitions in the 25 events in this year ’s edition of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) were revised to safeguard athletes and officials health brought by the prevailing hot weather condition being experienced by several areas in the country like the Province of Apayao, host of the annual school-based sports extravaganza ,starting April 14. In an exclusive interview, Regional Director Estela P. Leon-Cariño, Department of Education -Cordillera (DepEdCAR) said due to extreme hot weather, sports events are set at 7am to 10am and 4pm to 6pm with minimal outdoor games to secure athletes’ health.

“The issues and challenges really is the very high temperature and the availability of water,” Cariño, adding that with proper coordination with the host, all these issues will be addressed. She added that her agency has received an additional P1 million from DepEd central office for said measures aside from the P6 million regular funds for the meet. Out of the P1 million, the DepEd official explained , ‘P750,000 will be given to the host, for water provision to
billeting areas and possible electric fans to be used by athletes who will stay inside classrooms.”

Edgar H. Madlaing, Regional Sports Officer and Chief of the Education Support and Services Division (ESSD), said host Apayao will deploy additional medical personnel to augment DepEd team. Police forces in Apayao will also beefed up to address peace and order situation in playing venues, athletes’quarters and also for public safety.
Meanwhile, Benguet delegation is composed of 534 athletes – withh 132 from elementary level, and 352 in the
high school division. While coaches/trainers and chaperons 156, and 113 from technical working group.

Ruffa Mae Payangdo-UB Intern/ ABN